Freehand MX vs Illustrator

undressedmonster · 09-03-2006, 04:32 PM

I don't have the same problem with Freehand/Illustrator because I never got into Freehand. But I do feel your pain because I feel the same exact way when I have to use Quark. I've done whole projects in it but don't use it very often so I forget all the shortcuts and how to navigate around the program. Makes me want to throw my computer out the window.

typographics · 09-03-2006, 05:43 PM

Im in the same boat as you. Ive been using Freehand from the beginning, and just recently started using Illustrator. They are similar, but still have enough differences to slow down your workflow considerably.

I still use Freehand for the majority of my work. Even though they wont be making future updates, you can still continue to use it without any problems.

You will quickly learn that Freehand is far superior to Illustrator in particular situations. However, at the same time, Illustrator has some great features that blow Freehand out of the water. Hopefully Adobe will integrate the best of both products in future releases.

**Buda** · 09-04-2006, 12:50 AM

I was taught Freehand in the first year of my GD course, Illustrator in year 2. I have to say I never use Freehand these days. I use it only if the file is given to us in Freehand, but I would never think to create something in Freehand. Illustrator is just much more logical to my way of thinking. You might think the other would be true since I learned Freehand first but I always struggled with Freehand.

We have a designer come in often to get stuff printed. He only uses Freehand and he doesn't know how to make pdfs (he says he can't on his version). We always have issues making high res pdfs with spots in Freehand. Illustrator on the other hand is a breeze.

urstwile · 09-04-2006, 12:54 AM

Typographics, I'm with you, I'm hoping Adobe will incorporate some of the cool features from Freehand with Illustrator. Who knows, they might even rename the product somehow.

I'm much more comfortable with Illustrator than I ever was with Freehand, but I didn't use Freehand enough to know what some of its strengths were, although I've heard some good things.

zunkus · 09-04-2006, 09:53 AM

Attn: BUDAFIST
I make pdf's from Freehand as follows:
1/ File > Print
2/ Output options > Save > as file > postscript
3/ Output options > Freehand MX > Advanced > Unclick Use PPD

You need Adobe Distiller now...
Open Adobe Distiller and drop your postscript file into its box.
The Distiller can be set to high res, etc.

**Buda** · 09-04-2006, 11:31 AM

I do something like that. Cant remember exactly because I don't have here, but I do make a postscript and then use Distiller. I'm not sure about the Unclick Use PPD bit. What's that?

zunkus · 09-04-2006, 12:10 PM

That's in the print dialogue box. You have to uncheck 'Use PPD', from the selected printer. That's because you have to select a poscript printer first. In my case I choose HP Laserjet 5000. Its a laser printer I've got.

GraemeCracker · 11-25-2010, 03:58 PM

I used Freehand many years ago, and IMO, hands-down it works faster and more intuitively than any other graphics program I have found. I found these videos on YouTube that demo this difference visually--

Freehand vs. Illustrator
Freehand vs. Illustrator - Round 2

**garricks** · 11-25-2010, 06:23 PM

Welcome to the forum Graeme.

Just so you know, this thread is over four years old! Please read these important threads posted here. They will explain a lot about how the forum runs, from the rules and regulations to frequently discussed topics to the background on some of our lingo and inside jokes.

I hope you enjoy yourself!

Freehand MX vs Illustrator

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