Special Edition Using Macromedia Studio 8 - page 49

Frames

Whereas layers organize objects in space, frames organize objects based on time and state. Why does an image editing program need to worry about time or state, you might ask? Fireworks is used predominantly to create web graphics, which often include animations and images that change based on events such as the location of the mouse. In these cases, you need to be able to indicate what an image should do and in what state it should be when a certain period of time expires or an event occurs.

To handle how graphics change, Fireworks uses the concept of frames. Fireworks frames work along the same lines as frames in a movie reel, where each frame is the same size and is in the same position, but the visual contents may change to create the illusion of motion. As you roll through the individual frames, an animated effect is created.

Frames Panel Basics

The Frames panel works much like the Layers panel, except it is divided into three main columns (see Figure 4.5):

• Skinning Onion Skinning is an animation technique that enables you to view multiple frames at the same time.

• Frame Name and Number The main column displays the frame name, which is set to default to Frame X , where X represents the frame number.

• Frame Delay This column contains the value for the frame delay, which is represented in 100ths of second. The frame is displayed for that duration of time before the animation advances to the next frame. This column also contains the Object in Frame marker, which functions the same way as the Object in Layer marker.

Figure 4.5. The Frames panel for a simple animation.

To move frames, drag them up or down in the stack.

To duplicate a framean excellent way to distribute positioned content across multiple framesdrag the frame to the New/Duplicate Frame button. When the button appears depressed, release the mouse. The frame and all its layers and sublayers are then copied .

Tip

You can also use the Options menu on the Frames panel to add, delete, or duplicate frames.

To rename a frame, double-click the frame and the name can be edited. Type the new name and press Return/Enter to save the name.

Layers and Frames

When you create a new object, it appears on its own sublayer within a layer. As you continue to create your masterpiece, more layers and sublayers are added to the composition.

Let's say you're making an animation and start incorporating frames. Now you have several layers and will be adding several frames. How do layers and frames interact with each other?

Shared Versus Unshared Layers

The relationship between layers and frames is based on whether or not the layer is shared. Shared layers are the same in every frame. Unshared layers may be different in each frame.

When you add a new frame, Fireworks copies all the unshared layers into the new frame. If you decide to add a new unshared layer in any frame when you're halfway through the project, Fireworks automatically adds that unshared layer to every other frame. Unshared Layers is the default setting for layers. If you want a new layer to be shared, you need to double-click on the layer name in the Layers panel and check the box to indicate that it should be shared.

To share a layer, select the layer. In the Layers panel options menu, select Share This Layer (see Figure 4.6). A check appears beside the option and a Shared Layer icon next to the layer name.

Web Layer

A web layer is always shared. You don't have a say in that. On top of every layer stack in Fireworks is the web layer. You cannot delete it, rename it, or do anything unsavory with it. The web layer is where all web objects, such as slices and hotspots, are stored.

To the right of the web layer's name is the Shared Layer icon. This icon indicates that the web layer's contents are available and identical for all frames in your document.