Graphic Tips

Below is the list of Graphic Tips. For problem solving and troubleshooting, check the Troubleshooting section. For automation of common tasks, see the Scripting FreeHand section.

To submit a Tip, go to the Feedback page under the Misc. Tab.

Key:

 image New/Updated Version Addendum *
Older Multi-lingual Versions
Downloadable sample file  
* Version additions to previous tips

 
 
image Scaling Effects
image Creating Aqua Style Buttons
image Mimicking Union Objects in FreeHand MX
image Creating Snowflakes
image Selecting All on a Layer, On One Page
image Deleting Multiple Empty Layers
image Creating a Curved Zoom Effect
image Using Custom Views and Windows
image Dividing Intersecting Lines
image Creating Weaving Celtic Knots
image Alignment Techniques
image How to Create Chrome Effects
Moving Objects by Their Points
Keeping Text URL Links in PDF Export
Recovering Art from Lens Fills
image Creating "Hollow" Envelopes — Using custom Envelopes to mimic a brush stroke
Full Featured Transforms
Fun with Grids — Creating unique Grid layouts
Creating a Spider Web
Creating Perspective Extrusions
Creating Bitmap Monotones — Colorizing grayscale bitmap images
Rounding Polygon Corners
image Printing Page Thumbnails on One Sheet
Creating and Using Custom Rulers — Using custom units of measurement
Exporting Your Keyboard Shortcuts — Using text Styles to enhance imported text
Using the Envelope Toolbar for Perspective Objects — Using Perspective menu commands for live Envelopes
Manually Duplicating Guides
Creating Perspective Shadows
Inline Graphics on a Path
Creating a 3D Soccer Ball — Using the Mirror and Fisheye lens Xtras
Centering Text within a Ring
Exporting GIFs — Creating background and anti-aliased transparent GIFs
Creating Vector Monotones
Creating a Line Grid
image Exporting a Custom Area Using Lens Fills
Paste Insides with Envelopes and the Perspective Grid
Changing Multiple Selected Points' Attributes
Selecting Objects on a Layer
image Finding Middle Gradient Colors
image Special Text Symbols Chart
image Transformation Handles Techniques
Creating a Radial Sweep Fill
image Distributing Objects to Layers
Copy and Paste Guides
Creating a Shape Morph Animation in Fireworks
Stroke Placement Fix — How to keep a thick stroked shape's size
Creating a Metal Spring
Giving Text an Outline — How to Trap text
Picking any Color on a Mac
Creating Graphical Text Highlights
Creating Cartographic Trees
image Faking an Anti-Aliased Preview
Working with Text Blocks
Creating Guides to be the Exact Dimension
Constraining One Dimension When Scaling
image Transforming from an Object's Center
Creating Flowers
image Preview Drag Modifiers
image Creating a Curvy Gradient Line
image Creating a Halftone Screen Effect
Gradient Lens Fills
Pasting Behind Techniques
Creating Spiral Objects — Power Duplicate technique
Pasting an Object in Place
Creating an Embossing Effect
image Creating a Drop Cap —Inline graphic techniques
image Trace Tool Techniques
Finding a Line's Length
image Arrowhead Editing Techniques
Dashed Line Editing Techniques
Giving Lines an Outline — Creating roads for a map or glowing neon effects
Creating a Radial Brushed Metal Effect
Creating a CD Surface
image Document Layouts with Lens Fills
Making a 3D Pie Chart
Creating a Painting Effect
Making "Bouncy" Lines — A lesson on using the Bezigon tool
Creating a Sawtooth Edge
image Blending Gradient Fills — Creating bevels and a sky scene
image Creating a Banner Ribbon
How to Blend Around a Curve
image Creating a Clipping Path using the Trace Tool
image Creating a Wood Grain Texture
Creating a Glow Effect
Using Superselect
Graphic Find & Replace Tips
Secret Crop Tool
Scaling Proportionally with Units of Measure
Finding a Rotation Angle
Easy Editing of Paste Insides using Lens Fills
image Creating a Page Curl
Converting Colors to Pantone
Making Lines Fillable
Shapes Around a Circle
Transparent Texture Fills
Postscript Line Effects
Postscript Fill Effects
Drag & Drop Color Techniques
Creating Flares
Process Color Chart
image Creating Transparent Water Drips
image Creating Drop Shadows
Blends and Document resolution
Centering Objects on a Page
Making Lens effects in FH 4-7