From Freehand to Illustrator CS6?

Question

What is the best way to convert a file from freehand to Illustrator CS6? I tried different methods:- **Illustrator 7**: Go to an old computer open the freehand file and export as Illustrator 7. Then go to the new computer open Illustrator CS6 and open the Illustrator 7 file. It works but things are moved and I need hours to put everything in order. - **Illustrator CS4 or Illustrator CS5**: Go to the old computer, open Illustrator CS4 or CS5. Go to file > open and go to the Freehand file. I can open the Freehand but everything are moved.- **EPS**: Go to the old computer open the freehand file and export as `.eps`. Everything is in place but the colors change. Even when the colors are in the same Pantone number, the perception in the screen is really different. I do not understand why?- **PDF**: Go to the old computer open the freehand file and export as `.pdf`. Then open the `.pdf` with Illustrator CS6. Everything is in place the colors in the screen are the same but I loose the information of the number of Pantone of each color.I need hours to restore-update old files.Do you know any better method or a way to solve the problems of the commented methods?

Answer 1

Converting files from Freehand to Illustrator CS6 can indeed be a challenging task, especially when it comes to preserving layout, colors, and other design elements. While you've explored various methods, each with its own limitations, there are a few additional techniques you could try to streamline the process and minimize the need for extensive manual adjustments:

1. Third-Party Conversion Tools: Consider using third-party conversion software specifically designed for transferring Freehand files to Illustrator. These tools may offer more advanced features and better compatibility, resulting in smoother conversions with fewer discrepancies.
2. Export as SVG: Instead of exporting as EPS or PDF, try exporting the Freehand file as Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG). Illustrator supports SVG files, and this format may preserve colors and layouts more accurately compared to other file types.
3. Manual Adjustment with PDF Method: Since the PDF method retains layout and colors but loses Pantone information, you could try using it as a base and manually reassigning Pantone colors in Illustrator. While this still requires some manual effort, it might be less time-consuming than starting from scratch.
4. Use Legacy Versions of Illustrator: If possible, try opening the Freehand file in older versions of Illustrator closer to the version it was originally created in. While this may not completely eliminate layout discrepancies, it could result in fewer issues compared to opening in newer versions like CS6.
5. Custom Scripts or Actions: Explore the possibility of creating custom scripts or actions in Illustrator to automate repetitive tasks involved in the conversion process. This could help streamline certain aspects of the workflow and reduce manual labor.
6. Professional Assistance: In complex cases or for large volumes of files, consider seeking assistance from graphic design professionals or specialized conversion services. They may have the expertise and tools necessary to handle the conversion more efficiently and accurately.

Ultimately, the best approach may vary depending on the specific characteristics of your Freehand files and the desired outcome. Experiment with different methods and combinations thereof to find the most effective solution for your needs.