I have recently started using Fireworks and looking at the product history CS3 seemed like a jumbo release with many features making its way into the product and also the magnitude of each feature was huge.
I will look at some which I use almost on a daily basis.
1.Pages feature: This allows us to create multiple images within the same png file. Now is very easy for designers to mockup their design in a single file rather than managing multiple png files for each web page. The ability to create master page and share layer across pages for inheriting objects among all child pages is very helpful. Sharing of layers is also possible across child pages.This enables users to share certain set of objects under one page across multiple child pages.
2. The hierarchy of layers is real nice feature addition. This feature really helps in organizing the objects on the canvas and then giving the layer a self explanatory name makes it even more helpful.
3.The 9 slice scaling feature is a huge enhancement to prevent the objects from getting distorted. User can set the guides on area of object whose appearence should be maintained on vertical or horizontal scaling. Best part is that the attributes of the objects are scaled through an option and this feature can be applied to both vector and bitmap objects.
4.Rich Symbols is a real time saver. This is accessible through the Common Library Panel. Once it is dragged on the canvas, there is another panel, Symbol Properties which allows for editing of this symbol by setting a predefined set of properties in the symbol properties panel.
5.Metadata support has also been added to Fireworks CS3 png files. But the disadvantage is that the metadata format is Adobe proprietary, so any generic application will not be able to read it.
6.PS Live Effects: Photoshop Live effects have been built into Fireworks for greater breadth of effects which can be applied to the objects.
7.Some Blend modes are also added. This feature in combination with PS live effects can produce some amazing effects.
With such a huge set of features and their weight, I think fireworks CS3 is a must buy for web designers. They will not regret their decision.
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