Macromedia Freehand User Resources: Tutorials, Downloads, Tips, Help

As of May 2007, the cross-platform, vector-based illustration software FreeHand has been discontinued by Adobe.

An overview of working with blends in Freehand.

"A simple technique for drawing a complex shape by combining primitive shapes in Macromedia FreeHand. The shape is a fan grate on the back of a computer case. The techniques described here are very typical for creating complex shapes from primitives."

Create a 3-dimensional arrow with perspective from primitive shapes in Freehand 9.

"This very simple and basic technique is for drawing isometric or oblique rectangular shapes with Macromedia FreeHand. This tutorial uses FreeHand 9, but the steps should be the same for most any version."

"This technique is for drawing isometric or oblique rectangular shapes with Macromedia FreeHand. It is similar to Technique #3, but instead of being a freeform technique, this one uses the Transform panel to control the angles. This tutorial was done with FreeHand 9."

"This technique is for drawing cylindrical shapes with Macromedia FreeHand. This is a very basic and simple tutorial which can easily be done in a few minutes. This tutorial was done with FreeHand 9 but the same technique should work with most any version."

Learn how to use Illustrator or Freehand to create Shockwave Flash content.

"We want FreeHand to have a future. Not only because we love to work with it, but also because we have thousands of files from the past we may need access to on any given occasion... Our wish is a simple one: For those who still use FreeHand today the application must be brought up to date and maintained..."

"15 edge effects, some using brush strokes (included), others using basic strokes that have been modified with effects. Each one is fully editable, so, if it's not exactly what you want, at least you have a decent starting point for your final effect." By David Nagel for CreativeMac.

Macromedia's support center offers technotes on installing, troubleshooting, and working with Freehand.

Macromedia's resource page for links to Freehand compatible add-ons and Xtras.

Learn about working with gradient fills in Freehand.

Learn how to use the arrowhead editor in Freehand to define your own custom arrowheads that will retain orientation and proportion when you reshape the line on which it is used.

"This tutorial is for creating metallic gradients with Macromedia FreeHand. This tutorial uses version 9, but the steps should be the same for any version."

How to set up your workspace with guidelines for perspective drawing in Freehand.

Several professional tips from a dedicated Freehand user.

"25 individual brushes for Freehand MX. They all fall into the category of "natural" imagery--that is, florals, leaves, grass and clover. Each one is composed of vector-based images, so they can be scaled and modified to your liking. You can also adjust the dynamics of each brush to add your own unique touch." By David Nagel for CreativeMac.

Using blends instead of gradients is useful for achieving more realistic shading of irregular shapes.

"Macromedia FreeHand and Fontographer are two graphics applications that support connector points... Although connector points are not widely supported they can, nevertheless, be very useful. This short tutorial attempts to provide an example of how to use them to your advantage."