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Image created by joining an object shape with a photo.
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Fireworks, with its hybrid vector/raster type operation is especially
well suited to mask work. The simplicity of clipping one image is one
of the strengths vector programs can offer, yet Fireworks can also deliver
the soft raster effects like shadows and glows as easily as any raster
program.
You must think a little differently for masks in Fireworks, but it
is a difference most people will find easy to follow. Fireworks masks
are based on one image clipping another. Quite simply, if you want an
photo to be in a star shape, you place a star over the photo and follow
the technique below. The photo takes on the outer shape of the star,
yet remains editable.
The image at the left was created with a photograph and a dingbat font
outline. The image was clipped, with a drop shadow and outer glow applied.
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The shaped object is placed on the photo.
The image can be moved within the bounding shape.
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To create this look, import a photograph and create an outline to use
as the clipping shape. You can draw an object using the draw tools,
import another image, or as I have done here, use a dingbat shape. This
is “u” from the Button Button dingbat font. Both the photo
and the dingbat have been rotated. Both are on the same layer.
With the Pointer tool, select both objects. Choose Modify>Mask Group>Mask
to Path, and the photo will take on the shape of the object above as
shown in the image at the left.
Note the icon in the middle of the image. You can drag this icon to
reposition the photo within the outline.
If you are using a font, it remains editable, even though it is forming
the outline for a photo. In the samples below, I first joined the photo
and a character from the Button Button font. I chose the Text tool and
clicked on the group to open the Text Editor, and simply changed the
font character for the second effect below. Even with effects such as
drop shadow or embossing, the text remains editable.
 
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Graduated filled circle forms the path and transparency
for the photo beneath it. The result of joining them with the Mask to
Image command is shown below.
Objects with this effect are transparent. Note how
the tan color is peeking through the image.
Photos © Tom
Thomson Photography. Used with permission.
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For a more traditional mask operation, Fireworks offers another mask
option. In this method, the transparency is taken from the top object
as well as the outer shape.
In the sample at the right, I created a a circle with a radial fill.
I had to edit the fill to increase the black area, since the black is
where the photo will show through.
Select both the circle and the photo and choose Modify>Mask Group>Mask
to Image. The photo shown below is the result.
When this effect has been applied, the resulting image is transparent,
which presents many new opportunities for interesting designs. In the
image below, note how the tan color seeps though the image.
 You
can also use the texture feature of the Fireworks fill effect. In the
samples below I have applied a texture fill to the same photo and circle.
The sample at the right shows the image before applying the Mask to
Image effect. The photo below is the result.
Experiment with the gradient and texture fills to create many unique
effects. Masks in Fireworks are very easy and flexible and well worth
spending the time to master. And as easy as they are, you will be creating
wonderful work with masks very quickly.
Be sure to come back for the second part of the mask tutorial. We will
be covering saving masks, channels and many other mask tricks. We will
also cover masks in Macromedia Flash. Don't miss it!
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