The new version of Fireworks (which was first introduced in 1998) simplifies navigation creation with easier pop-up menu creation and even more control, according to Kevin Lynch, chief software architect at Macromedia. Users can deliver both horizontal and vertical JavaScript pop-up menus that work with tabbed button bar appearances and other creative layouts, and all pop-up menu attributes are customizable including spacing, borders and color shading. Wizards enable users to create sophisticated Web navigation by automatically generating the graphics and JavaScript, Lynch said.
Fireworks MX can automatically generate data-driven graphics by dynamically linking to XML content, as well as automate repetitive graphics creation by connecting a graphic file with variables to an XML file. Fireworks MX also features support for XHTML and accessibility. Fireworks MX features Roundtrip XHTML with Dreamweaver MX.
The product is also designed to simplify the intelligent exporting of graphics and HTML to leading applications with a single click, automatically outputting the specific file formats required for Macromedia Flash MX, Dreamweaver MX, FreeHand, Director and third-party products.
Fireworks MX will work with all major graphics formats and HTML editors. Users can share files across graphics applications, including Macromedia Flash and FreeHand, as well as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. You can create vector graphics for Flash, export SWF files and open graphics directly from within Flash. Plus, you can open, edit and export Photoshop graphics while retaining layers, masks and text properties.
Macromedia Fireworks MX, priced at US$299, is expected to ship next month. Upgrades from previous versions of Fireworks are $149. Fireworks MX also included as part of Macromedia Studio MX, also expected to ship in May. Fireworks MX will be available in English in May; French and German in June; and Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Swedish, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish in July.
System requirements for Fireworks MX call for a Power Macintosh G3 Processor; Mac OS 9.1 or higher, or OS X 10.1 and higher; 64MB of free available system RAM (128MB recommended); 800 x 600, 8-bit (256 colors) color display or better; 80 MB of available disk space; Adobe Type Manager Version 4 or later for use with Type 1 fonts (OS 9.x); and a CD-ROM drive.
Macromedia will have a preview release of Fireworks MX available for download later today.