jasonkenison
theWebGuy
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#toolkit
programs & tools I use

Macromedia Freehand MX

From: Adobe (formerly Macromedia)
Price: $399 (full), $149 - $99 (upg.)

I've been using Freehand since version 7 (1998). It's come a long way since then... but hasn't changed too dramatically. The paneled interface is much easier to use than any previous version or Adobe Illustrator... especially if you're used to the Macromedia line of products. It's drawing tools are advanced, yet refined and intuitive. The added properties and effects panel adds a new level of visual candy you can add to your graphics (although some of the effects need some work... and will hopefully be refined by MX 2004). The Mac version of Freehand MX is way better than the PC version. Although there are still a few minor bugs and inconsistencies that have appeared and stayed since the advent of version 9. Illustrator does some pretty neat stuff and looks like it's the market's choice. I, however, will be sticking with Freehand for one more version upgrade. If MX 2004 isn't the 'shiz-nit', I'll be switching.

Update: It appears that Macromedia has given up on Freehand, and so have I. I use it, now, only to open old projects. Kinda too bad, it had a good run.

Screenshots:


Freehand GUI

Real-Time Effects

 

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