Tips and Guidelines for Creating Slides in
Macromedia FreeHand


The following procedures are provided to assist Macromedia FreeHand users prepare computer files to be imaged into slides. The Center for Instructional Support (CIS) does not provide technical support or training on the use of slidemaking software. All inquiries related to software support should be directed to the appropriate Office of Information Technology (ITS) Mac or PC Labs in Keller Hall.


Although FreeHand software is not usually intended for slidemaking purposes, users of this software can image thier files into slides without importing the images/graphics into another software program such as PowerPoint or Photoshop.

File set-up

For a full-framed slide, make sure all files are in the landscape orientation and image size in a 1.5:1 or 3:2 aspect ratio. The suggested page sizes are as follows:

7.5" x 5"
11" x 7.33"
11.25" x 7.5"

If files are not in the1.5:1 aspect ratio, the slide will have black borders on the "short" dimension. The filmrecorder will not "stretch" images to fill a full frame.

Exporting and saving Freehand files

While the filmrecorder will accept a number of file formats, the following EPS formats are recommended:

Generic EPS
Macintosh EPS
MS-DOS EPS
Photoshop 4/5 RGB EPS

Pick RGB in the convert colors to: option box before you export the file.

In addition, the filmrecorder will image the following exported FreeHand formats:

BMP
GIF
JPEG
PICT [but not PICT (Paths) and PICT2 (Paths)]
PNG
TARGA
TIFF

You can set the resolution by choosing the Options box. The resolution setting will also determine the size of your file.
Do not export your file in any of the Illustrator or Freehand native formats, or any other nongraphic formats, such as ASCII Text (even though the file contains only text).

While GIF and JPEG formats are acceptable for imaging, they are not recommended as the image quality decreases due to the resolution and/or color depth. Refer also to the "Computer/Digital Slide Imaging" for a list of acceptable file formats.

Fonts

FreeHand users must use only acceptable fonts for the filmrecorder. A select list of fonts are available in the "Computer/Digital Slide Imaging" brochure. FreeHand users may rotate and place type on paths.
Patterns and pattern fills
The filmrecorder does not image patterns and pattern fills; use solid color fills. The filmrecorder will either interpret the pattern and color into a tint/shade of the solid color, or omit the pattern fill completely.

rev. 11/01