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AFI2004
Participant
May 10, 2021
Question

Opening Freehand 8 Files

  • May 10, 2021
  • 4 replies
  • 3985 views

This discussion pops up every so often, but I don't see any recent posts regarding what I'm trying to do, so hopefully it's an okay time to update this sort of info, if anyone can help.

Without getting into the use of third party software, can anyone confirm a chain of versions and appropriate/compatible Mac OS's that can get me from Freehand 8 files to the current CC Illustrator?
I have a few (very) old Mac's, and I think the old versions of Freehand/Illustrator are available (on eBay, etc). I'd be willing to buy what I need to convert from one version to the next until I'm current. 
So, I need to know, for example, the last software that opened Freehand 8 files, and what it ran on. And on from there...
Alternatively, perhaps there's someone out there doing these conversions as a paid sevice?
Any help or recommendations would be much appreciated.
Thanks!

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    4 replies

    Kurt Gold
    Community Expert
    Kurt GoldCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    October 7, 2021

    Just a note: AFI has never sent me some sample FreeHand files in this context.

     

    Reliably converting thousands of files is a different thing, of course. And it will not be something that can be done for free.

     

      Kurt Gold
      Community Expert
      Kurt GoldCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      May 10, 2021

      Yes, feel free to send me a couple of sample FreeHand files.

       

      Kurt Gold
      Community Expert
      Kurt GoldCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      May 10, 2021

      About how many FreeHand files are you talking?

      If the number is not too great, I may do the conversion for you without charging (I would – of course– appreciate if you were willing to donate to a children's hospice).

       

        A Way We Sew
        A Way We Sew
        Participant
        January 28, 2022

        Hello,

        I saw your response to the OP that you do FH8 conversions to Ai. I have a small number (under 12) FH8 files I am trying to convert to AI (CC 2022). This is to preserve my sewing mentor's work. 

        I'm happy to pay or donate to a children's hospice of your choice. 

         

        I hope to hear from you,

        Leah Boyan

        A Way We Sew

        www.awaywesew.com

        A Way We Sew
        A Way We Sew
        Participant
        January 30, 2022

        Leah,

         

        I've sent you a private message with a download link to a folder that contains the converted FreeHand 8 files.

         

        Some notes:

         

        - The file format of the converted FreeHand files is Illustrator 2020 (pdf-compatible).

         

        - Due to some serious font conflicts I decided to change all type objects to Myriad Pro Regular. That is, some typographic fine-tuning adjustments are required.

         

        - Some of the files contain overset type on a path objects which were used to "draw" some kind of patterns. You will have to check them and decide if some modifications are required.

         

        - In some of the Illustrator files there are so-called "Unnamed Patterns". You can create regular pattern swatches out of them by selecting them and clicking on the "New Swatch" button in the Swatches palette.

         

        - In some files there were missing linked files. They are discarded now, but as far as I can see they were not important for the drawings and instructions (probably just some logo files).

         

        As always (or most of the time): The conversion is not perfect, but I think almost all relevant objects and descriptions are intact.

         


        Kurt,

        Thank you so much for your help and detailed notes. Your act of kindness renewed my faith in what humans do best: share knowledge. 
        My sewing mentor, Judy, has Parkinson’s and while she was ahead of her time (she owned the url www.uniquetechniques.com), she’s not been able to properly preserve and document her many contributions to the sewing community. Your efforts here will go a long way toward helping me continue to share her knowledge and her truly unique techniques. 
        One of my favorite Judy quotes:
        “If you’re goal is perfection, you won’t have any fun”. 
         
        Warm regards, 
        Leah
        Doug A Roberts
        Community Expert
        Doug A RobertsCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        May 10, 2021

        Yes, there's the Tensai plugin:

         

        https://www.tensai.co.uk/ai/plugins.php

        A
        AFI2004Author
        Participant
        May 10, 2021

        Thanks for the info and quick reply. I may end up going that route.

        However, I was wondering about getting this done without the third party plug in, as I have heard mixed reviews.

        For example, from User1 on this forum, from Jan 2020:

         

        "I originally used Tensai AI Plugins to convert my files. It's a hit and miss situation. Some of the .fh9 files were too old or complex to convert. My best solution was found in my old macs lying in my garage, luckily It hadn't been updated since 0S9."
        https://illustrator.uservoice.com/forums/333657-illustrator-desktop-feature-requests/suggestions/33624826-opening-old-freehand-files-in-illustrator

         

        Are there any updates on success (or failure) with Tensai?
        Also, I'd still like to hear if anyone can confirm which versions I'd need to convert up to current, or if anyone is doing these types of conversions.

        Thanks again!

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