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.pdfwith 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.