Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!samsung!crackers!m2c!umvlsi!umaecs!amh!ksbolduan
From: ksbolduan@amherst.bitnet
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.apps
Subject: Re: Freehand vs Illustrator (FH wins here...)
Message-ID: <11686.279ae5fb@amherst.bitnet>
Date: 21 Jan 91 13:00:43 GMT
References: <47@owl.ukc.ac.uk>
Lines: 37

In article <47@owl.ukc.ac.uk>, rej@ukc.ac.uk (R.E.Jones) writes:
> I am trying to decide whether to buy Aldus Freehand or Adobe Illustrator.
> Unfortunately, nowhere round here seems to be able to provide a demo copy
> of either of these programs!
> I'd be most grateful for any advice/opinions/experience on these two packages,
> particularly Illustrator. I have used Freehand and quite liked it.

I'm a dyed-in-the-wool FreeHand user and wouldn't think of doing extensive work
in Illustrator. A few notes about some important features, at least for me:

1. Illustrator does not provide for the importation of TIFF files.
2. v. 3.0's text handling abilities are far superior to those of 1.9.x, but
they're still not as intutitve as FreeHand's. FH has a text dialog box, while
Adobe Illustrator (AI) types right on screen. You say tomawto, I say tomayto.
3. (Most important for me) AI does NOT allow you to work in preview mode. I
rarely step out of it while in FH as I like to see what I'm doing.
4. AI converts Type 1 fonts into editable outlines. A great feature, and one
that will be available when FH 3.0 comes out later this quarter.
5. In fact, with FH 3.0 around the corner, I'd wait and see what it offers
before you make your purchase. Preliminary reports that I've read seem to
surpass AI 3.0 quite easily, though again I'm a bit biased.
6. FH has a feature to ALIGN objects, any objects on the screen. This makes for
quick 'n' dirty alignment of bottoms, tops, centers, and it will even
distribute objects evenly. I think I use this dialog box more than any other
feature.

Those are just a few of the reasons why I like FH. But, of course, I have both.
I think the bottom line in terms of performance is that each has features the
others lack and if you can afford it, get them both. But, if you have to go
with one, I'd wait until FH 3.0 comes out and go with that one.

One final caveat. Be aware that the FH v. AI argument as been raging for many
years and trying to convince one program's users that the other is better is
like trying to convince a Mac user that IBMs are better or vice versa.

Good luck,
Kevin Bolduan