Aqua
Tabs
by Mike DiPietro
(mdipi) | 5 July 2004
If you're like me and a huge fan
of the whole Aqua look that Apple brought about with OS X
but cant seem to get the tabs just quite right, then you
have come to the right place to learn how to do them. In
just two layers in Fireworks you can have some sweet Aqua
tabs for what ever you want to use them for.
These are the tabs we are going to learn how to create:
[ the final
aqua tab]
Here is How
Ok open up Fireworks and create a new document:
-
Ok select the Rounded Rectangle tool and
draw out the size of your tab.
-
After you draw out the size of your tab
open up the effects panel and choose "Linear" from the
fill options drop down box.
- The first color of your gradient should be #CCCCCC and
the last color should be White. After you select your
colors, using the arrow tool (V) adjust the gradient to
look like this:
[ set your
gradient in this direction and make sure its just the length
of your tab! ]
- Believe it or not - we are almost done. Next we are
going to apply some styles to our shape. Go to the effects
(in the Properties panel) and click the "+" sign, navigate
to "Shadow and Glow" and choose "Inner Shadow," then match
the setting with those below:
-
Next navigate to the "Drop Shadow" effect
and use the settings below:
- We aren't done yet, next create a new Rounded
Rectangle that is around 80% the width and anywhere from
50-30% of the height of the original.
- Set the gradient to "White, Black" and fill it the
same way we did earlier (having the gradient only extend
the length of the shape).
-
Set the layer style to "Screen" and you
should be all set!
-
You can add text to your button by putting
it between the two layers and using the drop shadow
settings below:
That's really all there is to
it. 3 layers and you have a sweet Aqua tab button! Easy and
fast huh? Play around with using other colors in the
gradients and really make the effect yours!
If you need any help, post on the
forums!
Have a good one!
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