Guidelines For Faster Printing - MACROMEDIA FREEHAND MX 11 Use Manual

Guidelines for faster printing

For fastest printing and smaller file size, use efficient drawing techniques. Techniques that reduce
print times also help speed screen redrawing and make editing easier.
To reduce memory requirements for processing objects, specify a paper size no larger than the
illustration actually covers.
You can speed printing and reduce file size by following these guidelines when you create
your artwork:
•
Avoid unnecessary complexity. Delete any object not visible in Preview mode. FreeHand
processes all objects drawn on foreground layers when you print, even if they are hidden
behind other objects. You can also use the Delete Xtras to delete empty text blocks and unused
named colors.
•
When possible, use straight paths instead of curves to reduce printer time and memory slightly.
For curves, use the fewest points possible, and shape curves using point handles instead of
adding more points.
•
Use a higher flatness value.
•
Reduce the number of subpaths in a composite path.
•
Apply special effects conservatively—for example, do not use numerous multicolor radial fills.
Use a basic fill when possible. Use special fills—such as lenses and gradient fills—and text
effects sparingly.
•
Clean up paths created with the Trace tool or the Pencil tool by choosing Modify >
Alter Path > Simplify or Xtras > Cleanup > Simplify.
•
Simplify clipping paths and their contents.
•
Use options from the Halftones panel sparingly.
•
Modify and crop imported graphics in their original application.
Do the following to minimize the printing time for imported graphics:
•
Bitmap images: scale, crop, or rotate EPS, TIFF, and other bitmap images in an image-editing
application before you place them.
•
Vector graphics: select imported PICT or CGM graphics, then select Modify > Alter Path >
Simplify or Xtras > Cleanup > Simplify.
•
On the Macintosh, print images in the binary data format to create a smaller file than ASCII
encoding, thus reducing print time. (Select Binary from the Images pop-up menu in the
Output Options dialog box.)
Note: Windows networks do not support binary image data.
386 Chapter 14