New Fireworks CS4-Flash Catalyst Integration

fw_logo_125x125If you’re a Fireworks user you’ll be happy to know that the team has been hard at work improving the FXG export feature so you can more easily take your designs from Fireworks and use them in Flash Catalyst. The new script is available over on Adobe Labs and includes a ton of fixes to the old FXG script as well as some new functionality based on a more finalized FXG specification:

  • lineHeight for Text element was always exported as %, now it’s exported based on a value selected in Fireworks ( % or exact)
  • Tab indention was not correct for elements that were exported as bitmaps
  • Exporting invisible bitmap elements caused script errors
  • Updated Rectangle primitive object to export transformation matrix and roundness value
  • Modified / Added Application Private Data for all elements (d:userLabel , d:type, etc.)
  • Exporting effects applied on Groups and Symbols

So fear not Fireworks users, Flash Catalyst may not have native file format import for you, but you’ll still be able to use the tool you know and love and bring those designs easily into Flash Catalyst with the “Open from FXG” feature.

How Do You Use Fireworks and Where Does it Fit in your Workflow?

Doug Winnie is looking for feedback on how teams and individuals use Fireworks. I know a bunch of designers in the web and Flex space use Fireworks exclusively for their work and it’s one of my favorite design tools out there. There are some very cool ideas afoot for Fireworks, so if you use it, I’d really encourage you to head over to Doug’s blog and give your feedback.