Applying Transformations

Fireworks provides several commands and tools you can use to scale, rotate, distort, and skew an object, a group of objects, or a pixel selection area. These actions are called transformations. You can use the transform tools on the Tools panel, or you can choose Modify > Transform and pick an option from the submenu. When you choose a tool or Transform menu item, the selected item displays transform handles. Drag any transform handle to edit the object. You used the Scale and Rotate tools in a previous lesson; in this exercise, you will use the Skew and Distort tools.

1.	Select your text graphic and choose the Skew tool or choose Modify > Transform > Skew. Skewing an object transforms it by slanting it along the horizontal or vertical axis, or both axes. You can skew an object by dragging one of the transform handles, dragging inward or outward.
2.	Place the pointer over any handle. Drag the handle to change the angles or side lengths of the object. Hold down Shift to constrain the skewing proportionally. Double-click the object or press Enter (PC) or Return (Mac) to apply the transformation.
3.	With your text object still selected, choose the Distort tool, or choose Modify > Transform > Distort. The Distort tool allows you to change the proportions of the object by dragging any transform handle. Unlike with the Skew tool, you can control each handle individually. Note Although you are using the text you converted to paths, it is not necessary to do so to apply transformations. You can transform normal text and keep it editable.
4.	Place the pointer over any handle. Drag the handle to change the shape of the object. Double-click the object or press Enter (PC) or Return (Mac) to apply the transformation. You don't need to save this file with your experiments.