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Progressive Graphics VB
Progressive Graphics VB
Inspiring
June 24, 2020
Answered

Can AI open Macromedia Freehand documents?

  • June 24, 2020
  • 3 replies
  • 2890 views

Beginning an update to our systems and I have been migrating files from some older workstations. I noticed a few Freehand files, something I have a little experience with and I got to thinking, and as I've never attempted this, can AI open FH files or would I have to export as PDFs from FH?

I'm not likely to ever have to do this but it could come up.

    Correct answer Monika Gause

    The current version cannot open FH files.

    Version CS5 still can

    There's also a plugin available (from tensai.co.uk) that can - I'm not sure if it can be installed in Illustrator 24.2

     

    Exporting a PDF from FreeHand is the worst idea (unless those files are just simple paths), since FreeHand only supports ancients PDF versions.

     

    If you want, zip those files and upload them to Dropbox or the like. I could give them a ride in Illustrator CS5.

    3 replies

    3
    3Geezy
    Participant
    December 7, 2020

    Hello Monika, is that offer still open to convert some .fh5 files? 

    Monika Gause
    Community Expert
    Monika GauseCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    December 9, 2020

    Sorry, just noticed your post today.

     

    I can try if I can get them through FreeHand 7 and then into Illustrator.

    3
    3Geezy
    Participant
    December 9, 2020

    Hi Monika,

    I was able to find a copy of Macromedia Freehand MX and was able to open and export the .fh5 files. 

     

    How generous of you to respond and offer your help. Those files were from a music CD project I designed and the band wants to pursue a re-release of the content. 

     

    Cheers,
    Gregg

    Kurt Gold
    Community Expert
    Kurt GoldCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    June 24, 2020

    If you choose to go the export route in FreeHand, I'd recommend to export as .ai.

     

    FreeHand MX was (is) able to export to the .ai file format at least to version AI 7. The export quality is, well, somehow not bad …

     

    Don't go the .pdf route (or only if you know what you are doing and what you are willing to accept).

      Monika Gause
      Community Expert
      Monika GauseCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
      Community Expert
      June 24, 2020

      The current version cannot open FH files.

      Version CS5 still can

      There's also a plugin available (from tensai.co.uk) that can - I'm not sure if it can be installed in Illustrator 24.2

       

      Exporting a PDF from FreeHand is the worst idea (unless those files are just simple paths), since FreeHand only supports ancients PDF versions.

       

      If you want, zip those files and upload them to Dropbox or the like. I could give them a ride in Illustrator CS5.

        Progressive Graphics VB
        Progressive Graphics VBAuthor
        Inspiring
        June 24, 2020

        Appreciate the offer Monika but we still have a workstation with FH and some older AI versions too. I can open the files there, its a Power Mac and not as young as it used to be. All the files are just being archived for now.

        I did try it myself just for giggles and you are absolutely correct, it doesn't open them in AI2020.

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