Fireworks MX is a great program for creating vector graphics. This tutorial will go thru how to use the pen tool (the most dynamic of all the vector tools) and how to add neat effects to the creations to give them a bit more spice.

Start off by selecting the Pen tool from the Tools bar. Click on the canvas to start a point. Click again on the canvas away from the first point and move it around to create a curve effect. Continue clicking anywhere on the canvas to continue creating the curvy line effect.

Basic Rules

You should be getting a general gist of how it works now. There is a bit that you should know about it first.

While holding down

-When creating a curve, you can change the direction that the points meet up by rotating your cursor around the point.

-The further you move your cursor away from the point the curve stretches out further.

Clicking

-You can edit any curve that you’ve made by clicking on the point and moving it around.

-You can click on the curve and create a new point on it if you wish.

-Clicking on the rotation points does the same as creating a new point.

-Selecting the pointer tool and clicking off the line deselects the curve(s).

-You can continue the curve after deselection by selecting the pen tool and clicking on the last point made.

Effects

-You can edit the line properties of anything made with the pen tool like any normal line.

-When adding a colour fill, you can do this via the properties menu or via the paint bucket. If the shape is open a the fill shall join the gap automatically with the shortest possible line.

-All of your regular effects can be applied to curves via effects under the properties.

These rules should help you grasp all of the ways to use the pen tool.

Now that we know the basics we can start making some intresting shapes. Use the pen tool and make a shape that you think looks intresting. Then fill it with a colour. You can edit the type of fill that you want. I wouldn’t go to wild as we’re going for a more subtle and smooth effect here. I’d recomend a Solid fill or a Linear one with slight colour variation. Edit the fill properties how you want them. If using a linear fill then move the rotating line so that you get the effect that your after.

Add a one pixel soft border to the shape with a colour which is either the same or lighter than the fill colour. A bit of texture also looks nice so select a texture form Texture under the Properties menu. I’d go for a simple pattern such as diagonal lines or a hatch effect with less than 10% opacity.

Now to add some effects. Go to the Effects box under Properties and add an effect. Select Bevel and Emboss>>Inner Bevel. I selecting the following variables for my bevel:

Depending on what shape and design you are after edit the effects to your needs. What I have selected is a slight amount to give a rounded effect.

Then add another effect in the same way. This time go to Bevel and Emboss>>Raised Emboss and leave the default properties there.

That is how you make intresting shapes in Fireworks MX. I hope you enjoyed the tutorial, feel free to add your own style to your shapes. Here’s what I made: