by David Nagel
Executive Producer
dnagel@digitalmedianet.com

Macromedia has announced that it will release the next version of its vector illustration tool, FreeHand 10, for Mac, Mac OS X and Windows concurrently. This makes FreeHand 10 not only the first professional vector illustration program for OS X but also the first application to be released for all three systems at once.

The new version of Freehand enhances integration with Macromedia Flash and also adds new creative tools, productivity enhancements, a new interface and the ability to "multi-publish" for print and the Web. FreeHand 10 offers increased productivity through an editable symbol library for better asset management and the ability to select print areas from large projects. It also features the customizable Macromedia user interface that is now standard across its entire Web authoring product line.

FreeHand 10 also introduces Master Page functionality, which allows large projects to share common design elements.

On the creative front, it also includes a new freeform contour gradient fill to add drop shadows, beveled edges and highlights to objects, as well as reusable brush stroke tools.

The new user interface also includes some common Macromedia Flash features, such as a Macromedia Flash Navigation Panel for applying links or actions, so basic interactivity for Macromedia Flash content can be added from within FreeHand.

FreeHand 10 will ship in May for $399, with upgrades available for $129. A new Flash 5 FreeHand 10 Studio will also be available for $599, with a limited introductory price of $499. Upgrades from previous versions of Flash or FreeHand to the Studio will run $199. For more information, visit http://www.macromedia.com.

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