Using Live Effects

Macromedia Fireworks MX 2004 Live Effects are enhancements that you can apply to vector objects, bitmap images, and text. Live Effects include bevels and embossing, drop shadows and glows, color correction, and blurring and sharpening. You can apply Live Effects to selected objects directly from the Property inspector.

Fireworks automatically updates Live Effects when you edit objects that have them applied. After you apply a Live Effect, you can change its options anytime, or rearrange the order of effects to experiment with a combined effect. You can turn Live Effects on and off or delete them in the Property inspector. When you remove an effect, the object or image returns to its previous appearance.

Some effects now listed among Fireworks Live Effects--such as Auto Levels, Gaussian Blur, and Unsharp Mask--were once available only as irreversible plug-ins or filters. In addition to these, you can add third-party plug-ins to be used in Fireworks as Live Effects. If you prefer, you can use these filters in the traditional manner using the Filters menu. For more information, see Adjusting bitmap color and tone.