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Model Number Builder - Javascript Extension for Fireworks

This is a custom graphics solution for K-12 Test Item Writers who needed a fast way to create graphics for online and print tests. The extension addressed an AZ State Education Standard for testing students on choosing the correct graphical block representation of a written number with 100, 10 and 1 square blocks.

Previous to the extension, writers were hand drawing test question and answer images in Photoshop, square by square, and saving them to a haphazard bank of graphics. Block images were not aligned well and there was no standardization to the arrangement of blocks.

Model Number Builder is a Fireworks extension that allows the test question writer to open a command prompt in Fireworks, type a number, and then have the model of the number drawn for them. Written in Javascript, the single .jsf code file accesses the Fireworks DOM and within seconds, imports a series of graphic symbols, arranges them on the screen on specifically sized canvas, and then crops the image with a black outline.

The extension is prepacked as a Fireworks MXP file that can be installed with the Extension Manager.

Model Number Screenshots

User opens the prompt from a Menu command and types a number 1-999.

Script makes Fireworks DOM calls to draw the number and finish the graphics for the user within seconds.

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