Photoshop or Fireworks?

TRUSTAbyss

Ok, I have the whole Web Premium suite that I got for Christmas, but there's only one problem. Where do I start? I know that Photoshop is great for digital imaging, but I also know that Fireworks can do most of what Photoshop can do. So which one do I use? Is it a matter of personal preference, or do I have to use both programs? Also, what's the deal with Illustrator? Is that used for magazines and brochures? These are some really interesting questions and I'm hoping you guys can help me with them. I really want to get started on my Web 2.0 websites and these type of questions can't be ignored.
Edit: I created a Poll to help me choose the best option. ;-)
Kind regards, Josh

AbyssUnderground

Hi Josh,
Photoshop is a LOT more powerful than Fireworks, and you will find it a lot easier to use Photoshop for graphical work. You can do some great effects very easily in Photoshop too, and if you drop by msn some time I can show you how to do some of the basics.

Moxxnixx

Well, it looks like we may have a difference of opinion here. I've used both
for many years and I find FW to be much easier to use than PS. ;)
PS was designed primarily for photo manipulation and FW was designed for
web graphics.
FW is much better at optimizing images than PS. For example, a jpg saved
at 80% in FW is much smaller than the same jpg saved at 80% in PS.

AbyssUnderground

Moxxnixx wrote
Well, it looks like we may have a difference of opinion here. I've used both
for many years and I find FW to be much easier to use than PS. ;)
PS was designed primarily for photo manipulation and FW was designed for
web graphics.
FW is much better at optimizing images than PS. For example, a jpg saved
at 80% in FW is much smaller than the same jpg saved at 80% in PS.

I've honestly found PS easier than FW ever since I tried both. I've also never had any problems with the optimizing in PS before.
I guess we all prefer something different so its best to stick with what you prefer I suppose.

Tom Chapman

Moxxnixx wrote
Well, it looks like we may have a difference of opinion here. I've used both
for many years and I find FW to be much easier to use than PS. ;)
PS was designed primarily for photo manipulation and FW was designed for
web graphics.
FW is much better at optimizing images than PS. For example, a jpg saved
at 80% in FW is much smaller than the same jpg saved at 80% in PS.

Couldn't have said it better my self! ;-P

AbyssUnderground wrote
I guess we all prefer something different

MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAA! @Andy :-)

Moxxnixx

Don't get me wrong, I like both. I wish I could use PS more often.
My main reasons for switching to FW are...
1. FW is not as resource/cpu hungry as PS, giving me longer work sessions.
2. Starts up much faster (about 5 sec for WF and about 15 sec for PS).
3. Optimizes images for the web without needing to open a second app (ie, ImageReady).
4. Many PS plugins/filters are compatible with FW (ie, Alien Skin, Eye Candy)
5. Name sounds cooler. :P
My advice would be to use both and decide for yourself. Both apps have their strengths.
As I said earlier, PS is designed primarily for photo manipulation and FW for web graphics.
Most of the people that slam FW don't really understand what FW was intended for.
It's like comparing apples and oranges. Sorry for the cliché. LoL!

Arctic

"Adobe Fireworks Tutorials and Downloads"
Go ahead and take a looksee, they both have their strengths. People will always suggest the one they've used to best effect.
Oh, and I believe Illustrator is used for creating those dandy vectorlishous images that are oh so common.

Moxxnixx

Arctic, that's an excellent link. Added to my bookmarks.
It shows exactly what Fireworks is capable of. ;)

Bastawy

I've used both Photoshop (since 5) and Fireworks (since 3) and love both for different reasons, but without a doubt Frieworks is the more efficient tool for layout mockups. The fact that I am able to apply live effects without image destruction and open .psd/.ai (up to Illustrator 8) files and work with the layers. Photoshop is still amazing when it comes to the masking and image extraction.

DonQuichote

I mainly use Xara Extreme and off course the Gimp for graphics...

Bastawy

I use fireworks and love it. Comes easy and natural to me. I tried using photoshop for my web stuff for about a week but couldnt get the hang of it. I still use PS for a few things though.

markspenser

better you should visit cssmania.com. and discuss over there.
may be you get right kind of resource to get your answers.

cakweh

That depends on how well you use these programs. Select your most mastered, and focus there.
If you ask which program I choose, I choose photoshop

getlitleye

Photoshop is better than fireworks because it provides good feature for web designing. Thanks for sharing this important information.

sujith34

i will say photoshop is good