Designs Article: An Explosion of Adobe Fireworks Resources

An Explosion of Adobe Fireworks Resources

An often overlooked member of the Adobe Creative Suite is Adobe Fireworks. This application software can be used to create vectors, design application interfaces, digital artwork, and create rapid prototypes of websites. Adobe Fireworks can also generate PDF’s, export CSS based layouts, and a variety of other features. However, Adobe Fireworks resources are not easy to find. Resources are scattered among many different websites, blogs, and forums. Since the resources are far and few, some designers forget about all the features and abandon using the software all together.
In this article, renew your love for Adobe Fireworks! Check out the 200+ (mostly) free Adobe Fireworks resources that are gathered and categorized for easy reference. Please remember: since many designers have made these resources free for others, take the time to check out the license agreements before using any resources for personal and/or commercial projects.

1. Common Libraries, Patterns, and Rich Symbols

Common Libraries

Libraries are a great way to enhance the assets of Adobe Fireworks. Collections of symbols and objects save time when creating design elements.
Arrows

Stencils

Cursors

Shields

Patterns

A wonderful way to add a final touch or create interest in a design is by using a pattern. Check out some great pattern resources for Adobe Fireworks.
Kaliber Patterns

Free Fireworks Patterns

Free Patterns (158)

Checker Patterns

Carbon Pattern

Free Patterns

Wood Pattern Package

Rich Symbols

Rich graphic symbols can be scaled and given attributes with scripts, which saves a lot of time when creating interfaces, websites, or design elements.
A reusable page icon

Paper Grams

iPhone GUI as Rich Symbols for Fireworks

2. Styles

Styles are a great way to apply predefined attributes to an object or text (but not to bitmap objects).
Borders

Metal Pack 1

150 Fireworks Styles (Gradient Effects)

Electronics

15 Grunge Colors Styles

Fireworks Styles Pack 2

Fire and Flames

131 Ultimate Web 2.0 Styles

NN_Style_03

Styles Pack 1-3

Drawings

15 FIREWORKS CS4 TEXT STYLES PACK 1

Web 2.0 Styles 1

Fireworks Styles Pack 1

Overkill Set 1

Stroke Styles for Fireworks MX, Series 1

Fireworks Styles Pack 6

48 Ultimate Web 2.0 Styles

Chrome Gradient Styles

The CMX Dash Pack

MST Styles

Style Pack 1

Text Styles Pack

Gradients, Blue Light, Charcoal, Chrome, etc. (No Preview Image)

3. Auto Shapes

According to help.Adobe.com, auto shapes are a great tool which “simplify the creation and editing process of common visual elements.” They’re also a great time saver.
Smart Resize

Basic Pack 2

Background Rectangle Auto Shape

Pinwheel Auto Shape

Crescent Auto Shape

Ribbon

Revolve Path Auto Shape

Auto Shapes with Styles

Sunburst, Effect Light Source, Geometry Guides, and Grid

Annotation Auto Shape

Sunburst

Enhanced Rectangle Auto Shapes

Simple Orb Smart Shape

Puzzle Auto Shape

Adjustments Panel

4. Commands, Scripts, and Panels

Commands

Essentially, commands are shortcuts for automating repetitive tasks. Find out how the following commands can reduce the time of your next design process.
Copy Merge

Harmonia Color Schemer

Canvas Squeezer

Copy Paste WHXY

Watermark 1.0

Color Palette 1.25

Smart Punch

Box Templates 1.0

Demo Current Document 1.0

Calculator

Snap Objects 1.0

Mac Button

Smart Knife

Rounded Bitmap Corners

Copy Merged

Spiral

Objects, Pattern and Texture, and Text Commands

Chrono 1.0

Level Horizon

Batch Import 1.0

Interpolation Panel

Utility Set One

Brush, Document, and Effects Commands

Flash Slide Show 1.12

Campus Tools

Add Web Guides, Group, Mask, Modify, 3D Rotate, Rename, and Paths Commands

Duplicate, Offset, Rotate

Save Paths as Actionscript

Super Nudge 1.0.3

Batch Complete Alert

Extrude Paths

Shape Shifter Set 1

Scripts

Fireworks to XAML Exporter

iPhone Application Prototype

Panel

Gradient Panel

5. Automation and Effects

Automation

A simple way to save time is through the use of Adobe Fireworks automating tasks. Check out a few examples of some true saving auto tasks.
FW CS4 Workspace Manager
Auto Vector Mask

Effects

Effects (or Live Filters) are a great way to enhance vector objects, text, and bitmaps. Check out some fantastic ways to add effects to your designs.
Oldie Effect

Metallic Gold Effect

Old Paper Effect

String of Pearls

Twist and Fade

6. Templates

Save valuable time with predesigned templates ranging from websites to iPhone prototypes.
Fireworks Toolkit for Creating iPhone Mockups

Free Template #4 – Travel Site

Adobe Fireworks Template for Android by UNITid

FotoGallery 1

FotoGallery 2

Prebuilt CSS Templates in Fireworks CS4

Free Template #3 – Restaurant Website

Web Studio

Super Guides 1.0

Blueprint – Sample Web Template

Template #5 – Writing Website

Fireworks 975PX Grid Systems (6col and 12col)

Free Template #6 – Business Website

Free Website Template 7

Free Template #2 – Funky Website

Free Website Template 1

Emote Template

Free Website Template 8

Prototyping for the iPhone

7. Textures

Adding custom textures to fills and strokes gives artwork a “more organic look” and adds depth to your design.
20 Fireworks Seamless Texture Pack 1