sizes of boxes/images in FW 1

[j111111]

I've been asked to learn how to design web pages for work.
I have Fireworks 3 & Dreamweaver 4 (hope it's OK to use these together) and the manuals that go with each.

Problem: I have NEVER done this before & don't fully understand the jargon in the handbooks (and they assume that users have knowledge of other web design programmes).

I have a template of the layout I want in DW and want to know if there's a way to make boxes/areas of the exact size in FW so I can export them over (is it necessary to do this?).

It would be appreciated if you could explain in idiots language.

Thanks in advance to anyone willing to rescue me.

Josie

 

[deecee]

well you can use fireworks to draw out your layout then slice it up. It is possible and that is how most "nice" layouts are done. Except Photoshop is used because it has more capabilities. but fireworks is fine and its easier to use. Just make sure you make your max width of your site fixed then (ie. 750 pixels) and go from there. If your company can afford then you guys might be better off outsourcing the project. What is the site for btw?
sleep is good

 

[DaRNCaT]

I'll try and explain it in simplier language.
the layout you have in dreamweaver you can re create in fireworks.
To start with you want a new blank document usualy you build for an 800x600 browser, so you make your document 760x420 to allow for the browser edges.
Then draw the layout you want- if you have any pre made graphics you can include them in the layout quite easily by simply opening them within fireworks and dragging them onto the layout.
Once you are quite happy with the design- then use the slice tool (usualy a green box near the bottom of the toolbar) and use it to define the seperate areas you want, and where they should be cut.
Once you have done this you can either export the whole thing as an html file with images, or right click on each slice and choose "export selected slice" to take each slice seperatly.
You will need to optimise the images- saving them as either a gif or a jpeg- as PNG's are too big for effective use on the web with low bandwidth users.
There is more to it than this- if you need more help then come back and ask and I will attempt to help out.
I do agree though that if this is a serious company website then you may need to bring in a professional on this (for a living I "fix" what companies have put online under their own steam)
Sometimes, when my code just won't behave, I take it outside and make it listen to britney spears music, and when it comes back it's really well behaved. I wonder if it's suffering from post tramatic stress syndrome now..