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Integrating FreeHand MX with Fireworks MX

Integrating FreeHand MX with Fireworks MX
FreeHand MX now offers a more streamlined workflow with Fireworks MX. This new level of integration enables you to launch Fireworks automatically from within FreeHand MX to modify bitmap images or to make quick optimization changes. FreeHand MX also offers the ability to import Fireworks PNG files, which you can then separate into editable objects.

Launching Fireworks to Edit Imported Bitmap Images  You can use “launch and edit” integration to edit bitmap images placed in a FreeHand document by doing the following:

 

1.

Select the image you want to edit in the Document window.

2.

Click on the Edit in Fireworks button located at the bottom of the Object and Document panel, as shown below:

   
  Launch and Edit in Fireworks button
   
  If prompted, specify whether you want to launch the Fireworks PNG source file for the placed image and then select an option from the Fireworks Source Files pop-up menu.

Note: When working with Fireworks MX you should always make changes to the Source PNG file rather than an exported version.

3.

The image will now open in the Fireworks MX editing window:

   
  Fireworks image editing window
   

4.

When you have finished making your edits click the Done button in the Document window.

 

This method updates the graphic placed in FreeHand and saves the source PNG file (if you opted to work on the source file). If the placed image was linked rather than embedded in the FreeHand document, the file outside the FreeHand document is also updated.

Launching Fireworks to Optimize Bitmap Images  You can launch Fireworks MX from FreeHand to make quick optimization changes to a bitmap, giving you the flexibility to resample an image or change its file type. To launch Fireworks and make optimization changes, do the following:

 

1.

In FreeHand MX select the desired image in the Document window.

2.

Select Edit > Optimize in Fireworks. If prompted, specify whether to launch the source Fireworks PNG source file for the placed image and then select an option from the Fireworks Source Files pop-up menu.

Note: When working with Fireworks MX you should always make changes to the source PNG file rather than an exported version.

3.

Make your edits in the Optimize dialog box that appears:
   
  Optimize dialog box
   

4.

When you are finished optimizing the image, click Update.
   
This method updates the graphic placed in FreeHand and saves the source PNG file (if you opted to work on the source file). If the placed image was linked rather than embedded in the FreeHand document, the file outside the FreeHand document is also updated.

Importing PNG Files  FreeHand MX includes the ability to import and open PNG files whether you created them in Fireworks MX or another application. PNG files from Fireworks import and open differently than other PNG files. Any additional data that is appended by other applications is ignored but not deleted.

To import or open a Fireworks PNG file:

   

1.

In FreeHand MX select File > Open.

2.

Locate and select the Fireworks PNG file and then click Open. The Fireworks PNG Import Settings dialog box appears:
   
  Fireworks PNG Import Settings dialog box
   

3.

Select the desired File Conversion option and click OK.

4.

Click in the Document window where you want the Fireworks content to appear.

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