About Vector Graphics; Chapter 3 Drawing - MACROMEDIA FREEHAND MX 11 Use Manual

CHAPTER 3
Drawing
Macromedia FreeHand MX 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.
You can use other tools to create specialty objects. For example, the Chart tool lets you add charts
to your drawings. The Connector tool lets you create connector lines that dynamically adjust as
you reposition objects within your drawing. The Graphic Hose tool lets you draw using a picture
as your "paintbrush."

About vector graphics

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 paths, 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.
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