Compression is well addressed when converting images to the smallest possible file size, and still retaining high quality. Fireworks saves the
original work in a PNG format which retains all the editable characteristics, while offering excellent export functions. The export function offers you the choice to save as GIF, animated GIF, JPEG or PNG. It also
displays compression options for each format and the image's file size. Images can be exported as separate files - as either split up images or as different states of a rollover button.
Fireworks can also apply
export settings to an entire batch of images. The batch-processing tool can process six optimized graphics, including JPEG, GIF, and PNG files into TIF format in one folder.
Fireworks can import Photoshop files
seamlessly and works well with third-party Photoshop plug-ins. Layers are preserved when importing Illustrator and Freehand files.
Fireworks provides Windows, Macintosh, Uniform, Gray Scale, and Custom palettes. You can then customize the palettes to optimize images, having greater control over
graphics' colors. If you change from a Windows to Macintosh palette, both the palettes and their effect on download times are presented.
Graphics can also be controlled with the Slice feature. This allows you
to drag guides onto the image, cut the image into smaller files, and have it reassembled in an HTML table automatically by Fireworks.
Web designers in search of a tool that offers greater control of their
graphics will be impressed by Fireworks features. Existing programs, such as Photoshop and Equilibrium's DeBabelizer, don't contain many of its features and will need to address these in their future releases.
The combination of excellent vectors and bit-map tools, exporting capabilities and powerful Web-specific features ensure its success with Web designers. Though its interface suffers from a mass of palettes
and toolbars, like Macromedia's other product Dreamweaver, this can be easily forgiven considering the remarkable features that it offers.
