How to Create a Gray Glass Grid Tab Menu in Fireworks

In this tutorial I will show you how to create a gray glass grid tab menu. This is a cool gray grid menu that looks like glass. This tab menu is created by using a gradient and a texture. Changing the gradient around to get this look is a little tricky but I will walk you through it. I have also provided an image to show you exactly where your line will need to be to get this look. Open your Fireworks program and we will get started.

The first step of this menu is to create a new document to work on. Go ahead and create your new document and create it about 600 pixels by 300 pixels. You can crop your menu at the end of this tutorial. Create the background the color that you need. If you are not sure of the color, select a transparent background.

Next, you will need to select your rectangle tool from your toolbar and draw your rectangle on your canvas. We will create the first button and then we will duplicate the other buttons. Draw the rectangle the size that you want the button.

Next, we will apply the gradient color to the button. Drop your Solid box down and select Gradient > Bars. Your Solid box is located in your Properties window in the bottom of your Fireworks window. Click on the color box to change the color of the gradients. Change the color on the left to # CCCCCC and change the color on the right to # 336666.

Next, we will need to change the position of the gradient bar. You will notice the gradient bar on your button. You will need to rotate that bar so that it is in a vertical position. The circle end should be at the top of the button and the square end should be at the bottom of the button. If you are not sure of what I'm talking about, please see the image titled Image 2 that I have provided.

Next, we will apply the texture to the button. Down in the bottom of your properties window you will notice a texture box. Drop that box down and select Grid 2. Then change the amount of texture to 32%.

The next step is to add a border to the button. We will apply a plain simple border to the button. Locate your border properties in your properties window and apply the following to the fields.

Color - #336666

Tip Size - 1

Stroke Category - Basic > 1-Pixel Soft

Edge - 0

Texture - 0