Layers


The best way to understand layers is to think of each layer as a sheet of acetate like those used with overhead projectors. Layers are independent levels that contain bitmap or vector graphics. The final image is made up of a stack of all the layers within the image, depending on the order in which the layers are laid and the transparency levels that are set for each layer. You can work on each layer as if it were an independent image, without interference from any graphical elements that are on other layers.

It is best to place every new element, or addition to an element, on its own layer. You can always merge (combine) layers, and it is much safer and faster to build each element a layer at a time. After you are satisfied with the look, you can then combine the elements that make up that object.

When you place bitmap graphics on top of each other in the same layer, the pixels of the top object replace the pixels of the object beneath it. After all, only one pixel can occupy a space at a time. To keep the bitmap objects separate, you use layers.

Unlike bitmaps, vector objects can be placed on top of one another on a single layer without affecting one another. They create their own sublayers. So, why use layers with vector objects? Simply put, for organization. Using layers, you can organize your content into logical hierarchies.

Any time you create or import an object, it appears in its own layer in Fireworks. A default name is automatically applied to the layer. I use the default name unless I'm working with files where several layers come into play. At that point, it's handy to know how to organize the layers.

Layers Panel Basics

As was mentioned briefly in Chapter 3, "Introducing Fireworks 8," the Layers panel enables you to control the object layers in your document. The Layers panel main area (see Figure 4.4) comprises five main columns:

  • Expand/Collapse Layer When a collapsed layer contains sublayers, a triangular arrow pointing down (Macintosh) or a + sign (Windows) is shown. Click that arrow or + sign to expand the layer. When the layer is expanded, you see an arrow pointing to the right (Mac) or a sign (Windows). Click this icon to collapse the layer.

  • Show/Hide Layer This column contains the eye icon. When you see the eye, the object on the layer is visible. Click the eyeball to hide the object on the layer. The eyeball icon is also hidden. Hidden layers do not affect the contents of the file, and they are not exported with the file.

  • Lock/Unlock Layer The padlock icon indicates that a layer is locked and cannot be edited. Click the icon to lock or unlock the layer. You can lock only full layers, not sublayers.

  • Layer Column The layer column contains both the layer name and the thumbnail of the layer's contents.

  • Object in Layer Column The last column doesn't have an official name, so we'll just use its function as a name. This column appears beside only full layers, not sublayers. When you select any sublayer, the little blue box (Object in Layer marker) appears for the layer that contains the selected sublayer. If you click the Object in Layer column in any other layer or drag the box to another layer, the selected sublayer is moved to the new layer.

Figure 4.4. The Layers panel for a simple document with a bitmap image, vector graphic, and text. Note that each object appears in its own layer.


To move layers, or change the stacking order, you can drag the layer or sublayer up or down to a new position in the stack. You can also select a sublayer, and then click in the Object in Layer column of the layer where you want it to move. This option does not work on layers; it works only on sublayers.

To rename layers, double-click the layer and the name can be edited. Type the new name and press Return/Enter to seal the deal.



Special Edition Using Macromedia Studio 8
Special Edition Using Macromedia Studio 8
ISBN: 0789733854
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2003
Pages: 337

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