User Guide

Getting Started 11
Blend tool
Blends are now easier to apply. The Blend tool lets you drag a line between two
blend shapes to create the blend. See “Using the Blend tool” on page 213.
Calligraphic stroke This new feature lets you create beautiful calligraphic strokes as part of your
vector objects. For more information, see “Using calligraphic stroke attributes” on page 173.
Eraser tool The new Eraser tool lets you erase parts of vector objects. To learn more, see
“Erasing paths” on page 95.
Image alpha channels FreeHand MX provides full import and display support for the alpha
channels of common bitmap image files. See “Working with bitmap images in FreeHand” on
page 318.
New gradient fills Two new gradient fills have been added to FreeHand MX: rectangular and
cone gradients. Also, gradient fills now have new options. For more information, see “Using
gradient fill attributes” on page 179.
Brush enhancements The Rounded Corners attribute gives brushed paths a more fluid and
natural look as they wrap around corners and sharp angles. To learn about brushes, see “Using
brush stroke attributes” on page 169.
Web-related features
Many new and enhanced FreeHand MX features help you plan, mock up, and develop website
components. With these additions, FreeHand MX becomes the tool of choice for the beginning
stages of web development, and the first step in the Macromedia Studio MX workflow.
Connector tool The Connector tool lets you draw connector lines that dynamically link objects
together. Connector lines automatically adjust when you move connected objects in the
Document window. For more information on the Connector tool, see “Dynamically linking
objects” on page 102.
Action tool The Action tool lets you assign Flash actions to an object. For more information, see
“Using the Action tool” on page 334.
Output area You can now print or export an area of the Document window by using the
Output Area tool. To learn more, see “Exporting an area of a document” on page 348.
Simplified movie settings It’s now easier to control the settings of a Flash movie inside
FreeHand. For more information, see “Using Flash movies” on page 335.
SWF import, placement, and export Flash SWF files can be directly imported and placed in
FreeHand MX, and then exported. See “Editing imported Flash movies” on page 336 and
“Exporting FreeHand documents as Flash movies” on page 336.