Choosing An Export Format; About Web Formats; Targa .Tga - MACROMEDIA FREEHAND MX 11 Use Manual

FreeHand export
file Format
TIFF (Tagged
Image File Format)
Targa
Windows Metafile
(WMF)

Choosing an export format

The export format you choose is determined by the intended use for the exported file, and
particularly the output device that will be used to produce or display the file. To choose an export
format based on the output device, see the following table.
Output device
Low-resolution PostScript
printer
Non-PostScript printer
High-resolution printer or
imagesetter
Slide recorder
Plotter, vinyl cutter, or
sign-making machine
World Wide Web
Multimedia

About web formats

GIF, JPEG, and PNG bitmap graphic file formats are commonly used for the World Wide Web
because they can be highly compressed for faster transfer across the Internet and because they are
supported by most browsers. (Note that the GIF and JPEG formats are more widely supported
than the PNG format.)
When preparing graphics for the web, it is a good idea to optimize them first. Optimizing web
graphics involves selecting a file format with the best color and compression for your image while
maintaining as much quality as possible. After optimizing images, it's also important to preview
them in a browser to ensure that they will appear as intended.
You can launch Macromedia Fireworks from within FreeHand to help you prepare your graphics
for use on the web. For more information, see "Launching Fireworks to optimize bitmap images"
on page 321.
344 Chapter 12
File Windows
extension
.tif X
.tga X
.wmf X
Suggested export format
Any compatible file format. An EPS or TIFF image prints most consistently,
however.
Any compatible file format except EPS and DCS. Avoid effects that require a
PostScript printer, such as Textured or Custom strokes and fills.
EPS and DCS EPS for vector graphics, or CMYK TIFF for color bitmaps. Avoid
device-dependent pattern fills and strokes, because results probably won't match
expectations.
EPS format if your slide recorder supports PostScript.
Bitmap image format for non-PostScript effects.
Graphic saved in a compatible vector graphics format. See your device
documentation to determine compatible formats.
Flash (SWF) to display FreeHand illustrations as a Flash vector graphic,
animation, or interactive movie.
A compressible bitmap format such as GIF, JPEG, or PNG created at screen
resolution.
HTML using Publish as HTML.
Bitmap format such as PICT, BMP, TIFF, GIF, or JPEG at screen resolution for
still images; Flash (SWF) format for vector graphic, animation, or interactive
movie.
Macintosh Benefit/usage
X Creates bitmap graphics
X Creates bitmap graphics
Not Creates vector graphics
applicable