TechNote (Archived)

Why can't a stroke be added to an image in Fireworks?

Issue

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When attempting to add a stroke to an image in Macromedia Fireworks 8 the stroke color can be selected in the toolbar but will not apply to the image.

Reason

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Due to the lack of a stroke attribute, bitmap objects can not accept a stroke option even though a color can be selected from the pop-up color well.

Solution

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While there is not a direct way to apply a stroke to the image, the following options could prove to be useful.

Drawing a second object

This method would be used for multiple images in a single file.

1. Draw a vector object the same size as the image
2. Apply a stroke that is twice the size that is desired
3. Select Modify > Arrange > Send to back
4. Select both objects
5. Select Modify > Group

Applying an Effect (version MX 2004) or Filter (version 8) to the image

This option would be best for a single image file.

1. Increase the canvas size by twice the amount of the desired stroke
2. Using the Align panel, center the image on the canvas
3. In the Properties inspector select the "+" next to Effects or Filters
4. Select Bevel and Emboss > Outer Bevel
   
   
   
5. Set the bevel edge shape to Flat
6. Set the Width to twice the desired amount of the stroke
7. Set the color for the stroke
8. Contrast, Softness and Angle all set to 0
9. The button preset doesn't matter what option is specified

Note: Since the outer bevel has rounded corners, the canvas size is used to hide the extra stroke width that was applied during these steps.

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