hello, my name is
nathan pitman.

Hi,

I am using Macromedia Fireworks since its version MX. I was happy when MX2004 was released. I was happy when Fireworks 8 was released. I was worried when Adobe acquired Macromedia, but Adobe Fireworks CS3 was better, although a bit slow compared to the previous version (8).

Then CS4 was released, and I avow that this is the slowest ever version of Fireworks. It’s not only the slowest, but the text engine has severe bugs (Adobe ATE was introduced, but poorly implemented, and the product shipped unfinished), which may prevent anyone using it (even a Fireworks fan) enjoy the product and want to revert to CS3. Or to other graphic design software, in fact.

Still, I did not lost hope.

Adobe will release a patch for the text engine (for the current CS4 version), and I hope this will be soon.

And I didn’t find (yet) better graphic design software for the Web, which may blend so nicely bitmap+vector tools, live effects, ease of use and powerful layout possibilities.

I still have faith in Fireworks. I can’t imagine my design world without it. I hope Adobe will make improvements, both for Fw CS4 and for CS5 (whenever it is released).

And I’d advise you to have some faith, too. If you can, of course! :-)

Because I can’t imagine a world without Fireworks… I hope I am not mistaken…

PS If you write an open letter to Adobe / Adobe Fireworks Team, would be good, too. They are currently intently listening; and even Adobe are aware that Fw CS4 was released too early and with too many bugs, which affect the majority of users. I really hope most of the problems will be fixed soon, because I love Fireworks…

@Michael: For now at least I’m back to using Fireworks CS3. I’m planning on writing an open letter to a number of software developers asking someone to take up the challenge and create a real alternative to Adobe Fireworks for web designers.

I’m still totally in love with Fireworks. I use it much more often than Photoshop. But then, I’m a front-end developer, not a designer. I’m sorry to hear you two have parted company. I’m sure it will not be for long.

What did you decide to use instead?

Michael

That’s not who I fell in love with and I just can’t live with it anymore, I need to get out there and find someone who really understands my needs. I’m sorry but it’s over.

I have same point of view that I was happy when MX2004 was released. I was happy when Fireworks 8 was released. I was worried when Adobe acquired Macromedia, but Adobe Fireworks CS3 was better, although a bit slow compared to the previous version (8). but now i mange it and working well.

I too need an alternative.. I can’t stand it any longer.. FW, you used to be so cool.. What happened!?

I’ve been looking everywhere for something fireworksy, but all people say is use The Gimp and Inkscape - and it’s just not the same!

It is extremely helpful and beneficial to your readers Nice article.The code works fine and is a good starting point for me making a custom module.

Had fun reading your letter of love for fireworks. It made me laugh. Really nice indeed. Love that turned into break up. Lol. Anyway, I’m no longer using it for my photoshop. Been looking for more alternatives though. Nice love story.