Fireworks MX 2004

Adobe tries hard with ImageReady, but when it comes to Web graphics creation, Macromedia's Fireworks is still the undisputed king. It sports a comprehensive set of graphics tools; a sleek, efficient interface; and tight integration with other members of Macromedia's MX family (Dreamweaver, Flash, FreeHand). The program is simple to master, too. Although it's a little light in the bitmap-editing department, Fireworks more than compensates with super-slick special effects and effortless exporting to all popular Web graphics formats. We recommend this program for both amateurs and professionals who need any type of Web graphics and want the best application money can buy.