Extending Fireworks

     

The Extension Manager lets you import, install, and delete extensions in Macromedia applications to extend the capabilities of Fireworks. In other words, you can add more features to the program that weren't included when you first installed the application on your computer.

Built into Fireworks is a set of extensibility features. These features are built on an open architecture that enables users and third-party developers to add more goodies to the program.

The most common way to extend Fireworks is through commands. When you save a file, you are using a command. Although this command comes with Fireworks, it was created just like any other custom command script.

Commands are written in a special Fireworks version of JavaScript. If you're a JavaScript ace, the language will come easily to you. If you're not, read on.

Creating Commands with the History Panel

The simplest way to create a custom command is to use the History panel (Window, History). The History panel is a record of all the steps you have recently taken when working in a document. If you want to automate a sequence of those steps, you can use the History panel to create a custom command.

By default, the History panel shows up to 20 steps. You can increase or decrease this number in the General tab of the Preferences dialog (Edit, Preferences).

To create commands with the History panel, execute a series of modifications that are to be used in your command. Using the History panel options menu, highlight the steps you want to use in the command, then select Save As Command (Figure 28.6). The Save Command dialog box appears. Enter a name for your new command. Click OK.

Figure 28.6. Use the Save as Command option to save your History panel options as a custom command.
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Your very own command now has a home in the Commands menu. Use it again and again. If you find yourself becoming a commands junkie and need to get rid of a few outdated commands, you can rename or delete commands in the Manage Saved Commands dialog box (Commands, Manage Saved Commands).

Using the Extension Manager

Commands are usually stored in scripts called command scripts. All these scripts are located in the Commands folder on your hard drive. The Commands folder location is specific to settings you used when you installed Fireworks. Fireworks, along with Dreamweaver and Flash, is part of the Macromedia Exchange, a place where developers who create command scripts can distribute and exchange scripts. Macromedia tests each script to make sure it works and contains no harmful code (such as viruses) before posting it on the forum.

Commands from the Exchange are downloaded to your computer and are installed as Extensions. To install an extension, double-click an extension after it has been downloaded and Fireworks takes care of the rest.

To access these Extensions, you need to use the Extension Manager (Help, Manage Extensions) (Figure 28.7). Select File, Go to Macromedia Exchange to connect to the Macromedia Exchange Web site. Peruse the Extensions and download what strikes your fancy.

Figure 28.7. The Extension Manager can be used install new Extensions as well as manage your Extensions collection.
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The Extension Manager takes care of the rest.



Using Macromedia Studio MX 2004
Special Edition Using Macromedia Studio MX 2004
ISBN: 0789730421
EAN: 2147483647
Year: N/A
Pages: 339

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