has anyone used this program to draw and print full size templates? its a big program and i dont really want to have learn the whole thing just to do a couple templates. finnaly got it downloaded after 4 attempts, took 8 hours. i want dsl.
Better use the cad program, eg. Turbo Card. Quite easy to learn. Regard, CrabieHK
CS, I use Freehand a fair bit, the new version is pretty good but takes time to get the hang of. To help you down the road a bit, I’ve uploaded a template I did in Freehand,it’s 1/2 a template for a semi-gun 6’7" - you can modify it to suit. Right click on the link below and choose save to disk as 67.eps Open the .eps file in Freehand and follow instructions below To get the dimensions you want: Select the outline and choose Modify - Group Make sure you can see the Object Inspector (Window - Inspector - Object) In the tab with the i icon, type in the w (Board length)and h (1/2 board width) hit enter and the template will re-size. Now “ungroup” the outline to manipulate the curves (Modify - ungroup) Play with the handles a bit to get what you want, you can add a point by selecting the curve, choosing the pen tool and clicking on the curve. Use the i tab in the object inspector to change the point type ie corner etc. When you’ve got the outline right, select the curve and choose the reflect icon in the main tool bar. Position the cursor over an endpoint on your outline, hold down the shift and alt keys and click and rotate the copy of the outline until it mirrors the existing half. You’ll probably have to change the outline and mirror it a couple of times to get what you want. Also, if the board is bigger than the custom page size I’ve got set up in the file, you’ll have to change the page size in the object inspector (page icon tab) Have fun http://members.optusnet.com.au/~minako.kanda/67.EPS
I think freehand is great for just that… freehand artwork. I’m sure it can be used for board design (never tried), but I think Illustrator is a bit better for laying out dimensions. …any worthwhile graphics program is going to take a bit of fooling around before you get the hang of it.
I use Illustrator from Adobe. far superior to Freehand. Easier to learn and simpler to do full scale templates, which i have dome many.
With Freehand you can download a fully funcioning one month trial - Adobe’s Illustrator demo won’t let you save. I’ve been using both progs for years so the learning curve isn’t a factor for me and I couldn’t really say which I prefer, but what’s good about the latest version of Freehand is the way it smooths curves for display - you get better idea of what the curves will look like printed. http://members.optusnet.com.au/~minako.kanda/67.EPS
thanks stephen that will help alot.
you can download both Illustrator and freehand off thier respective sites and then download the plugs to open them up to full versions. Use searches such as adobe cracks macromedia cracks,keygens etc… Full versions for free with no limitations or time limits…I mean uh thats what ive heard anyways :-} http://paradoxdistribution.com
I use freehand for all the (vector) graphics work i do from templates to logos to vinyl cut-out stickers to my order forms and pricelists and biz cards (make them look very profesional and custom). I design my lams and print directly from freehand to rice paper in my inkjet printer (only bumber is no white). I do my templates in freehand at work where i have access to poster printers, make them full size and transfer them to temp material pvc sheet, formica, masonite etc. I’ve created my graphics on my website (what little there is)with freehand then export as tiff image files then open them up in adobe photoshop and compress them (make them web ready gifs or jpgs) then build my site in macromedia dreamweaver. I’m very lucky to have learned all these programs for the work i do. I have used Illustrator on occasion but i prefer freehand just because thats the vector program i learned on. If you spend enough time you can learn and become profficiant at any of these programs. I’ve spent a few years working with them and still have lots to learn. Aloha, 808 shapes http://home.hawaii.rr.com/makani808shapes/