This is the first of Macromedia’s “Training from the Source” series that I have looked at. Macromedia Fireworks MX Training from the Source is written by Patti Schulze. I have used Fireworks since version 2 or 3 (who can remember that far back?) but never for much more than sizing and optimizing. I got this book because I wanted to go into depth about slicing, layers, buttons and building a complete Web look from the start in Fireworks MX.
I have been very pleased with how easy it is to learn what I want to know with this book. The directions are quite well written and comprehensive, the accompanying files on the CD that provide exercise material are nicely done, yet the book is not too huge and heavy. I especially liked the chapter explaining how to use the Button Editing tools and the one about integrating Fireworks MX with Dreamweaver MX.
I have never been a fan of the explanatory material that Macromedia packs with its products. In fact I think the reason I have only used Fireworks in a cursory manner up until now is that the owner’s manuals explaining Fireworks that came with it confused me. This book, however, is NOT confusing, but is easy to use and learn from.
I intend to take a look at other books in the “Training from the Source” series to see if they are all as well written as this one by Patti Schulze.