Freehand

Macromedia Freehand®

  • Call for latest version available
  • Windows or Mac OS versions
  • Disk: ZIP, JAZ, 3.5" Floppy, or CD
  • Send all Macromedia Freehand documents, images, and fonts

Remember: If we are missing anything, this may delay your order.

Step 1: Document Size

File > Document Setup...

Adjust your document to one of the following sizes:

  • Business Postcards = 6" x 4", 6" x 8"
  • Catalog Sheets = 8.5" x 11"
  • Folded Brochures = See folding setups on prepress references page
  • Rack Brochures = 4" x 9", 8" x 9" (folds to 4" x 9")
  • Posters = 11" x 17", 18" x 24"
  • Catalogs = 8.5" x 11", 5.5" x 8.5", 4" x 9"

IN THE ZONE

  • Safe Zone = 1/8" margin from the edge of the page
  • Danger Zone = Area outside the 1/8" margin
  • Bleed = 1/8" past the edge of the page

If you intend to have an image completely cover a front or back side of your document, then you need to be sure that the image extends (bleeds) at least 1/8" over the edge of the page. Do not end it at page edge (trim) or white will show on the edges.

Step 2: Images

Edit > Links

  • All images are CMYK color mode
  • Tiff or an EPS (Do Not send Jpegs, Picts, Gifs, etc.)
  • 300 dpi resolution (or 1,200 dpi for b/w line art)
  • Submit all images (Verify current link status)

SCALING IMAGES

If you scale the image after importing it into Freehand, the effective resolution will change. If you scaled the image up to 200% in Freehand, then the final resolution will be 150 dpi and considered low resolution.

LINKED IMAGES

Confirm the status of all linked images before you submit your files. No image link status should display "Modified" or "Missing".

Step 3: Color

Window > Panels > Color List > Options

  • Fill colors used in Freehand are CMYK
  • Stroke colors used in Freehand are CMYK
  • Gradient colors used in Freehand are CMYK

COLOR SHIFTS

There is a color-shift when converting from RGB to CMYK. Do not trust the colors on your monitor. We recommend that you proof your job at a local service bureau and get a calibrated color proof (Iris or Dupont Waterproof).

Step 4: Fonts

Type > Create Outlines

Submit all fonts used in layout as a backup

CONVERTING FONTS TO OUTLINES

When submitting a Freehand document you may convert the fonts to outlines. All fonts will now be considered vector art. If you do not convert your fonts to outlines, be sure to send all fonts used in your layout.

Step 5: Save As

File > Save As

Freehand Format

1) Select Freehand Format (default)

2) Click OK

Modify > Document

Check Before Exporting

1) Select Page

2) Set Bleed to 0.125"

File > Export

Freehand EPS Format

1) Select EPS Format

2) Select Include Freehand, Document in EPS

3) Select Convert Colors to: CMYK

4) Click Export

Step 6: Submit Files

Call your Sales Representative to verify files are ready to send by disk or FTP

Fill out the Job Information Form carefully

Mail or FTP the files along with a current mock-up to U.S. Press

Remember: if we are missing anything, this may delay your order.