MACROMEDIA FREEHAND 10-USING FREEHAND Use Manual page 137

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CHAPTER 4
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Macromedia FreeHand gives you a wide range of options for drawing. You can
drag to create simple objects, such as rectangles, ellipses, and lines. You can also
drag to create more complex shapes, including spirals, stars, and polygons. Most
drawing tools let you set options. For example, you can change the number of
sides on a polygon or the direction in which a spiral winds.
You can create paths by placing points with the Pen or Bezigon tools, or by
drawing a freeform shape with the Pencil tool. You can change the type of points
and edit them to adjust the shape of the path segments that join them. FreeHand
also lets you edit paths by removing or adding points, combining paths, and
dragging path segments into new shapes.
The Trace tool lets you create a path that follows the outline of a bitmap image.
For example, you can trace a bitmap image of a rose and then edit the resulting
paths to change the rose's appearance.
You can use other tools to create specialty objects. For example, the Chart tool lets
you add charts to your drawings. The Graphic Hose lets you draw using a picture
as a brush.
Paths connected by points are the basic elements of FreeHand objects. A path
consists of at least two points, each connecting one or more line segments, either
straight or curved.
FreeHand generates lines and curves, called vectors, which describe graphics
according to their mathematical characteristics. Graphics constructed this way are
much smaller in file size than bitmap graphics. Vector graphics are also resolution-
independent—they appear crisp and smooth onscreen or when printed regardless
of the monitor or printer resolution.