Q
"In Fireworks, where do you set the size of the curve for the rounded rectangle tool? I am double clicking on the rectangle in the tools palette and when I do this the options are "no options"__Evie"

In Fireworks 3, the option to round the corners of a rectangle was in the Tool Options panel. In Fireworks 4, the option is in the Object panel.

Fireworks 4 enables you to create rounded rectangles in two ways.

The Rounded Rectangle tool, which you find by clicking and holding on the rectangle tool, draws a rounded rectangle as you drag across the canvas. Once the rounded rectangle is drawn, you can adjust the radius of the corners in the Object panel.

Option two is to drag out a regular rectangle, and then round its corners by moving the Set Corner Roundness slider in the Object panel.

Q
"How do I draw a triangle in Fireworks? I drew 3 lines to make a triangle, now I want FW to call it a triangle and fill it with a solid color. How do I do that?"__Edwin

The simplest way to draw a triangle in Fireworks is with the Polygon tool. In the Tool Options panel, select Star from the shape drop down. Choose 3 sides and adjust the angle to 50.

A more sophisticated method of drawing a triangle uses the Pen Tool. Place your cursor at one of the imaginary points of the triangle, then click-release to drop the first Bézier point. Move your cursor diagonally and click-release. Draw the third side.

Note the little circle next to the pen tool in the figure to the right. If you click on the canvas when you see the circle, the path you are drawing will be closed and your shape will be filled with the color that is currently selected in the color well of the Toolbox.

Q
 "How do I do a 3D solid sphere?"__Jason

No matter how you rotate a sphere, it's still a circle. The interplay of light and shadow on the surface is what gives it dimension.

Drag out an ellipse and give it a radial fill. While it is still selected, click on the paint bucket tool. Place your cursor on the highlight point of the handle that pops up, then move it to where you want the light to strike the surface of the sphere.

The shadow for a sphere is a flattened ellipse with a linear fill.

Export as a JPEG.

Back to top