Working with objects overview
Macromedia Freehand lets you manipulate objects in a number of ways. You can group objects to treat them as a single unit and nest groups within a group. You can move objects using the mouse or keyboard or by specifying a precise location. You can align objects to each other or align them to the page.
Freehand provides enhanced cut-and-paste functions that let you control how objects are copied to and from your drawings. You can also clone or duplicate objects.
You can make global selections or replacements within a drawing by searching for graphics with particular attributes, such as stroke width or shape.
Undoing actions
Using the Edit > Undo and Redo commands, you can undo or redo up to 100 actions, depending on the memory available to your system. You can undo an action after you've saved a file, but not after you've closed and reopened it.
You can also undo any number of actions by reverting to the last saved version of the file.
To undo or redo an action, do one of the following:
Choose Edit > Undo to undo an action. If the Undo command is dimmed, you cannot undo the action.
Choose Edit > Redo to redo the action.
To set the number of undo levels:
1 Choose Edit > Preferences. Click General.
2 Enter a value between 1 and 100 in the Undo's text box. Setting the level to more than 10 uses additional computer memory.
3 Click OK. For this change to take effect, you must close and reopen the document or open a new document.
To revert to the last saved version of your file:
Choose File > Revert, and then click Revert in the warning box. You cannot undo this action.
Changing default attributes
You can use the appropriate inspector to change the default fill, stroke, and text attributes for a FreeHand document by making the change with no objects in the document selected. For example, if you have no objects selected and you change the stroke width to 4 points, new paths will have a 4-point stroke.
Editing an object does not change the default attributes. Using the previous example, if you draw an object and change its stroke to 2 points, new paths will still have a 4-point stroke. You can change that behavior in the Object Preferences panel, so that editing an object changes the default attributes.
To change default attributes:
1 Choose Edit > Select > None or press Tab to deselect all objects in your document.
2 Choose Window > Inspectors and choose the appropriate inspector for the attributes you want to change. For example, choose Window > Inspectors > Fill to change the default fill attributes.
3 Make your changes to the default attributes. New objects in this document will use the new attributes.
To change default attributes by editing a selected object:
1 Choose Edit > Preferences. Click Object.
2 Select the Changing Object Changes Defaults option to have changes to an object modify the default attributes.
3 Click OK.
Selecting objects
You can select objects with the Pointer, Subselect, or Lasso tools, or by using keyboard shortcuts or menu commands.
The Pointer, Subselect, and Lasso tools let you select objects or points by clicking. The Pointer and Subselect tools also let you select objects or points by dragging a rectangular selection marquee. The Lasso tool lets you select objects and points by dragging a free-form selection marquee.
By default, the selection marquee must completely enclose an object or point to select it. You can change this behavior in Preferences so that dragging the selection marquee over any part of an object's edge selects the object.
You can also change how closely you must click to an object with the Pointer tool to select the object.
To prevent selecting or changing an object, you can hide it. You can also prevent changes to an object by locking it, but you can still select the locked object.
To set Pointer, Subselect, and Lasso tool options:
1 Double-click the tool in the Tools panel.
2 In the tool's dialog box, do one of the following:
Deselect Contact Sensitive if you want to select only objects and points that are completely enclosed by the selection marquee. Points that lie within the selection area will still be selected.
Select Contact Sensitive if you want to select objects or groups that are only partially enclosed by the selection marquee.
Note: The Pointer and Subselect tools use the same Contact Sensitive setting.
To specify how closely you must click to an object to select it:
1 Choose Edit > Preferences. Click General.
2 Enter a value from 1 to 5 pixels in the Pick Distance text box and click OK.
To select an object using the Pointer tool, do one of the following:
Using the Pointer tool, click the object. If the object has no fill, click its stroke to select it.
If you are using a tool other than the Pointer tool, hold down Control (Windows) or Command (Macintosh) to temporarily use the Pointer, and then click the object.
To select an object or point using the Subselect tool, do one of the following:
Using the Subselect tool, click the object, path, or point. This selects only the part you click, even if it is contained in a grouped object.
If you are using the Pointer tool, hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Macintosh) to temporarily use the Subselect tool, and then click the object, path, or point.
If you are using a tool other than the Pointer tool, hold down Control+Alt (Windows) or Command+Option (Macintosh) to temporarily use the Subselect tool, and then click the object, path, or point.
To select an object using the Lasso tool:
Drag the Lasso tool to define a selection marquee around the object or points you want to select.
To add an object to a selection:
Hold down Shift as you select an object or point.
To select all objects on the active page, do one of the following:
Choose Edit > Select > All.
Press Control+A (Windows) or Command+A (Macintosh).
To select all objects in a document, do one of the following:
Choose Edit > Select > All in Document.
Press Control+Shift+A (Windows) or Command+Shift+A (Macintosh).
To deselect all objects in a document:
Choose Edit > Select > None or press Tab.
To select all objects except the current selection:
Choose Edit > Select > Invert Selection.
To delete a selection without storing it on the Clipboard:
Choose Edit > Clear or press Delete.
Hiding objects
You can hide objects to prevent them from being modified. Hidden objects will appear in printed documents. You can choose View > Show All to redisplay hidden objects. Hidden objects will automatically redisplay when you close and re-open a file.
To hide selected objects:
1 Select the objects you want to hide.
2 Choose View > Hide Selection.
To show all hidden objects:
Choose View > Show All.
Note: Show All does not show hidden layers.
Locking objects
Locked objects cannot be edited. However, you can set preferences to allow fill attributes and text in locked objects to be edited.
To lock a selected object:
Choose Modify > Lock to lock the object or click the Lock button in the Main toolbar.
The Lock button is dimmed, and the Unlock button is now available.
To unlock a selected object, do one of the following:
Choose Modify > Unlock. The command is dimmed if the selection is not locked.
Click the Unlock button in the Main toolbar.
The Unlock button is dimmed, and the Lock button is now available.
To allow changing of fill and stroke attributes of locked objects:
1 Choose Edit > Preferences. Click Object.
2 Select Edit Locked Objects to allow the stroke and fill attributes of locked objects, including text within a locked text block, to be modified.
3 Click OK.
Note: Deselecting Edit Locked Objects prevents any changes.
Moving objects
You can move selected objects by dragging, pressing an arrow key, or by using the Transform panel.
When moving an object with the arrow keys, you can specify the distance it moves each time you press an arrow key.
To specify the distance an object moves when you press an arrow key:
1 Choose Modify > Cursor Distance.
2 Enter a value in the Arrow Key Distance text box. Values are in the document's current unit of measure. In points, the value can range from 1 to 864.
3 To specify the distance a selected object moves when you press Shift and an arrow key, enter a value in the Shift+Arrow Key Distance text box. This value can also range from 1 to 864 points.
To move a selected object, do one of the following:
Drag the selection to a new location. Press Control (Windows) or Command (Macintosh) to switch to the Pointer tool if another tool is selected.
Move the selection by pressing the corresponding arrow key or by pressing Shift and an arrow key.
To move selected objects using the Transform panel:
1 Choose Modify > Transform > Move.
2 Enter a positive value in the X text box to move the object to the right or a negative value to move it to the left.
3 Enter a positive value in the Y text box to move the selection up or a negative value to move it down.
For information on using the Transform panel, see Transforming objects.
Transforming objects
You can transform objects or points by rotating, scaling, skewing, and reflecting. Transformations can be done manually by dragging with the transformation tools, or precisely by using the Transform panel. You can also transform objects freely by using the transformation handles.
Using the Transform tools
Transformation tools comprise the following:
Rotate applies two-dimensional rotations.
Scale enlarges or reduces objects.
Skew slants an object along a specified axis.
Reflect flips an object.
To transform a selected object using the Transform tools:
1 Click a transformation tool in the Tools panel.
2 Place the pointer at the spot that will be the center of transformation.
On the Macintosh, Control-click to set the center of transformation as the center of the object.
3 Drag to transform the object.
Drag farther away from the point of transformation for greater control over the transformation.
Shift-drag constrains the transformation to 45° increments relative to the current constrain angle (Modify > Constrain).
Using the Transform panel
You can use the Transform panel to apply precise transformations and to display information on transformed objects. When moving, rotating, or scaling an object, the Transform panel displays the move distance, rotation angle, or scale percentage, respectively. The x and y coordinate text boxes indicate the location of an object's center after each transformation. For the procedure to move objects using the Transform panel, see Moving objects.
To transform objects pasted inside a clipping path, tiled fills, or strokes, see the procedures in Transforming objects freely.
Except for moving an object, transformations are applied in relation to a set point on or around the object, called the center point.
To set an object's center point manually:
1 Click the Pointer tool in the Tools panel.
2 Double-click the object. This displays its transformation handles and center point.
3 Drag the center point to the new location.
4 To reset a center point, deselect and then reselect the object, or hold down Shift and click the center point.
To rotate a selected object:
1 Do one of the following:
Double-click the Rotate tool in the Tools panel.
Choose Modify > Transform > Rotate.
Choose Window > Panels > Transform and click the Rotate button in the Transform panel.
2 Choose one or more of the following options:
Select Contents to rotate the contents of a clipping path with the rest of the path.
Select Fills to rotate a Tiled fill with the rest of the object.
3 In the Rotation Angle text box, enter a positive value to rotate the selection counterclockwise around its center. Enter a negative value to rotate the selection clockwise around its center.
4 Enter a value in the Copies text box. A value of 0 rotates only the selected object. Higher values create the specified number of copies, each of which is progressively rotated.
5 Set the object's center manually or by entering values in the X and Y text boxes in the Transform panel.
6 Click the Rotate button.
To scale a selected object:
1 Do one of the following:
Double-click the Scale tool in the Tools panel.
Choose Modify > Transform > Scale.
Choose Window > Panels > Transform and click the Scale button in the Transform panel.
2 Choose one or more of the following options:
Select Contents to scale the contents of a clipping path with the rest of the path.
Select Fills to scale a Tiled fill with the rest of the object.
Select Strokes to scale the object's stroke with the rest of the object.
Note: To transform stroke widths in grouped objects to show perspective, also choose Transform as Unit in the Object inspector (Window > Inspectors > Object).
3 For horizontal scaling, enter a positive value in the X text box to enlarge the selection and a negative value to reduce it.
To adjust horizontal and vertical scaling separately, deselect Uniform.
4 For vertical scaling, enter a positive value in the Y text box to enlarge the selection and a negative value to reduce it.
5 Enter a value in the Copies text box. A value of 0 scales only the selected object. Higher values create the specified number of copies, each of which is progressively scaled.
6 Set the object's center manually or by entering values in the X and Y text boxes in the Transform panel.
7 Click the Scale button.
To skew a selected object:
1 Do one of the following:
Double-click the Skew tool in the Tools panel.
Choose Modify > Transform > Skew.
Choose Window > Panels > Transform and click the Skew button in the Transform panel.
2 Choose one or more of the following options:
Select Contents to skew the contents of a clipping path with the rest of the path.
Select Fills to skew a Tiled fill with the rest of the object.
3 Enter a positive value in the Y text box to skew the selection to the right, and a negative value to skew it to the left.
4 Enter a positive value in the V text box to skew the selection up, and a negative value to skew it down.
5 Enter a value in the Copies text box. A value of 0 skews only the selected object. Higher values create the specified number of copies, each of which is progressively skewed.
6 Set the object's center manually or by entering values in the X and Y text boxes in the Transform panel.
7 Click the Skew button.
To reflect a selected object:
1 Do one of the following:
Double-click the Reflect tool in the Tools panel.
Choose Modify > Transform > Reflect.
Choose Window > Panels > Transform and click the Reflect button in the Transform panel.
2 Choose one or more of the following options:
Select Contents to reflect the contents of a clipping path with the rest of the path.
Select Fills to reflect a Tiled fill with the rest of the object.
3 Enter a value of 0 to 90° in the Reflect Axis text box to flip the selection horizontally. Enter a value of 90º to 180° in the Reflect Axis text box to flip the selection vertically.
4 Enter 0 or 1 in the Copies text box. Entering a higher number will cause multiple copies of the object to be stacked on top of each other.
5 Set the object's center manually or by entering values in the X and Y text boxes in the Transform panel.
6 Click the Reflect button.
Transforming objects freely
You can use transformation handles to freely transform objects, including text blocks, and to combine a series of transformations. You can also use the transformation handles to transform an object within a group or a paste inside, or to transform a point within a selected path.
If transformation handles don't appear when you double-click an object, you can display them using Preferences.
To display transformation handles:
1 Choose Edit > Preferences. Click General.
2 Select Double-Click Enables Transform Handles and click OK.
To transform freely:
1 Select the Pointer tool.
2 Double-click the object you want to transform.
If the object is selected, you can also choose Modify > Transform > Activate Handles. To disable the transformation handles, double-click away from the selection.
Eight transformation handles appear around the selection and a double-circle appears at the selection's center point.
Moving the Pointer tool over and around the selection changes the cursor to indicate which transformation function is available.
3 Drag the handles to transform the selection, as follows:
To move the selection, position the pointer over the object within the selection rectangle, and drag the object to a new position. Do not drag the center point.
To set the center of rotation, drag the center point to a new location.
To rotate the selection, position the pointer just outside a transformation handle and drag.
Shift-drag to rotate in 45° increments.
To scale the selection, position the pointer on a transformation handle, and drag.
Shift-drag to resize proportionally.
To skew the selection, position the pointer on the dotted outline between the transformation handles and drag.
Shift-drag to constrain the skew horizontally or vertically.
4 To copy the selection as you transform it, click and hold a handle, hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Macintosh) and drag the handle. A plus (+) sign next to the cursor indicates copying.
To transform an object within a group or inside a clipping path:
1 Click the Pointer tool.
2 Double-click the group or clipping path to activate the transformation handles, and drag to transform it.
3 Hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Macintosh) to subselect the object you want to transform. The object's transformation handles will be activated.
4 Press Tilde (~) to superselect objects in the group or clipping path without moving the center point.
To transform selected points within a path:
1 Double-click a point to activate transformation handles for the entire selection, and drag to transform it.
2 Press Tilde (~) to activate transformation handles for the entire path without moving the center point.
Power-duplicating
Power-duplicating is the process of repeating a transformation (move, scale, skew, reflect, rotate) on successive duplicates of the object. You can use power-duplication with more than one transformation. For example, you can move, scale, and skew a duplicate, and those transformations will be applied to successive duplicates.
Note: You cannot combine scaling and skewing during power-duplication.
Moving (left); moving and scaling (center); and moving, scaling, and rotating
To power-duplicate a selected object:
1 Choose Edit > Duplicate.
2 Transform the object.
3 Without deselecting the object, choose Edit > Duplicate.
Distorting objects
You can distort objects by using Xtra tools to add points, roughen points, or curve them in a concave or convex shape. You can also create an envelope and distort the envelope to warp or distort the graphics and text within. In addition, you can create patterns from distortions.
Distortions cannot be applied to bitmap images.
To add points to a selected object or path:
1 Choose Window > Toolbars > Xtra Operations.
2 Do one of the following to add a point between every pair of points on the path:
Click the Add Points button on the Xtras Operations toolbar.
Choose Xtras > Distort > Add Points.
Added Points
To distort a selected object manually:
1 Choose Window > Toolbars > Xtra Tools toolbar.
2 Click the tool corresponding to the desired effect, as follows:
Roughen creates a jagged effect.
Fisheye Lens creates a concave or convex effect.
Bend creates a bloated or spiked effect.
3 Drag applies the distortion to the selection.
Note: These distortions can create complex paths that may increase file size.
To roughen a selected path or object precisely:
1 Double-click the Roughen button in the Xtra Tools toolbar to display the tool's dialog box.
2 For Amount, enter the number of points added per inch, from 0 to 100.
3 For Edge, select Rough to use corner points to create a jagged edge or Smooth to use curve points to create a smooth, hand-drawn distorted edge.
4 Click OK.
5 Click anywhere on the path and drag. Dragging farther from the path makes the path rougher.
Note: To apply this effect to text, first select the text and choose Text > Convert to Paths.
To apply a precise fisheye lens effect to a selected path or object:
1 Double-click the Fisheye Lens button in the Xtra Tools toolbar to display the tool's dialog box.
2 For Perspective, enter an amount or drag the slider between Concave (-100) or Convex (100). The preview shows the amount of distortion.
3 Click OK.
To bend or bloat a selected path or object:
1 Double-click the Bend tool in the Xtra Tools toolbar.
2 Enter a value or drag to slider for the amount of distortion, between 0 and 10. The higher the value, the greater the distortion.
3 Click OK.
4 Click the mouse button to set the center point for the distortion and drag.
Drag up for a spiked effect, curving the path inward while the anchor points are moved outward.
Drag down for a bloated effect, curving the path outward while the anchor points are moved inward.
Creating envelopes
The Envelope tool lets you warp and distort graphics and text blocks. An envelope is a hidden wrapper or enclosure that contains one or more objects. Changes made to an envelope's shape affect the shape of the objects contained within the envelope.
You can save envelope settings for later use by storing envelopes as presets. These presets are retained in the Envelope toolbar.
To display the Envelope toolbar:
Choose Window > Toolbars > Envelope.
To apply the envelope effect to a selected object:
1 Choose Window > Toolbars > Envelope to display the Envelope toolbar.
2 Choose Modify > Envelope > Create, or click the Create button on the Envelope toolbar.
3 Modify the envelope as you would any FreeHand path and note the effect on the contents of the envelope.
You can use any path-changing tool or operation to modify an envelope. For example, dragging a corner point of an envelope outward causes the objects enclosed to stretch in that direction. For more information on adjusting handles and points, see Editing paths.
To view the envelope map:
Choose Modify > Envelope > Show Map, or click the Show Map button on the Envelope toolbars.
To copy a path and use it as an envelope on another object:
1 Select the envelope object and choose Edit > Copy.
2 Select an object and choose Modify > Envelope > Paste as Envelope, or click the Paste as Envelope button on the Envelope toolbar.
To convert an envelope to a path:
1 Select the envelope object.
2 Choose Modify > Envelope > Copy as Path, or click the Copy As Path button on the Envelope toolbar.
To remove an envelope from an object, do one of the following:
To remove the envelope but retain any changes to the object, choose Modify > Envelope > Release, or click the Release button on the Envelope toolbar.
To remove the envelope and remove changes to the objects, choose Modify > Envelope > Remove, or click the Remove button on the Envelope toolbar.
To save an envelope effect as a preset:
1 Select an enveloped object.
2 Choose Modify > Envelope > Save As Preset, or click the Save As Preset button in the Envelope toolbar.
3 Type a name for the preset in the Name text box of the New Envelope dialog box and click OK.
Envelope settings are stored in the file named Envelope (Macintosh) or Envelope.set (Windows) located in the Envelope folder within the FreeHand 10/English/Settings folder.
To delete an envelope preset:
1 Select an enveloped object.
2 Choose Modify > Envelope > Delete Preset or click the Delete a Preset button in the Envelope toolbar.
Note: Deleting the Envelope settings file removes all of your custom envelope presets.
Creating patterns
You can create simple or complex patterns using Xtra operations or tools. The Fractalize command creates intricate, square-like patterns. The Mirror Xtra tool reflects an existing path to create a pattern.
To create a square pattern using the Fractalize command:
1 Select an object.
2 Choose Window > Toolbars > Xtra Operations.
3 Click the Fractalize button.
Each application of Fractalize almost doubles the number of points on the selected object. This can increase file size.
To set Mirror tool options:
1 Choose Window > Toolbars > Xtra Tools.
2 Double-click the Mirror button in the Xtra Tools toolbar.
3 In the Mirror dialog box, choose the axis around which the objects should reflect:
Horizontal reflects from top to bottom.
Vertical reflects from left to right.
Horizontal and Vertical reflects both ways at once.
Multiple reflects around multiple axes.
4 If you chose Multiple, select these additional options:
Enter the number of axes the object reflects around (1 to 50 using the slider or 1 to 100 entering a value).
Choose Reflect to multiply the path and its reflection or choose Rotate to multiply only the path.
5 Select Close Paths to close any open paths whose end points are within the Snap distance set in general preferences; deselect the option to leave the paths open.
6 Click OK.
To create a pattern by specifying Mirror Xtra tool options:
1 Select a path, text container, or image.
Note: You must select the entire path, text container, or image. The entire path will be selected for mirroring, even if you've selected only some points on a path.
2 Choose Window > Toolbars > Xtra Tools.
3 Click the Mirror button in the Xtra Tools toolbar.
4 Specify the reflection by dragging the pointer to specify the halfway point between the selected path and its reflection or the center point of a group of reflections. Keylines show the position of each reflection upon release.
As you drag, you can use modifier keys to control the reflection, as follows:
To rotate keylines around the cursor, hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Macintosh).
To constrain the rotation to 45° increments, hold down Alt+Shift (Windows) or Option+Shift (Macintosh).
To toggle between reflect and rotate when setting Multiple mirrors, press the Up or Down arrow keys.
To increase or decrease the number of axes when setting multiple mirrors, press the Right or Left arrow keys.
Creating perspective
You can add perspective to objects by attaching them to a perspective grid. The perspective grid is a nonprinting array of lines that lets you define one-, two-, or three-point perspective with vanishing points, a horizon line, and grid lines for each plane. The perspective grid creates envelopes that adjust automatically as they're moved on the grid.
The Perspective tool lets you attach objects to the grid and move objects around the grid. Objects moved using the Perspective tool take on a new appearance as you move them around the grid. If you move an object using the Pointer tool or arrow keys, it is detached from the grid.
Attaching objects to a perspective grid
To attach objects to a perspective grid and give the object a three-dimensional appearance, you display a perspective grid and then use the Perspective tool. The object retains the perspective even after it's released from the perspective grid.
To attach an object to the perspective grid:
1 Choose View > Perspective Grid > Show to display the default perspective grid.
For instructions on editing perspective grids, see Editing perspective grids.
2 Select the Perspective tool.
3 Select the object you want to attach to the grid, and drag the object to the desired area of the perspective grid. Do not release the mouse button yet.
4 While holding down the mouse button, press and release the arrow key that corresponds to where you want to attach the object to the perspective grid, as follows:
For a perspective grid with only one vanishing point, press either the Left or Right Arrow key to attach an object to the vertical grid; press either the Up or Down Arrow key to attach an object to the horizontal grid.
For a perspective grid with more than one vanishing point, press the Left or Right Arrow key to attach an object to the left or right grid, respectively. Press the Up Arrow key to attach an object to the floor grid, aligned with the right vanishing point. Press the Down Arrow key to attach an object to the floor grid, aligned with the left vanishing point.
5 Release the mouse button
.
To move an object on the perspective grid:
1 Select the Perspective tool.
2 Reposition the object by using one of these methods:
Drag the object to a new location on the perspective grid.
To move an object while constraining it to the perspective grid lines, Shift-drag the object.
To move the grid and clone all attached objects, hold down Alt+Shift (Windows) or Option+Shift (Macintosh) key and drag the grid.
Note: When View > Snap to Grid is selected, objects moved using the Pointer tool snap to the perspective grid but do not automatically obtain a perspective appearance.
To flip an object horizontally or vertically on the perspective grid:
1 Click the object with the Perspective tool. Do not release the mouse button yet.
2 While holding the mouse button down, press the spacebar to flip a side grid object horizontally or a floor grid object vertically.
3 Release the mouse button.
To shrink an object on the perspective grid:
1 Select the object with the Perspective tool.
2 While holding down the mouse button, press one of the following keys on the keyboard to shrink the object by 1 pixel in the indicated directions:
Press 1 for width and height.
Press 3 for width.
Press 5 for height.
To enlarge an object on the perspective grid:
1 Select the object with the Perspective tool.
2 While holding down the mouse button, press one of the following keys to enlarge the object by 1 pixel in the indicated directions:
Press 2 for width and height.
Press 4 for width.
Press 6 for height.
To detach an object from the perspective grid, do one of the following:
To discard perspective attributes, choose View > Perspective Grid > Remove Perspective.
To retain perspective attributes, choose View > Perspective Grid > Release With Perspective.
You can use the Text Editor to edit text that is attached to a perspective grid. If you release text from the perspective grid while retaining its perspective (View > Perspective Grid > Release with Perspective), it is converted to grouped paths and can no longer be edited as text.
To edit text that is attached to a perspective grid:
1 Click the Perspective tool in the Tools panel.
2 Hold down Control+Alt (Windows) or Command+Option (Macintosh) and double-click the text.
3 In the Text Editor, edit the text. Click Apply to make the changes without closing the Text Editor, or click OK to apply the changes and close the text editor.
Editing perspective grids
You can define a new perspective grid, edit the grid, and store custom grid settings using the Define Grids command. You can alter the grid's attributes at any time.
The attributes of the perspective grid determine the look of your three-dimensional objects. By defining the number of vanishing points and their positions, as well as the grid cell size, you can alter the viewer's perspective.
To create a new perspective grid:
1 Choose View > Perspective Grid > Define Grid to open the Define Grids panel.
2 Click New to create a new grid or click Duplicate to copy an existing grid.
3 To rename the grid, select the grid name from the list and enter the new name. You cannot use the name of an existing grid.
4 For Vanishing Points, choose a number from the pop-up menu, 1, 2, or 3.
5 Enter a value for the grid cell size. This value uses the units of measure specified for this document.
6 To change the grid color, click the Left, Right, or Horizontal Grid color swatches, and choose a new color from the color palette.
7 When you have finished defining the grid, click OK.
To edit an existing grid:
1 Choose View > Perspective Grid > Define Grid.
2 In the Define Grids dialog box, select the grid you want to modify.
3 Change the grid settings and click OK.
To delete a grid:
1 Choose View > Perspective Grid > Define Grid.
2 Select the grid name and click Delete.
To replace a grid in the grid list, delete the unwanted grid and then create a new one.
To alter the grid angles and orientation:
1 Select the Perspective tool.
2 Drag a gridline to adjust it. A small arrow beside the pointer indicates that the pointer is over an active area.
3 Adjust the grid in the following ways:
To hide or show a grid associated with a particular vanishing point, double-click the vanishing point. A small arrow remains to mark the vanishing point's location.
To hide or show a grid floor, double-click the horizon line. A line remains to show the horizon's location.
To create a new grid by modifying an existing grid:
Hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Macintosh) as you drag the grid with the Perspective tool. The new perspective grid appears in the Define Grids dialog box with the default name numbered in sequence (for example, Grid 2).
Drawing overview
Macromedia FreeHand gives you a wide range of options for drawing. You can drag to create simple objects, such as rectangles, ellipses, and lines. You can also drag to create more complex shapes, including spirals, stars, and polygons. Most drawing tools let you set options. For example, you can change the number of sides on a polygon or the direction in which a spiral winds.
You can create paths by placing points with the Pen or Bezigon tools, or by drawing a freeform shape with the Pencil tool. You can change the type of points and edit them to adjust the shape of the path segments that join them. FreeHand also lets you edit paths by removing or adding points, combining paths, and dragging path segments into new shapes.
The Trace tool lets you create a path that follows the outline of a bitmap image. For example, you can trace a bitmap image of a rose and then edit the resulting paths to change the rose's appearance.
You can use other tools to create specialty objects. For example, the Chart tool lets you add charts to your drawings. The Graphic Hose lets you draw using a picture as a brush.
About vector graphics
Paths connected by points are the basic elements of FreeHand objects. A path consists of at least two points, each connecting one or more line segments, either straight or curved.
FreeHand generates lines and curves, called vectors, which describe graphics according to their mathematical characteristics. Graphics constructed this way are much smaller in file size than bitmap graphics. Vector graphics are also resolution-independent—they appear crisp and smooth onscreen or when printed regardless of the monitor or printer resolution.
In contrast, bitmap images consist of a matrix of pixels whose display depends on the resolution of your monitor and printer. Bitmap images appear granulated when enlarged.
Vector image (top) and bitmap image (bottom)
FreeHand is a vector drawing program, but you can work with bitmap images in several ways. You can rasterize FreeHand objects, which means to convert them to a bitmap image within your document. For more information, see Converting vector graphics to bitmap images. You can also export an entire FreeHand document to a bitmap file format. For more information, see Exporting bitmap images.
You can import or copy a bitmap image into a FreeHand drawing. For example, you can import a photograph of a rose, an image that would be difficult to create using vector graphics, to enhance a drawing. For more information, see Importing artwork and Copying objects.
You can also trace a bitmap image in FreeHand. The Trace tool creates paths that follow the outlines of a bitmap image. For example, you can import a photograph of a cow, and then trace the cow's outline or just the cow's spots. For more information, see Tracing artwork.
Path and point characteristics
Paths and points have the following basic characteristics:
A path can be open with unconnected end points, or closed with the same beginning and ending point.
Examples of open (top) and closed (bottom) paths
Each path can have up to 32,000 points, which lets you import complex files from other sources. However, using more points increases file size and slows redrawing and printing.
Paths can be outlined by lines or "strokes" of varying widths and filled with color, gradients, or patterns. Paths can also be filled with bitmap images.
By default, fills of open paths don't display or print, but you can change this behavior. For more information, see Setting path and point display preferences.
Paths have either clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The Rectangle, Polygon, and Ellipse tools draw in a clockwise direction. With the Line tool, the direction in which you draw sets the path direction. With the FreeHand Pen and Bezigon tools, the order in which you place points sets the path direction.
The path direction affects path operations (see Changing a path's direction).
Different types of points anchor path segments and let you edit lines and curves in different ways by adjusting their handles.
Corner, curve, and connector points
FreeHand places a corner point, which is displayed as a square, when you draw a straight path segment. A corner point's handles can be adjusted independently. When you first select a corner point, its handles are retracted.
FreeHand places a curve point, which is displayed as a circle, when you draw a curved path segment. A curved point's handles move in tandem. When you first select a curve point, its handles are extended.
Connector points, which are displayed as triangles, let you make a smooth transition between a straight path segment and a curved one. The position of adjacent points limits how much you can adjust a connector point's handles and whether its handles are initially extended or retracted.
Setting path and point display preferences
You can set your preferences to change the way FreeHand displays paths and points. This can make it easier to select and edit a path or point, particularly in a complex drawing.
You can also change the way fills are displayed for a new open path.
To set the display preferences for selected paths and points:
1 Choose Edit > Preferences. Click General.
2 Choose one or more options:
Select Smoother Editing to display points using the current layer's foreground color. If you select Smoother Editing, you can also select Highlight Selected Paths to highlight a path's centerline using the current layer's foreground color.
Select Smaller Handles to display smaller points and handles.
Select Show Solid Points to display points as a solid shape. Deselect this option to display points as an outline.
3 Click OK.
To set the display preferences for a fill in an open path:
1 Choose Edit > Preferences. Click Object.
2 Select Show Fill for New Open Paths if you want an open path's fill to be displayed. This option applies only to paths created after you have set this preference.
3 Click OK.
Drawing rectangles, ellipses, and lines
Rectangles, ellipses, and lines are the basic FreeHand shapes. You can draw basic shapes by dragging with one of these tools. You can also precisely adjust rectangles' size and position, and adjust the curve of rectangle corners.
Rectangles and ellipses are drawn as grouped objects. If you ungroup a rectangle or ellipse, FreeHand converts it to a path, and you can no longer edit it as a rectangle or ellipse.
To draw a rectangle, ellipse, or line:
1 Click the Rectangle, Ellipse, or Line tool in the Tools panel.
2 Hold down the mouse button to start a path, drag to draw, and then release the mouse button to end the path.
To draw a rectangle, ellipse, or line from its center:
Hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Macintosh) as you drag the respective tool.
To draw rectangles with curved corners:
1 Double-click the Rectangle tool.
2 In the Rectangle Tool dialog box, enter a value or use the slider to adjust the corner radius, from 0 for a standard 90° corner to 100 for extremely curved corners.
3 Click OK.
4 Draw the rectangle.
To adjust the corners of a selected rectangle:
1 Choose Window > Inspectors > Object to display the Object inspector.
2 Enter a value in the Corner Radius text box. Press Enter or Return.
Constraining a basic shape as you draw
You can constrain how a tool draws a basic shape. When constrained, the Rectangle tool draws a square, the Ellipse tool draws a circle, and the Line tool draws at increments of 45° .
You can change the constrain angle. When the constrain angle is 0° , holding down the Shift key constrains objects to 0° , 45° , 90° , and so on. Changing the constrain angle shifts these angles by the specified amount. A constrain angle of 10° , for example, changes the angles to 10° , 55° , 100° , and so on. If you change the constrain angle, when you draw a rectangle, line, or ellipse it will be tilted to the value you specified.
To constrain a shape as you draw, do one of the following:
To constrain a shape, hold down Shift as you drag the pointer.
To constrain a shape as you draw from the center, hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Macintosh) and Shift-drag the pointer.
To set the constrain angle:
1 Choose Modify > Constrain.
2 Enter a value in the Angle text box, or use the wheel to set the angle.
3 Click OK.
Drawing polygons and stars
You can use the Polygon tool to draw polygons and stars. When you draw a polygon, you create a closed path. A polygon path is similar to a path drawn with the Pen or Bezigon tools, except that the Polygon tool constrains the path to a regular shape with the characteristics you specify in the tool's options.
The Polygon tool draws from the center.
To set Polygon tool options:
1 Double-click the Polygon tool.
2 In the Polygon Tool dialog box, select Polygon or Star for the shape.
3 Set the number of sides by dragging the slider or entering a value from 3 to 360. Values above 20 will create a nearly round object.
4 For a star, set the angle of the star points. Select Automatic to draw a preset star shape, or Manual to set a shape using the Acute/Obtuse slider. The preview window displays the setting results.
5 Click OK.
Automatic (left), Acute (center), and Obtuse (right)
To draw a polygon or star:
1 Click the Polygon tool in the Tools panel.
2 Drag the pointer to draw a polygon.
To constrain the angle at which a polygon or star appears in your document, press Shift as you draw.
Drawing spirals and arcs
With the Spiral and Arc Xtras tools, you can easily draw spirals and arcs. Each tool has several options that let you customize the way it works.
For information on managing Xtras, see Using and managing Xtras.
To set Spiral tool options:
1 Choose Window > Toolbars > Xtra Tools.
2 Double-click the Spiral tool in the Xtra Tools panel.
3 In the Spiral dialog box, select a Spiral Type option:
Click the left button to create a spiral with a concentric, evenly spaced radius.
Click the right button to create an expanding-radius spiral that opens up farther with each rotation. In the Expansion text box, enter a value or drag the slider to adjust the expansion rate.
4 Select a Draw By option:
Rotations specifies the number of rotations in the spiral, regardless of its size. Set the number by entering a value in the Number of Rotations text box or by adjusting the slider control.
Increments adds more rotations as the spiral grows bigger. Set the spacing between each rotation by entering a value in the Increment Width text box or by adjusting the slider control. For expanding spirals, enter a value in the Starting Radius text box.
5 Select a Draw From option:
With the Center option, you click to set the center point of the spiral and drag to place the end point.
With the Edge option, you click to place the end point of a spiral and drag to place the center point.
With the Corner option, you click to place one end point of a spiral and drag to place the other end point.
6 Click a Direction button to specify whether a spiral turns clockwise or counterclockwise. This does not change the path direction of a spiral.
7 Click OK.
To draw a spiral:
1 Choose Window > Toolbars > Xtra Tools to display the Xtra Tools panel.
2 Click the Spiral tool and drag to draw a spiral.
3 To modify the spiral as you draw, use any of the following keys:
Press Shift to constrain the placement of the final point.
Press Alt (Windows) or Option (Macintosh) to draw from the center regardless of the selected drawing option.
To set Arc tool options:
1 Choose Window > Toolbars > Xtra Tools to display the Xtra Tools panel.
2 Double-click the Arc tool.
3 In the Arc dialog box, select from the following options:
Select Create Open Arc to draw only the arc curve. Deselect this option to draw the arc as a quarter pie shape.
Select Create Flipped Arc to flip the orientation of the arc.
Select Create Concave Arc to draw the arc with an outer corner.
Concave (left), Open (center), and Flipped (right)
4 Click OK.
To draw an arc:
1 Choose Window > Toolbars > Xtra Tools to display the Xtra Tools panel.
2 Click the Arc tool and drag to draw an arc.
3 To modify the arc as you draw, press any of the following keys, alone or in combination, after you begin drawing the arc:
Press Shift to constrain the arc.
Press Alt (Windows) or Option (Macintosh) to draw a flipped arc.
Press Control (Windows) or Command (Macintosh) to draw a closed arc.
On the Macintosh only, press Control to draw a concave arc.
In Windows only, press Control and hold down the right mouse button as you draw to create a concave arc.
Drawing freeform paths
With the Pencil tool, you can draw freeform paths that follow the direction of your hand movements. The three modes of operation for this tool are Freehand, Variable Stroke, and Calligraphic Pen.
To set Pencil tool options:
1 Double-click the Pencil tool.
2 In the Pencil Tool dialog box, choose a Tool Operation option:
Freehand draws a simple line as you move the cursor.
Variable Stroke resembles a brush stroke.
Calligraphic Pen resembles a calligraphy pen stroke.
3 Enter a value from 1 to 10 in the Precision text box, or adjust the slider control. Choose a higher value to follow minor variations as you draw. Choose a low value to smooth minor variables as you draw.
4 Select Draw Dotted Line to draw paths faster by displaying a dotted line as you draw. The final path is still solid.
5 Select Auto Remove Overlap to remove unnecessary path segments and create a composite path.
Original (left) and Auto Remove Overlap applied (right)
Note: Using the Auto Remove Overlap option may slow the redrawing of an image. You can also remove overlap by selecting the path and choosing Modify > Alter Path > Remove Overlap or clicking the Remove Overlap button on the Xtra Operations toolbar.
6 For Variable Stroke, set a path width, measured from the centerline, between 1 and 72 points.
7 For the Calligraphic Pen, select additional Width and Angle options:
Click Fixed to set calligraphic paths to a constant width, or click Variable to specify a path width between 1 and 72 points.
Set the angle of the Calligraphic pen by entering a value or dragging the Angle dial between 0° to 359° . The actual width of a stroke at a given location on the path depends on the direction in which you drag.
Click OK.
Use the stroke and fill color selectors in the Tools panel to set color attributes for the path. For a Calligraphic Pen, select no stroke and a basic fill to most closely resemble a real calligraphy pen. For more information, see Applying color in FreeHand.
To draw a path with the Pencil tool:
1 Click the Pencil tool in the Tools panel.
2 Drag to draw a path.
3 Hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Macintosh) to draw a straight line.
4 For the Variable Stroke or Calligraphic Pen option, vary the path width by 1/8 the tool's Width setting as you draw:
To decrease the path width, press the Left Arrow key (Windows) or Left Bracket key (Macintosh).
To increase path width, use the Right Arrow key (Windows) or the Right Bracket key (Macintosh).
If you're using a pressure-sensitive tablet, the width of the path segments increases or decreases according to the amount of pressure applied.
5 To continue a selected path, position the Pencil pointer over a path's end point; a solid plus sign indicates that drawing will continue the path.
Drawing with the Pen tool and Bezigon tool
You can use the Pen tool and Bezigon tool to draw by placing points to define a path. The Pen tool and the Bezigon tool differ in the way they place points.
The Pen tool lets you adjust a point's handles, and therefore the curvature of a path, as you draw. Click to place a point, then drag to adjust the handles. Use the Pen tool to create a path with curved segments.
Drawing with the Pen tool
Drawing with the Bezigon tool
The Bezigon tool sets point locations. Click to place a point, then continue dragging to move that point. Use the Bezigon tool to create a path with straight segments.
Pen tool smart cursors
FreeHand 10 makes the Pen tool easier to use by adding additional smart cursors. As you move the Pen tool, the cursor changes to show what action will happen if you click at the Pen's location.
To draw with the Pen tool:
1 Click the Pen tool.
2 Do any of the following:
Click to place a corner point.
Drag to place a curve point and extend its handles. Press Control (Windows) or Command (Macintosh) as you drag to move the curve point to a new location.
Hold down Alt and right-click (Windows) or Control-click (Macintosh) to place a connector point.
Dragging as you place a connector point extends the point's handle. This handle affects the curve of the next path segment.
3 To finish the path, do one of the following:
Double-click the last point or press Tab to create an open path.
Click the first point to create a closed path.
To draw with the Bezigon tool:
1 Click the Bezigon tool.
2 Choose an option:
Click to place a corner point.
To place a curve point, hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Macintosh) as you click.
To reposition a point and the point handles simultaneously, hold down Control (Windows) or Command (Macintosh) and drag the point to its new location.
To place a connector point that connects a straight segment to a curved path: In Windows, hold down Alt and right-drag the mouse button. On the Macintosh, Control-drag to place a connector point.
3 To finish the path, do one of the following:
Double-click the last point or press Tab to create an open path.
Click the first point to create a closed path.
To constrain path segments:
Hold down Shift as you place a point.
To continue a selected path:
1 Click the Pen or Bezigon tool. You can continue a Pen path with the Bezigon tool and vice versa.
2 Click or drag to draw additional segments.
To place a path segment at a sharp angle to a preceding curve, click the curve point to retract its handle. Then drag or click to set the next point as desired.
Placing a path segment at a sharp angle
3 Double-click the last point or press Tab to finish the path.
To close a selected open path, do one of the following:
Use the Pointer or Subselect tool to drag one end point over the other end point.
Choose Window > Inspectors > Object. In the Object inspector, select Closed to automatically connect the end points of the path with a new path segment.
In Windows only, right-click the path and choose Path > Closed from the pop-up menu.
To open a selected closed path, do one of the following:
Choose Window > Inspectors> Object. In the Object inspector, deselect Closed to remove the last path segment from the path.
In Windows only, right-click the path and choose Path > Open from the pop-up menu.
Editing paths
You can easily edit paths using various tools and techniques. Once you've drawn a path, you can add or delete points, reposition points, or redirect the path.
You can edit paths using the Pen, Bezigon, Pointer, and Subselect tools. You can reshape paths using the Freeform tool or split paths with the Knife tool. You can also apply Xtras to simplify paths by reducing the number of points.
You can also control path display and behavior using the Object inspector.
Adding and deleting path segments and points
Deleting one or more segments from a path leaves one or more open paths.
To delete a path segment or point:
1 Click the Subselect tool on the Tools panel.
2 Click the path to select it.
3 Click a point or path segment to select it. Shift-click to select additional segments or points.
4 Press Delete.
To manually add points to a selected path:
1 Click the Pen tool in the Tools panel.
2 Click the path to place a new corner point.
To automatically add points to a selected path:
Choose Window > Toolbars > Xtra Operations. Click the Add Points button on the Xtras Operations toolbar or choose Xtras > Distort > Add Points.
A point is added halfway between every pair of points on a path.
Reshaping a path
You can reshape a path by moving points and path segments, and by adjusting a point's handles by dragging with the Pointer or Subselect tools.
You can also modify a path using the Object inspector or the Freeform tool. For information on using the Freeform tool, see Editing a path with the Freeform tool.
To move points on a selected path:
1 Do one of the following:
Click the Pointer tool in the Tools panel if you are selecting points on an ungrouped path.
Click the Subselect tool in the Tools panel if you are selecting points on a path that is part of a group.
2 Click a point to select it. Shift-click to select additional points.
3 Drag any of the selected points to move all of the selected points to the new location.
To adjust a point's handles:
1 Click the Pointer tool and select the path.
2 Click a point to display its handles. The adjacent handles of the points on either side of the selected point will also be displayed.
3 Drag a handle to adjust the curve.
Moving a handle closer to its point decreases the amount of curve. Moving it away from the point increases the curve.
Dragging a corner point's handle to curve a straight path segment
Dragging a curve point's handle to reverse a path segment's curve
Dragging a connector point's handle to increase a path segment's curvature
The farther you drag a handle from a corner, curve, or connector point, the more pronounced the curve becomes.
To adjust points using the Object inspector:
1 Choose Window > Inspectors > Object to display the Object inspector.
Path information in Object inspector
2 Select the path and then the points you want to adjust. The Object inspector displays several options for the selected points.
If you select more than one point, the Point location text boxs are hidden.
Point information in Object inspector
3 Choose one of the following options:
Click a Point Type button to change the type of selected point.
Click a Handles button to retract the selected point's handles.
Select Automatic to extend the point handles and adjacent path segments to best conform to the existing path. This option may move curve point handles from their original position, but does not add handles to corner or connector points.
Change a point's location by editing the values in the Point Location X and Y text boxes. Values are in the default unit of measurement as measured from the page's zero point.
Editing a path with the Freeform tool
The Freeform tool lets you modify a path by pushing, pulling, or reshaping. The Freeform tool automatically adds points, deletes points, or changes point types as you modify the paths.
The Freeform tool has two modes of operation:
Push/Pull lets you adjust a selected path by pushing the pointer across a path segment or by pulling the segment directly. Pulling is similar to dragging a segment using the Subselect tool. Pushing reshapes only that part of the path the pointer touches.
Reshape is similar to pushing, except that the effect weakens as you drag the pointer. This is a powerful tool for creating naturalistic shapes, such as tentacles or tree branches.
Push (left) and Reshape (right)
To set Freeform tool Push/Pull options:
1 Double-click the Freeform tool in the Tools panel.
2 In the Freeform Tool dialog box, select Push/Pull.
3 Choose the Push Settings options.
Set the pointer Size by entering a value from 1 to 1000 pixels or by adjusting the slider.
Set the tool Precision by entering a value from 1 to 10 or by adjusting the slider. Lower numbers mean lower precision and fewer points added to the path.
4 Choose the Pull Settings options.
Choose a Bend option from the drop-down list.
By Length lets you specify the length of the segment that will be affected, from 1 to 1000 pixels.
Between Points affects all of a path segment between its end points. A small s by the pull cursor shows when this option is active.
5 Set the Pressure options if you are using a pressure-sensitive drawing tablet.
To activate the tablet's pressure-sensitive size adjustment capability, select Size.
To activate the tablet's pressure-sensitive length adjustment capability, select Length.
6 Click OK.
To push or pull a selected path:
1 Double-click the Freeform tool in the Tools panel.
2 In the Freeform Tool dialog box, select Push/Pull.
3 Click OK.
4 You can adjust the path two ways.
Click on the path and drag to pull the path. A small s beside the pointer indicates that you are in Pull mode.
Pulling a path segment between points (top) and pulling a path of a specified length (bottom)
Click beside the path and drag to push the path. A circular pointer indicates that you are in Push mode. The pointer's size depends on the Freeform tool size setting.
Push set at 50 (left) and Curve after being pushed (right)
5 While dragging with the Freeform tool in Push/Pull mode, you can use the following keys to modify the operation:
Hold down Shift to constrain the pointer movement.
To switch temporarily between the By Length and Between Points options, hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Macintosh), and then drag with the pull pointer. Holding down Alt/Option after you start dragging clones the path.
To increase the width of the push pointer, press the Right Arrow or Right Bracket (]) key. To decrease the width, press the Left Arrow or Left Bracket ([) key.
To set Freeform tool Reshape options:
1 Double-click the Freeform tool in the Tools panel.
2 In the Freeform Tool dialog box, select Reshape.
3 Choose the Settings options.
Set the Size of the pointer by entering a value from 1 to 1000 pixels or by adjusting the slider.
Set the Strength of the pointer, or how strongly it will distort a path, by entering a value from 1 to 100 percent or by adjusting the slider.
Set the tool Precision by entering a value from 1 to 10 or by adjusting the slider. Lower numbers mean lower precision and fewer points added to the path.
4 Set the Pressure options if you are using a pressure-sensitive drawing tablet.
Select Size to activate the tablet's pressure-sensitive size adjustment capability.
Select Length to activate the tablet's pressure-sensitive length adjustment capability.
5 Click OK.
To reshape a selected path:
1 Double-click the Freeform tool in the Tools panel.
2 In the Freeform Tool dialog box, select Reshape Area.
3 Click OK.
4 Position the pointer near the path and press the mouse button. The pointer changes to the reshaping pointer.
Note: The inner circle of the reshaping pointer represents the strength setting.
5 Drag the pointer across the path to reshape the path.
6 While dragging with the Freeform tool in Reshape mode, you can use the following keys to modify the operation:
Hold down Shift to constrain the pointer movement.
To increase the width of the reshape pointer, press the Right Arrow or Right Bracket (]) key. To decrease the width, press the Left Arrow or Left Bracket ([) key.
To increase the strength of the reshape pointer, press the Up Arrow key. To decrease the strength, press the Down Arrow key.
Splitting paths
You can manually split paths and create either open or closed paths by using the Knife tool or the Split command.
To set the Knife tool options:
Double-click the Knife tool and select from the following options.
Select Freehand to make a freehand cut or Straight to make a straight cut. If you are using the Freehand operation, you can hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Macintosh) as you drag to cut a straight line. Hold down Shift to constrain it.
Enter a value from 0 to 72 points in the Width text box or set the Width with the slider control. A width of 0 gives a single, thin cut. Higher values will make two cuts spaced according to the Width value.
Select Close Cut Paths to close the resulting paths and to display the stroke and fill of the original path. Deselect the option to keep the resulting paths open and to display only the stroke.
Note: If you have selected the Show Fill for New Open Paths preference, the resulting paths still display the original path's fill, regardless of the Knife tool settings.
Select Tight Fit to make a cut that closely follows the path of your hand movements.
If the Smoother Editing general preference is deselected, new points resulting from a cut path may not be visible.
To split a selected path with the Knife tool:
Drag the Knife tool across the path.
To split paths using the Split command:
1 Select one or more paths.
2 Select one or more points on each path. The path will be split at each point you select.
3 Choose Modify > Split.
Simplifying paths
Using many points on a path increases the file size and can slow the process of redrawing the screen and printing. Simplifying a path generally makes editing, display, and printing easier, and is useful for objects created with the Trace tool or the Pencil tool.
To selectively simplify paths in an entire document, you can use the Find & Replace Graphics command to select paths containing more than a specified number of points. For more information on the Find & Replace Graphics command, see Making global changes.
You can also change the flatness setting to improve printing. For more information, see Setting up to print.
To simplify a selected path:
1 Choose Modify > Alter Path > Simplify.
2 Enter a value in the Amount text box or adjust the slider control. The higher the value, the more points FreeHand removes from the path.
3 Click Apply to preview the result. You can change the result and preview it as many times as you want.
4 Click Cancel to cancel the operation or click OK to accept the results.
Changing a path's direction
The path direction affects which handle adjusts a given path segment, which path end an arrowhead is attached to, and how text is attached to a path. Direction also affects blending paths, composite paths, and brush strokes.
To change the direction of a selected path:
Choose Modify > Alter Path > Reverse Direction to reverse the direction of the selected path.
Overlapping fills
Closed paths have one of two directions: clockwise or counterclockwise. When a clockwise path meets a counterclockwise path, these paths yield a transparent, overlapping section in a composite path. When two closed paths of the same direction overlap, these paths yield a filled, overlapping section. If your composite path's overlapping fill does not behave as expected, then try Modify > Alter Path > Correct Direction or subselect a path and apply Modify > Alter Path > Reverse Direction.
To apply Correct Direction to a selected composite path, do one of the following:
Choose Modify > Alter Path > Correct Direction.
Choose Xtras > Cleanup > Correct Direction.
Click the Correct Direction button on the Xtra Operations toolbar.
Tracing artwork
You can import bitmap artwork into FreeHand and then use the Trace tool to create paths that follow the outlines of all or part of the artwork. You can trace all of an image within the selection marquee, or you can trace just an area of contiguous color within the image. The Trace tool traces any objects, including FreeHand graphics, bitmap images, and text.
Scanning images for tracing
When scanning images to be traced in FreeHand, it is recommended that you use a scan resolution between 300 and 600 dots per inch (dpi). Scanning at a resolution higher than 600 dpi results in too many points. In addition, high-resolution bitmap images require more RAM than lower-resolution images. If RAM is limited, FreeHand uses the lowest allowable resolution setting when tracing.
Setting Trace tool options
When tracing bitmap and vector graphics, the default settings for the Trace tool provide good results without using excessive system memory. Before tracing, you should confirm the Trace Tool dialog box settings. The Trace tool's settings are saved to the FreeHand Preferences file when you quit FreeHand.
FreeHand lets you choose several ways to convert color when tracing an object. You can make the following conversions when tracing:
You can trace a color image to an RGB or CMYK color object.
You can trace a grayscale image to a grayscale object.
You can trace a color image as a grayscale object.
To set Trace tool options:
1 Double-click the Trace tool in the Tools panel.
2 In the Trace Tool dialog box, set the color mode options.
Choose the number of colors, from 2 to 256. Excess colors in the image are converted to the nearest color.
Choose Colors or Grays to set the color mode of the trace result.
If you are tracing in color, choose RGB or CMYK to set the color scheme for the trace result.
Note: To add colors from imported or traced graphics to the color list in the Swatches panel, choose Xtras > Colors > Name All Colors.
3 Set the resolution.
Choose High to yield more details in the trace result. The trace is slower and uses more memory.
Choose Low to yield fewer details in the trace result. The trace is faster and uses less memory.
Choose Normal for a result intermediate between High and Low.
4 Select a Trace Layers option: All, Foreground, or Background. FreeHand traces all paths on the designated layers.
5 Set the Path Conversion option to determine how paths are traced:
Choose Outline to trace along the outside border of the graphics and create closed, filled paths. Then choose a Path Overlap option: None to trace line art and text; Loose to trace continuous-tone images; or Tight for more precise color tracing.
Choose Centerline to trace the center of graphic strokes. Use this option to trace line-intensive graphics with few fills. Then select Uniform to trace with a consistent, 1-point stroke, or deselect Uniform to create paths with varying stroke widths.
Choose Centerline/Outline to combine the Outline and Centerline. Then enter an Open Paths Below value to leave paths with widths below that value open. Values are from 2 to 10 pixels.
Choose Outer Edge to trace only the outer contours of the graphic, providing an accurate clipping path into which the original graphic can be pasted.
6 Set the Trace Conformity value to determine how closely the traced paths follow the original. Values can range from 0 (less conformity with fewer points) to 10 (greater conformity with more points).
7 Set the Noise Tolerance value to eliminate stray pixels, or noise, in a low-quality original. Values can range from 0 (more noise retained) to 10 (more noise eliminated).
8 Set the Wand Color Tolerance for the sensitivity in selecting areas of contiguous colors. Values can range from 0 (narrower range of colors selected) to 255 (wider range of colors selected).
9 Click OK.
Tracing an image
You can trace an image by selecting an area or by selecting an area of similar color. With either method, FreeHand creates the traced paths directly above the object that you traced.
When you select by color, FreeHand selects only those colors that are adjacent to the initial selection and within the tolerance set in the Trace tool options. You can add additional areas of any color to the selection. For example, you can select all of the red roses in a picture, or you can select a red rose and its green stem.
To trace a selected area:
1 Click the Trace tool in the Tools panel. The cursor becomes a wand.
2 Drag a selection area around the object to trace. Hold down Shift to constrain the Trace tool's selection area to a square.
To trace a contiguous area of color:
1 Click the Trace tool in the Tools panel.
2 In the document, click to select an area of color.
To add to the current selection, Shift-click additional areas.
To subtract from the current selection, Shift-click a selected area.
To deselect all areas, press Tab.
3 Click a selected area to open the Wand Options dialog box.
4 Choose an option:
Choose Trace Selection to trace the selection using the settings in the Trace Tool dialog box.
Choose Convert Selection Edge to trace only the edges of the selected areas.
Creating charts and pictographs
Using the Chart tool, you can create charts to visually display numeric data. You create a chart by entering data and choosing display options. You can later edit the data and change the display options to update the chart.
A FreeHand chart is a grouped series of objects that acts much like any other group—you can enlarge, scale, rotate, and move it, and you can also edit individual chart elements. Once you ungroup a chart, however, it becomes a graphic and you can no longer edit the data, even if you regroup the chart.
Pictographs are graphics that replace the standard chart bars or lines with an image. For example, you can represent a monetary value with a stack of coins or a dairy value with a stack of cows.
Charts are created in grayscale. You can color them using various techniques.
To create a chart:
1 Choose Window > Toolbars > Xtra Tools to display the Xtras toolbar.
2 Click the Chart tool in the Xtra toolbar.
3 Drag the pointer to set the initial size of the chart.
4 The Chart dialog box appears with the flashing cursor in the data entry text box. The active cell is outlined in black.
To change the active cell, click a different cell or use the arrow keys.
5 Do one of the following to add data to the selected cell:
Type in the text box above the chart cells. To undo the last change, click the Undo button.
Click Import to import tab-delimited text from another application, such as Microsoft Excel.
6 To create labels and legends, leave the top left cell empty. Enter data across the first row for the chart legend and in the left column for the labels.
Labels appear across the bottom of the graph and the legend appears at its right side. Type quotation marks around number labels to have them read as numbers instead of data.
7 To transpose the rows and columns and their data, click the Transpose data.
8 To adjust column width, drag the triangle above the line separating two columns.
9 To set the data precision, enter a Decimal Precision value for the number of decimal places to which the data will be rounded. Select Thousands Separator to punctuate values of one thousand or greater.
10 Continue entering data as needed, repeating steps 5 through 8.
Note: The Chart tool plots empty cells as values of 0.
11 When you have finished entering data, click Apply to create the chart, or click OK to create the chart and close the dialog box.
Click the style button at the top of the dialog box to specify the chart type. For more information, see Setting the chart type and options.
To edit data in a chart:
1 Select the chart in your document and double-click the Chart button in the Xtra Tools toolbar.
2 In the Chart dialog box, select a cell or drag to select multiple cells.
3 To edit data in the worksheet, choose any of the following options:
Cut removes data from highlighted cells.
Copy copies data from highlighted cells.
Paste pastes copied or cut data into cells starting with the cell currently highlighted.
4 To switch the data categories and groupings:
Click Transpose to change the columns to rows and the rows to columns.
If you're creating a scatter chart, click Switch XY to reverse the x- and y-axes.
5 When you have finished editing data, click Apply to preview your changes without closing the Chart panel, or click OK to apply the changes and close the panel.
To edit the appearance of chart elements:
1 Click the Subselect tool and click a chart element to select it.
2 Choose Edit > Superselect or press Tilde (~) to select all of the elements of that series.
3 Edit the selection as desired. You can apply most of the same changes and transformations to the selected elements as you can to any other FreeHand object, such as coloring, scaling, or rotating.
You can add perspective to the entire chart, but not to individual elements. For more information, see Creating perspective.
To color selected chart elements:
Choose a stroke or fill color from the pop-up color wells in the Tools panel. You can also use the Find & Replace Graphics function to change colors in a chart. For more information, see Making global changes.
Setting the chart type and options
You can select different chart types and options, and preview how the data will be presented, either as you create the chart or afterwards. Options vary according to the chart type.
To choose a chart type for a selected chart:
1 Double-click the Chart button in the Xtra toolbar.
2 In the Chart dialog box, click the Chart Type button to display the chart type options.
3 Select a chart type:
Grouped Column compares data using bars. Each bar represents one cell of data.
Stacked Column compares the progress of data. Each bar represents a row of data.
Line shows the trend of data over a period of time. Each line represents a column of data.
Pie displays data in a circular graph with wedges. Each cell of data represents a single wedge. Each row of data produces a Pie chart.
Area displays filled areas representing the progress of data over time. Each area represents a column of data in the Worksheet. Each column's value is added to the previous column's total.
Scatter plots data as paired sets of coordinates to identify trends in data. Each coordinate represents a row of data containing two cells.
4 To preview your chart using the selected chart type, click Apply.
To specify chart options:
1 In the Chart dialog box, click the Chart Type button to display the chart type options.
2 Select a chart type using the buttons and then select options for that type:
For Grouped Column and Stacked Column graphs, specify a Column Width to adjust the space of each column. Values greater than 100 overlap columns.
For a Grouped Column graph, specify a cluster width to adjust the space for each group of columns. Values greater than 100 overlap columns.
For a Pie chart, specify the Separation between pie pieces, from none (0) to 50.
For Line and Scatter graphs, choose the type of Data Markers: None, Square, Diamond, Triangle, or Circle.
3 Select Data Numbers in Chart to display the data values next to the graph or chart points.
This option is not available for Area graphs.
4 Select Drop Shadow to add a drop shadow behind and to the right of the chart.
This option is not available for Line and Scatter charts.
5 Select Legends Across Top to display legends across the top of the chart, instead of along its side.
6 Click Apply to preview your changes without closing the Chart panel, or click OK to apply the changes and close the panel.
Adding gridlines to charts
All of the graphs except the Pie chart let you display gridlines along the x- or y-axis.
To add gridlines:
1 Select the chart and double-click the Chart tool.
2 In the Chart Type dialog box, click the chart type button.
3 Choose an Axis Display option to set where the vertical axis of the chart appears—to the right, to the left, or on both sides of the chart.
4 For Gridlines, select X Axis to extend gridlines from left to right along the x-axis, Y Axis to extend gridlines from top to bottom along the y-axis, or select both options to create a grid behind the chart.
5 Click Apply to preview your changes without closing the Chart panel, or click OK to apply the changes and close the panel.
Displaying axis values
You can display values along the axes of a chart to control how the numerical data is presented. If an axis has no numerical values, the options in the Chart Type dialog box are dimmed. The axis value options are not available for a Pie chart.
To display axis values:
1 Select the chart and double-click the Chart tool.
2 In the Chart Type dialog box, click the X Axis or Y Axis button to display the Axis Options dialog box.
3 Choose an Axis values option:
Select Calculate from Data to calculate axis values from the data entered in the worksheet.
Select Manual to enter your own Minimum, Maximum, and Between values. The Between value determines how many steps will be displayed between each whole number. For example, if the axis values range from 1 to 10, a between value of 1 will display 1, 2, 3, and so on. A Between value of 2 will display 2, 4, 6, and so on.
To have the axis start with a high number and end with a lower number, enter a negative number in the Between box.
4 Choose Tick Marks options. Major tick marks correspond to numbers or category labels on the axis. They can be displayed across, inside, or outside the axis.
Minor tick marks are evenly spaced between major marks. The value in the Count text box determines how many minor tick marks appear between each major mark. They can also be displayed across, inside, or outside of the axis.
5 For Axis Value Labels, enter a prefix to add a label before a value (such as $ for $125) and suffix to add a label after a value (such as % for 5%).
6 Click OK.
7 Repeat the procedure to set options for the other axis.
8 Click Apply to preview your changes without closing the Chart panel, or click OK to apply the changes and close the panel.
Adding pictographs to charts
Pictographs represent data visually, according to the type data shown. For example, instead of a simple bar to represent a dollar amount, you can add a pictograph of a dollar sign or stack of coins.
To create a pictograph:
1 Select and copy the FreeHand graphic you'd like to use.
2 Use the Subselect tool to select a column in the series to which you'll apply the pictograph.
3 Choose Xtras > Chart > Pictograph.
4 In the Pictograph dialog box, click Paste In to display the copied object in the preview window.
5 To copy the selection in the Paste In window to the Clipboard, click Copy Out.
6 Choose how to fill the columns:
Select Repeating to fill the columns with repeating copies of the object. Partial objects are used to represent incremental values.
Deselect Repeating to fill the column with one scaled object.
7 Click OK.
To remove a pictograph from your chart:
Select the column from which you want to remove the pictograph and choose Xtras > Chart > Remove Pictograph.
Drawing with the Graphic Hose tool
For quick illustration, you can use the Graphic Hose tool in the Xtra Tools toolbar to "spray" frequently used objects on your document page.
Objects in hose (left) and spraying result
The Graphic Hose panel lets you store up to 10 images (including bitmaps, groups, blends, text, envelopes, and symbols) in each "hose." When you paint with the hose, the images are applied in an order based on the options you choose.
FreeHand comes with a collection of predefined hoses. You can edit these hoses or create your own.
To select a graphic hose:
1 Choose Window > Toolbars > Xtra Tools to display the Xtra Tools toolbar.
2 Double-click the Graphic Hose button in the Xtra tools toolbar to display the Hose dialog box.
3 Select Hose to display the hose sets.
4 Choose a hose from the pop-up menu to activate it and display a preview of the first object in the set. You can use the Contents list to preview the other objects in the set.
5 To preview individual objects contained in the hose, choose an option from the Contents pop-up menu.
To draw with the Graphic Hose tool:
1 Choose Window > Toolbars > Xtra Tools to display the Xtra Tools toolbar.
2 Click the Graphic Hose button.
3 Drag the tool, controlling the spray as follows:
Increase or decrease the speed and direction of dragging to control how objects are placed. Dragging faster spaces the objects farther apart.
Use the Left and Right Arrow keys to increase or decrease the spacing between objects as you spray them.
Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to increase or decrease the scale factor as you spray hose objects.
Click to place individual objects with the hose.
Importing a graphic hose
Additional graphic hoses are located on the FreeHand 10 installation CD in the Graphic Hoses folder in the Assets folder. Other hoses might be available from other artists or third-party developers.
Note: Only import hoses from a trusted source.
To import a graphic hose:
1 Navigate to the location of the graphic hose file you want to import.
2 Copy the hose files to the Graphic Hoses folder in the English/Xtras folder on your computer.
Creating a graphic hose
You can include up to 10 objects from the existing FreeHand document or from other documents in a graphic hose.
You can also use symbols as elements in a hose. Using symbols lets you modify the symbol element to update all objects created by the Graphic Hose automatically.
For more information, see Using the Library panel.
To create a graphic hose:
1 Choose Window > Toolbars > Xtra Tools to display the Xtra Tools toolbar.
2 Double-click the Graphic Hose button to display options.
3 Choose a method to create a new set:
Choose New from the Sets pop-up menu to add a new set.
Choose Rename or Duplicate from the pop-up menu to base the new set on an existing one.
4 In the dialog box that appears, name the new set and click Save to add it to the list.
Hoses are stored in the Graphic Hose folder in the FreeHand/English/Xtras folder.
5 In your document, select artwork to include in the hose.
6 Choose Edit > Copy.
7 In the Graphic Hose dialog box, click Paste In. The artwork appears in the preview window as an object in the Contents pop-up menu.
Each new object you add to a hose is assigned the name Object-1, Object-2, and so on. You can choose an object name from the Contents pop-up menu to preview it.
Note: Avoid placing too many memory-intensive objects such as lenses, EPS images, and TIFF images in a hose. Spraying a great number of these generally increases file size.
8 Repeat steps 5 through 7 as needed to complete the hose.
To delete a hose:
Locate the FreeHand file for the hose in the Graphic Hose folder in the FreeHand/English/Xtras folder and delete it.
To restore the default hoses:
1 Navigate to the Graphic Hoses folder in the Installer/Support folder on the FreeHand 10 installation CD.
2 Copy any or all of the default hose files to the Graphic Hoses folder in the English/Xtras folder on your computer.
Setting Graphic Hose options
You can set options for painting with the graphic hose, including the order of objects, spacing, scale, and rotation of objects.
To set Graphic Hose options:
1 Choose Window > Toolbars > Xtra Tools to display the Xtra Tools toolbar.
2 Double-click the Graphic Hose button.
3 In the Graphic Hose panel, click Options.
4 Choose an order in which objects in the set are applied:
Loop places objects in numeric order.
Back and Forth places objects in first forward and then reverse order.
Random places object in random order.
5 Choose a spacing between objects:
Grid spaces objects in rows and columns with the size you set in the Grid text box.
Variable spaces objects from Tight (0) to Loose (100).
Random spaces objects in no set order from 0 to 200. Use the slider or enter a value to set the deviation.
6 Choose how to scale objects:
Uniform scales objects them progressively from 1% to 300%.
Random scales objects randomly from 0 to 300 (greatest deviation).
7 Choose how to rotate the sprayed objects:
Uniform sets a specific angle for all objects
Incremental applies rotations that change in specific increments from one object to the next.
Random rotates the objects randomly.
Specify the angle or drag the angle wheel to control the rotation.
8 Drag the Graphic Hose tool on the page to apply the hose artwork.
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