From Freehand to Illustrator CS6
From Freehand to Illustrator CS6
Question
What is the best way to convert a file from freehand to Illustrator CS6?
I tried different methods:
Illustrator 7: Go to an old computer open the freehand file and export as Illustrator 7. Then go to the new computer open Illustrator CS6 and open the Illustrator 7 file. It works but things are moved and I need hours to put everything in order.
Illustrator CS4 or Illustrator CS5: Go to the old computer, open Illustrator CS4 or CS5. Go to file > open and go to the Freehand file. I can open the Freehand but everything are moved.
EPS: Go to the old computer open the freehand file and export as
.eps
. Everything is in place but the colors change. Even when the colors are in the same Pantone number, the perception in the screen is really different. I do not understand why?PDF: Go to the old computer open the freehand file and export as
.pdf
. Then open the.pdf
with Illustrator CS6. Everything is in place the colors in the screen are the same but I loose the information of the number of Pantone of each color.
I need hours to restore-update old files.
Do you know any better method or a way to solve the problems of the commented methods?
Popular Answer
The best way to convert a FreeHand file to Illustrator CS6 & CC-2014 is using the FreeHand Interface Plugin from Tensai. I use it and the conversions are very good.
You must have a copy of AI-CS 3,4,or 5 installed but this can be a trial version (even if it is expired.) It doesn't do batch processing but I understand the developer is working on that. Cost is about $50 and well worth it especially if you have a backlog of FH-files (like me.)
PS: The new Affinity Designer vector app will convert/open FreeHand files as well.