In Fireworks, you can easily
convert bitmap selections to vector paths. Paths can be easier to edit
than bitmap selections, in part because you aren’t as likely to delete
an entire path by accident. If you are adjusting a bitmap selection and
forget to use the Shift and Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) modifier keys,
you can easily delete the entire selection. To edit the shape of a
path, you can use the Subselection tool (
) to drag individual control points in the path.
In this exercise, you will continue working with the Mark_actor07.fw.png file.
1. | If the selection is not active, choose Select > Restore Bitmap Selection.
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2. | Choose Select > Convert Marquee To Path.
The selection is removed, and in its place is a new path object, filled with the last attributes used for vector objects.
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3. | Select the Pointer tool, if it’s not already selected.
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4. | Choose Pattern > Wood 3 from the Fill Category list in the Properties panel.
The
detective is now up against another type of wall, so to speak. In the
Layers panel, the newly created vector object is called a composite
path.
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5. | Double-click the object name in the Layers panel and change it to wall.
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6. | Rename the bitmap image detective.
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7. | Choose File > Save.
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Sometimes, selecting the unwanted part of the image is easier.
The Select Inverse command toggles between the active selection and the unselected area.
Let’s say you have a photo of a city scene with a
clear sky in the background. You want to do some levels or filter
adjustments to the city area. Using the Magic Wand tool to select the
evenly colored sky will be easier (and faster). Then you can choose
Select > Select Inverse to reverse the selected areas, making the
city scene the active selection.
Select Similar adds to the current bitmap selection,
based on colors within the active selection. Anywhere the colors within
the selection appear throughout the image, they will become part of the
new selection. You can choose Select > Select Similar with any bitmap
selection.
You can expand, contract, or smooth any active bitmap selection by choosing the desired action from the Select menu.
