Reviews (5)

Good FH book to get you started
I am new with FreeHand. I bought MX2004 Flash Pro and I wanted to start using all of MX2004 apps including FreeHand.This book taught me how to get me started with FH. It comes with the practice files to work my way through the lessens and I had no problem following the book. I also purchased Fireworks version of this book from the same publisher.

Freehand MX training from the source
A well written introductory level coursebook that will also be a good reference because of the explanations at each step. It tells why you ake an action and also gives alternative ways to accomplish the same task. 4 stars instead of five because a couple of key steps were omitted in two of the exercises. I had to backtrack repeatedly until I figured out the missing steps. Recommended.

Very Good
The author clearly states in the introduction the book is intended for new Freehand users. One of the previous reviews, stating it is unfit for power users, is probably correct; but that is not the intent of the book. Based on that, this book accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do: acquaint new users to Freehand. I thought it did a very good job. Additionally, the Freehand manual actually is shipped with the CD. It is located on the installation CD in .pdf format. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computer Graphics - Design    3. Computer Graphics - General    4. Computer graphics    5. Computers    6. Computers - Desktop Publishing    7. Desktop Publishing - General    8. FreeHand (Computer file)    9. Microcomputer Graphics    10. Computer graphics software    11. Computers / Computer Graphics / Design    12. World Wide Web (WWW)   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (2)

What a bargain - 3 for 1!
I already had Fireworks, and then I bought the Flash and Freehand bundle. I am used to Illustrator, and this book really helped me tie all the programs together. The projects are easy to do, but challenging enough to keep up your interest. They also build up your skill level so you increase your capabilities as you work in the programs. Nice Surprise
I must say I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I actually learned a ton more than expected which is unusual for a book not meant to teach all 3 programs. It is certainly at an intermediate level as stated which is also a refreshing surprise.Read more

Subjects:  1. Authoring programs    2. Computer Bks - Desktop Publishing    3. Computer Books: General    4. Computer Graphics - Flash    5. Computer Graphics - General    6. Computer graphics    7. Computers    8. Computers - Desktop Publishing    9. Interactive & Multimedia    10. Internet - Web Site Design    11. Microcomputer Graphics    12. Multi-Media Hardware & Software    13. Web sites    14. Computer graphics software    15. Multimedia   

Subjects:  1. Adobe Illustrator (Computer fi    2. Adobe Illustrator (Computer file)    3. Business & Economics    4. Career/Job    5. Careers - General    6. Computer Graphics - General    7. Computer graphics    8. Computers - Other Applications    9. Desktop Publishing - General    10. Desktop publishing    11. FreeHand (Computer file)    12. Graphic Arts - General    13. Miscellaneous Software    14. Art / Graphic Arts    15. Computer graphics software   

Reviews (6)

Lots of errors
It's really a good book, but the amount of errors and typos is not accceptable. Oftentimes, you have to guess and try for yourself until you find the right methods. For a book aimed at the true beginners that is unforgivable. However, the annoying errors aside, it has good training examples.

Excellent Introduction to Freehand
When I purchased this book, I had no experience with Freehand or with any other vector-based graphics program.After the first five chapters, I'm already producing impressive-looking art for my website.Freehand has a pretty steep learning curve, but if you read this book and go through the tutorials, you'll be surprised at how quickly you learn the program. Excellent Introduction to Freehand
When I purchased this book, I had no experience with Freehand or with any other vector-based graphics program.After the first five chapters, I'm already producing impressive-looking art for my website.Freehnad has a pretty steep learning curve, but if you read this book and go through the tutorials, you'll be surprised at how quickly you learn the program.Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computer Graphics - General    3. Computers    4. Computers - Desktop Publishing    5. Internet - Web Site Design    6. Microcomputer Graphics    7. Computer graphics software    8. Computers / Computer Graphics / General   

Editorial Review

Macromedia's FreeHand version 10 features tools that make other illustration packages jealous, but learning to use it without guidance can be daunting. The Read more

Reviews (4)

Especially for novice computer users
Macromedia FreeHand 10 For Windows And Macintosh by Sandee Cohen is the latest in the superbly presented "Visual Quickstart" guidebook series and swiftly teaches the basics of Macromedia FreeHand computer applications by relying heavily on screenshots and pictures rather than extensive verbal explanations. A marvelous reference for learning Freehand quickly and easily, and enhanced with a special chapter concerning Flash animations, Macromedia FreeHand 10 For Windows And Macintosh is very highly recommended, especially for novice computer users who tire of puzzling their way through excessively long textual descriptions.

What did you expect?
I have not been disappointed with any visual quickstart guide. This was the first one I purchased and it's one of my favorites. This teaches you blends, paths, all the basics, and even flash animations! Freehand 10 VSG
The Freehand 10 Visual Quickstart Guide is probably an excellent choice for beginners and of some use to long time Freehand users.Read more

Subjects:  1. Apple And Macintosh Graphics And Sound    2. Color Computer Graphics    3. Computer Books: General    4. Computer Graphics - General    5. Computer graphics    6. Computers    7. Computers - Desktop Publishing    8. FreeHand (Computer file)    9. Computer graphics software    10. Computers / Computer Graphics / General    11. Macintosh OS   

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computers    3. Computers - General Information    4. General    5. Computers / General    6. Internet languages    7. World Wide Web (WWW)   

Reviews (3)

This book is not clearly written
This book jumps around critical material and content that requires the reader to open the completed lessons provided by the author to see what code/content is missing. The worst part of this is that unless you are an experienced programmer, you will not be able to understand what is happening. In fact, you will probably need to purchase another book to understand what is actually going on. These comments are directed primarily at the Flash-related lessons.

Not Clearly Written - Don't Know What Book Other Reviewers R
I am very disappointed in this book. It takes you from one step to another without clearly defining the correct input that needs to be made in each lesson to make the lessons perform correctly. A good example of the missing information is to compare the finished lesson with the final products made available by the author: in several lessons there is a huge gap. HUGE! I have been looking on Macromedia's Site for updates and/or clarifications, and can not find any. This book is a giant frustration and you will need to investigate the difference in code between the final product you create via the lessons and what is presented by author as the finished product. The good news is that you can see the finished works you are supposed to create in each lesson, as they are included on the CD. The bad news is that you will need another book to explain what the basis of the code you where not introduced to means.

Recommended for aspiring computer graphic artists
Flash MX FreeHand 10: Advanced Training from the Source by computer expert Brad Kozak is a solid and "user friendly" reference and self-teaching tool for learning how to use the Flash MX and FreeHand 10 computer software drawing tools. Embracing a "learn by doing" approach to graphical design, individual chapters address a variety of practical projects ranging from animating a simple logo to designing a sophisticated multimedia website. An accompanying multi-platform CD-ROM includes basic tools for completing sample projects. Flash MX FreeHand 10 is very highly recommended for aspiring computer graphic artists with an interest in learning this handy and open-ended drawing software. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animation    2. Computer Animation    3. Computer Bks - Desktop Publishing    4. Computer Books: General    5. Computer Graphics - Flash    6. Computer Graphics - General    7. Computers - Desktop Publishing    8. Design    9. Electronic Publishing    10. Film & Video - General    11. Flash (Computer file)    12. FreeHand (Computer file)    13. Interactive & Multimedia    14. Multi-Media Hardware & Software    15. Performing Arts    16. Web sites    17. Computers / Electronic Publishing   

Reviews (1)

Adaptation of help file not quite a QuickStart
I would have rated this book a one. I settled for two stars as I did actually learn a few things from it. This book is quite obviously an adaptation of a FreeHand 10 book (which I understand Sandee has written) as there are some remnants of v.10 functionality that has been changed and updated in MX. Ms. Cohen seems to have missed these. Inconsistencies, unnecessary repetition, gaping holes (Polygon options in the Object panel) and incorrect information - Page coordinates start at the top left of the page?Read more

Subjects:  1. Apple And Macintosh Graphics And Sound    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Graphics - General    4. Computer graphics    5. Computers    6. Computers - Other Applications    7. FreeHand (Computer file)    8. Microcomputer Graphics    9. Operating Systems - Windows    10. Computer graphics software    11. Computers / Computer Graphics / Design    12. Desktop publishing software   

Subjects:  1. Drafting & Mechanical Drawing    2. Drafting Technology    3. Engineering - Mechanical    4. Freehand technical sketching    5. Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning    6. Reference    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Technical Illustration    9. Technical Writing    10. Technology    11. Technology & Industrial Arts    12. Computer aided design (CAD)    13. Engineering graphics & technical drawing    14. Industrial / Commercial Art & Design    15. Technology / Engineering / General   

Subjects:  1. CAD-CAM - General    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer-Aided Engineering    4. Computers - Desktop Publishing    5. Desktop Publishing - General    6. Drafting & Mechanical Drawing    7. Drafting Technology    8. Freehand technical sketching    9. Three-dimensional display systems    10. Computer aided design (CAD)    11. Engineering graphics & technical drawing   

Subjects:  1. Animation    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computers - Desktop Publishing    4. Desktop Publishing - General    5. Film & Video - General    6. Interactive & Multimedia    7. Multi-Media Hardware & Software    8. Performing Arts    9. Computers / General    10. Multimedia   

Editorial Review

Written for everyone from beginners to experts, this guide covers all of the basic and advanced features in Macromedia's popular illustration package for Macintosh and Windows. The author combines specific instruction with discussions of features and digital-graphics technology. He first explains the uses of the toolbar options and shows you how to navigate the interface, select and move elements, work with layers, set preferences, use Xtras, and get help in using the program. Next he helps you create basic drawings while working with simple shapes, paths and points, strokes, fills, graphic styles, charts and graphs, and drop shadows. There's plenty of guidance on creating realistic and compelling drawings, with insight on perspective drawing and extensive path manipulation. As you create and alter text and type, you'll use FreeHand's spelling, search, formatting, style, and copyfitting options; place text on a path; wrap text; and create inline graphics.Read more

Reviews (2)

Simply the best
Still the best FreeHand book on the market.Even though it would appear to be dated, as version 8.0 is now two version points behind (soon to be three in November 2002), Real World FreeHand 8 captures the software at what was an obvious peak; well-developed enough to stifle cries of quirkiness, the obvious superiority and power of this mighty software was free to emerge.FreeHand was The Daddy.Before the web, before it was bundled with Flash, before they changed the pen tool...but after they...the software really hasn't changed much since v.8, actually.Except for the pen tool, that is.(Kvern didn't offer a v.9 or a v.10 of his book.)Kvern is easily the best writer of third-party computer manuals EVER.An incredible knowledge of the software, it's history and utility with enough distance to be subjective and, at times, thorny, Kvern also speaks credibly though not obtrusively about his experience as a professional illustrator/designer.Definitely add writer to the list; Kvern makes his p.o.v. clear (he loves scripting!he encourages you to manually edit preference files!) and avoids the usual flat, obvious, dull attempts at humour that are killing this genre.It made me go back to FreeHand 8 while I wait to see whether the initials MX will prove to be a viable future for this once great and might app or RIP for FreeHand.While the recent developers of FreeHand have often seemed like dull, flat-footed, primitive, dull, unimaginative, erm, hopeless morons incapable of taking a right turn with the software, Kvern makes you believe in the possibilities.Don't miss his books on InDesign either!

The best book available
As an author in the process of writing a textbook on FreeHand for Delmar Publishing (due out in 10/99), I have to say that at the present time Olav's book is the only one given a positive review by any of my students. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Desktop Publish    2. Computer Graphics - General    3. Computer graphics    4. Computers    5. Computers - Desktop Publishing    6. FreeHand (Computer file)    7. Macintosh (Computer)    8. Microcomputer Graphics    9. Programming    10. Computer graphics software   

Reviews (2)

Vector Magic from a Master
This is a book that you wish wouldn't end because each chapter is flush with technical and artistic lessons of enormous practical value. Mr. Rockwell teaches you how to use paths and points in remarkably sophisticated ways to simulate reality. He covers the most complex FreeHand operations and manipulations in a style that is thoughtful, instructive, and easy to follow. How often does one encounter a skillful artist, adept technician, and superior communicator all in the same skin? Great Find
Finally, a real illustrator who can write too!! This book is packed full of inspiring real world desgins. The author then proceeds to teach us how to produce these top class images using FreeHand. Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books And Software    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Graphics - Design    4. Computer Graphics - Game Programming    5. Computers    6. Computers - Desktop Publishing    7. Desktop Publishing - General    8. Internet - Web Site Design    9. Art / Graphic Arts    10. Computers / Computer Graphics / Design    11. Computers / Desktop Publishing   

Editorial Review

In this clear, well-organized guide, author Sandee Cohen explains how to use FreeHand 7, the illustration package from Macromedia. She addresses beginning and intermediate users of the Macintosh version, focusing more on using FreeHand's drawing and editing tools than on creating fully developed illustrations. You learn how to draw shapes and paths; work with layers; transform and color objects; apply fills, strokes, and blends; work with text and create special text effects; create and modify styles; use plug-in filters; and create charts and graphs. Cohen explains how to prepare your work for the Web and for print, and how to import and export bitmap and vector images. Appendices cover FreeHand shortcuts and provide an overview of the package's interface. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The best way to learn FreeHand from the ground up
If you've never used FreeHand before, or if you're an Illustrator user looking to learn about FreeHand, this is the book you should get. Like most VQS's, it is geared to beginners and intermediate users. When I need to figure out how to *do* something, it's the first book I turn to. Sandee has also included many procedures for doing things that go beyond the scope of typical VQS's, such as an entire chapter covering the mammoth set of FreeHand preferences ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Apple And Macintosh Graphics And Sound    2. Computer - Apple/Macintosh    3. Computer Books And Software    4. Computer Graphics - General    5. Computer graphics    6. Computer programs    7. Computers    8. Desktop Publishing - General    9. Macintosh (Computer)    10. Programming    11. Computer graphics software    12. Macintosh OS   

Editorial Review

The multitude of large screen shots and the careful step-by-step instruction in this Read more

Reviews (2)

An excellent guide to FH 8, for beginners and veterans.
Having bought several of these Visual Quickstart books I can say that this one is very well organized and written.The index is excellent and will lead you where you want to go. The Way to Go!!!
If you're looking for a fast, friendly, and easy-to-understand way to learn Freehand 8.0, this Visual QuickStart Guide is it.Sandee Cohen walks you through the Freehand environment with grace and ease, showing not onlysimple methods of vector imaging, but some of the trickier aspects as well. This book is a must have for beginners and experts alike.As a graphicdesign application instructor, the VQSG helps me in developing curriculumfor my students because I know it has the information I need.I especiallylike (as with the entire line of Visual QuickStart Guides) the large screendisplays...they help the reader to see and understand the concepts Cohendescribes.Get it or you might get lost!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Apple And Macintosh Graphics And Sound    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Graphics - General    4. Computer graphics    5. Computers    6. Computers - Desktop Publishing    7. Desktop Publishing - General    8. FreeHand (Computer file)    9. Computer graphics software   

Subjects:  1. Aldus Freehand (Computer progr    2. Aldus Freehand (Computer program)    3. Apple And Macintosh Programming    4. Computer Bks - Desktop Publishing    5. Computer Books: Desktop Publish    6. Computer Graphics - General    7. Desktop Publishing    8. FreeHand (Computer file)    9. Microcomputer Graphics   

Reviews (1)

Best Computer Application specific book ever. Period
I teach many computer and DTP courses and rely extensively on texts for source material and as references. This book is simply the best book ever written on the subject of vector based computer drawing and DTP. Period ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Apple And Macintosh Graphics And Sound    2. Computer Books: Desktop Publish    3. Computer graphics    4. Macintosh (Computer)    5. Programming    6. Computer graphics software   

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computer Graphics - Design    3. Computer Graphics - General    4. Computer graphics    5. Computers    6. FreeHand (Computer file)    7. Microcomputer Graphics    8. Computers / Computer Graphics / Design    9. Image processing: graphics (static images)   

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Desktop Publish    2. Computer Graphics - General    3. FreeHand (Computer file)    4. Sale Adult - Cooking / Wine   

Reviews (2)

Great for Fontographer, two versions old for Freehand
I bought this for use with Freehand Graphics Studio 7, especially Freehand and Fontographer. I soon discovered it's based on an earlier version of FHGS, version 5 (I think). Freehand Graphics Studio is a must have!
This book is a must have for any serious graphic artist/freehand user. It covers everything I wanted to know about the Freehand Graphic Studio Suite. Before this book I did not understand the full range of solutions this bundle could be used for ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Bks - Desktop Publishing    2. Computer Books: Desktop Publish    3. Computer Graphics - General    4. Computer graphics    5. Computers    6. Desktop Publishing    7. FreeHand (Computer file)    8. Microcomputer Graphics    9. Computer aided design (CAD)    10. Computer graphics software