Download Source Files
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to create some cool effects with fading light linear vectors in Fireworks. It’s really easy to do and takes just a few minutes. Create fading lights using vectors, then convert these vectors into bitmaps, and learn to use effects from Fireworks CS3.
Final Image Preview
Before we get started, let’s take a look at the image we’ll be creating. The source file for this tutorial is not currently available, though we are planning on releasing this in the future.
Step 1
First of all get a nice photo. I’ve used this one from sxc.hu. You can get this image here.
Open this photo in Fireworks CS3. The create a vector shape with the Pen Tool (P), as shown in the image below.
Tip: Be open to create new forms and ways of creating this effect.
Step 2
Select this vector and change the color to Linear, as shown in the image below. Then change the opacity of one side to 0%. Then place it close to the other side with the full color.
Tip: Be open to experimenting and choosing the color you like for your design. The colors chosen for this design are used to help explain how to create this effect.
Step 3
Next control the direction of the transparent vector fade, as shown below.
Step 4
Now it’s very simple, make this vector a bitmap by going to Modify > Flatten Selection. Copy this vector 3 times and do a free transformation with the Scale Tool (Q).
Tip: Feel free to scale and transform the vector as you want.
Step 5
Create a circle vector and do the same actions as in the previous step. Then change to Linear with the same color and configurations. Then go to Modify > Flatten Selection. Copy the result 3 or more times, and make a free transformation with the Scale Tool (Q).
Step 6
Now for the secret, you don’t need to do one vector for each color you’ll use. It’s just to change the color with Hue/Saturation. Go to Filters > Adjust Color/Hue/Saturation. Then configuring the effect, as in the image below, or as you prefer.
Tip: Use different colors and discover different applications for this same effect. Use your creativity and imagination.
Step 7
Ok, you’ve changed the color of the circle. Let’s do it with all the vectors now. It’s the same, only change the color configurations of the Hue/Saturation effect. Look at the final image of this step. You’ll have all the vectors with different colors, but don’t forget to leave one of these shapes with the white color.
Step 8
Get each kind of form you’ve created, and make 3 or more copies. Then make free transformations with the Scale Tool (Q). Select all the parts and go to Commands > Creative > Twist and fade. Apply the configurations as in the image below, or as you prefer.
Tip: Don’t worry if your results are different, as this is a random way to generate forms. It’s hard to do the same twice.
Step 9
All right, select all the vectors you’ve created. Then make different combinations of different groups with various sizes and colors. Then select all the parts and go to Commands > Creative >Twist and fade.
Tip: Use your imagination, create another group of 3 vectors, select it, and do the effect Twist and Fade multiple times until you’re satisfied with the results.
Step 10
Be creative and apply this effects with different colors, combinations, and forms. The secret is to make the forms and then change colors. Continue to create groups with 3 or more parts, and use the Twist and Fade Effect. You can also modify the color using Hue/Saturation.
After you created the dynamic parts of this design with the Twist and Fade effect, adjust the inside. Put some groups within others, use your imagination and invent.
Step 11
Let’s add the details now. Create one white circle, as in the image below. Select the circle, and go to Filters > Blur > Gaussian Blur. Then configure as show in the image below or as you prefer.
Step 12
Select the result and go to Modify> Flatten Selection. Duplicate it and make a free transformation with the Scale Tool (Q).
Step 13
Select all the parts and go to Commands > Creative > Twist and fade
Tip: When you use the Twist and Fade effect get another group with 3 or more elements, and again use the same effect. Make sure to do it again with another small group. This way you’ll have many parts. Also, you’ll be able to put it in different places with various sizes.
Step 14
Now it’s simple, get all the parts and make combinations over the image. Be creative and combine the shapes and colors dynamically.
Tip: Use your imagination, create another group of 3 vectors, select it, and do the effect Twist and Fade repeatedly until you’re satisfied with the result.
Conclusion
Apply more colors and elements, use the opacity if you like. Change the colors with Hue/Saturation. Then apply the Twist and fade effect again.
Tip: This is a simple effect, but the secret is how you apply it. So use your creativity and be happy!
Final Image
The final image is below.
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Awesome tuts!! I’ll bookmark this
That’s my man, well done Dj Caio Call
Great post, thanks!
Great tut, inventive too
NAICE
awasome effect, great lines, love this one
Nice lighting effect. Thanks
A really useful fireworks tutorial ! Thanks!
Woow! And it is vector :S
Awesome!
Thanks for covering Fireworks, I learned alot!
Why did you convert the vectors to bitmaps before working with them? Couldn’t you have used the vectors instead, allowing you to modify them more later on, if necessary?
I don’t have access to Fireworks, but the end result looks really good!
Very interesting final result, I like it!
……….this one is almost as bad as the iphone one.. the end result is just a whole bunch of cut up (amateurish) shapes with gradients.. and far too many of them.
I was really hoping for some higher quality material from vector tuts
Nice, I look forward to more, I think most people would like to see the process of vectoring a photo
, and if its well written I know most ppl will appreciate it :].
Wow really nice work! Keep the good work guys!
Very cool
Awesome effect…….
Can I ask… Is the panel just letting any tutorial fly through the gates?
http://twitter.com/partridge/statuses/839308774
Great tutorial, but I would have loved to see this in Illustrator, not fireworks…
Nice Fireworks effect! I like the fractals of light. Good job!
first time i have doubts… i think i t’s better to do it with bitmap ( PSD ) from the beggining…
what 4 are vectors here ? besides effect is .. hmm poor
Great! Thanks!
David Carreira
I can’t say I’ve spent much time in Fireworks, but it looks like a good bridge between Photoshop and Illustrator – covering a lot of middle ground in one application.
Fantastic tips and effect!
Helo, Steve Rose… You can convert the vectors to Bitmap or no, the final result will be the same! =D
Didn’t see where it was going at first but in the end it looks pretty good… would of thought it would of been cooler if the bike was redrawn to vector with the rest.
that looks pretty cool!
Yeahhh!!! Pretty cool thanks a lot man nice effect. Congratulations!!
Could have been better If it was done with Illustrator.
Looks spectacular!
Well, It doesn’t look very good in the end. A *much* better effect could be achieved in Ps, and the tutorial doesn’t seem to show any really cool vector techniques, and there seem to be no reasons for using vectors at all in this situation.
Isaac
Excellent Tut.
that`s a terrific tutorial. Thanks for sharing
very goog this tutorial.
God bless you.
by
Just cool !
the sun makes the cool effect already. no need to editing
appreciate the making of this tut.
Honestly, this tut is still far away from understandable, I can do it, but with your confusing guide (the image samples don’t coherent with your word at most of the time), it took me me an hour to accomplish.
Hi Mate,
This is great!!!!!!
Looks really cool.
Im gonna try out tonight…. if i have some time, dont know yet…
nice tutorial… mine does not look that good, but im satisfied
nice tutorial… mine does not look that good, but im satisfied
good Tutotial. i widh i found that earlier…. really helped me out
wow, thats really easy to do but it looks awesome. Thx man
really easy too make, but still looks very good
i like those step-by-step tutorials. they even work for a dummy like me