I decided that I need to learn a vector graphics program, as I currently only know Photoshop but I know it well.

I read on the net that Macromedia Freehand has the following pros and cons :

+Easier to learn
+Can be used for multi page printed layout design

BUT

-Does not integrate well with Photoshop
-Is on it's way to extinction

Wheras Adobe Illustrator:

+Integrated well with Photoshop
+Is the industry standard
- Is hard to learn
- Cannot be used for multi page printed layout design


What do you think? Which would be better for a Photoshop fan who wants to learn a vector graphics program and doesn't mind if that program has other uses?

I was just searching the web and found this article that clarifies what Macromedia and Adobe have planned for Freehand's and Golive's futures.

http://photoshopnews.com/2006/05/31/...-and-freehand/

Macromedia is Adobe.

Illustrator, if you can afford it, is the "standard'. However, you can get pretty much the same results for far, far less money by using XARA Xtreme. Their new Pro version is only $200 and has added PS compatibility - reads PSD layers and a whole lot more. It even does Flash animations now.

Are you a student? If so, you can get the academic version of Illustrator for a lot less money. Im not sure, but I bet that there is an academic version of Freehand too. I have both and I use Illustrator. I dont think it is very hard to learn and I really like it.

Adobe has decided for me! Yes as I was trying both trial versions of FH and Illustrator I went with freehand because Adobe was stingy enough not to allow the trial to function, after a huge download, I instaled and it told me tht my 30 trial days are over!
I'll have a look at any XARA Xtreme reviews I find.
No I'm not a student Angele803.
I was surprzed to discover that freehand was able to open Photoshop PSD files! I'm not sure what it does with the layers though.

Thank you for your help

You guys shouldn't forget that Flash is also a vector tool. I do a lot of my designing in Flash. I also use Illustrator and CorelDraw just to remain compatible with the printers out there. But I've learned to love to work with Flash's design tools.

What about Freehand MX tutorials?

Does anyone know of any good free non video tutorials for a beginner?

Freehand feels like a very limmited version of Autocad 14.

I majored in mechanical egineering at uni so I studied Autocad quite well.

I can do a lot more with Autocad than Freehand.

If I can only find a plugin or aplication that could allow me to import Autocad files in Photoshop, I'd happily not waste time learning Freehand.

illustrator

illustrator

I love Illustrator. I like it better than photoshop but I am just a novice artist. I do layout in Illustrator too and it's just great - gives me more freedom than say pagemaker or quark xpress.

One of the things I like about Illustrator is that you can be really bad at freehand drawing on paper but in Illustrator it makes you an artist!

Don't know any other vector programs but next week I start a new job and will be learning Corel Draw. I'm very excited about learning something new.

Illustrator is my clear choice.

I'm on the fence. I've used both and can say that I like some of the features of both. I think that both of them are a pain in the *** for beginners, or I just haven't found the right tuts or books.

imho, both in order of complexity and amount of available features:
- Illustrator
- CorelDRaw
- Freehand
- Xara

wat is this thing???

i want to no hw ta mak bebo skins

hw do u mak bebo skins

Illustrator. Freehand..is not as good.

...i think corel draw is much user friendly than any other vector software.. I've try to use illustrator but its more complicated...you have to use many tools just to make the effect you wanted..but in corel draw its a little bit easier...also in flash....

http://bizgraphix.com