Aldus FreeHand

Aldus FreeHand
source
Name	Aldus FreeHand
Developer	Altsys
Released	1988
Discontinued	2003
Latest release version	11.0.2
Latest release date	2003
Operating system	Classic Mac OS, Microsoft Windows
Genre	Vector graphics editor
License	Commercial

Aldus FreeHand. It was a professional vector graphics editor application initially developed by Altsys and published by Aldus Corporation for the Classic Mac OS platform. The software became a major competitor in the desktop publishing and graphic design market, particularly noted for its powerful typographic controls and multi-page capabilities. Its development and ownership passed through several notable companies, including Adobe and Macromedia, before its eventual discontinuation.

History

The application was originally created by Altsys, a company founded by James R. Von Ehr II, and first published by Aldus Corporation in 1988. Following Aldus Corporation's merger with Adobe in 1994, the software's future became uncertain due to its direct competition with Adobe Illustrator. To resolve antitrust concerns raised by the Federal Trade Commission, Adobe sold the application to its original developer, Altsys, which was subsequently acquired by Macromedia later that same year. Under Macromedia, development continued through several major versions, integrating with other products in the Macromedia Studio suite. The final version, FreeHand MX, was released in 2003, after which further development ceased following Adobe's acquisition of Macromedia in 2005.

Features

The software was renowned for its robust feature set tailored for professional illustrators and designers. It offered advanced text handling, allowing text to flow along complex paths and within irregular shapes, a capability highly praised in the desktop publishing industry. The application supported multi-page documents within a single file, a significant advantage over some contemporaries for creating long documents like brochures or technical manuals. Other notable features included a powerful extrusion tool for creating 3D-like vector objects, comprehensive color management support, and an extensive array of vector drawing tools for precise illustration work. Its integration with PostScript and support for CMYK color model made it a staple in prepress workflows.

File format

The native file format used the .fh extension and was capable of storing multiple pages, layers, and embedded images. These files were primarily used for vector artwork but could also contain raster graphics and extensive typographic information. For interoperability, the application could import and export a variety of common formats, including Adobe Illustrator (.ai), Encapsulated PostScript (.eps), and PDF. The ability to export directly to Macromedia Flash (.swf) format was a significant feature during the dot-com bubble, facilitating the creation of web graphics and animations.

Competition with Adobe Illustrator

The rivalry between this application and Adobe Illustrator was a defining aspect of the vector graphics editor market throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Advocates praised its more intuitive interface, superior multi-page document handling, and powerful text features, often comparing it favorably for layout-intensive tasks. In contrast, Adobe Illustrator was frequently championed for its superior Bezier curve tools and deeper integration with other Adobe Creative Suite applications like Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign. The competition intensified after Adobe acquired Macromedia, leading to market consolidation. This period saw fierce debates within design communities, such as those reading Macworld or CreativePro, about the relative merits of each application.

Discontinuation and legacy

Following Adobe's acquisition of Macromedia in 2005, the application was officially discontinued. Adobe announced it would not develop future versions, instead offering customers a migration path to Adobe Illustrator. This decision was controversial and led to a protracted class-action lawsuit, *FreeHand v. Adobe*, alleging anti-competitive practices, though Adobe ultimately prevailed. Despite its end, the software retains a dedicated user base, and preservation efforts are supported by organizations like the FreeHand Forum. Its influence persists in modern applications; features such as the Artboard tool in Adobe Illustrator and robust text-on-a-path controls are considered part of its enduring legacy in the field of computer graphics.

Category:Vector graphics editors Category:Discontinued software Category:Macromedia software Category:Aldus