.FH9 File Extension

FreeHand 9 Drawing File

Developer	Adobe Systems
Popularity	Average rating 3.6 / 5. Vote count: 19
Category	Vector Image Files
Format	.FH9
Cross Platform	Update Soon

What is an FH9 file?

The .FH9 file extension is associated with Adobe FreeHand 9, a vector graphics editor that was popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s. These files are used for creating and storing vector-based illustrations and graphics.

More Information.

FreeHand was designed as a versatile vector graphics editor for creating detailed illustrations, logos, diagrams, and other graphic elements. Version 9 was notable for introducing a range of new features aimed at improving usability and functionality. It was widely used by graphic designers and illustrators before Adobe Illustrator became the dominant vector graphics software.

Origin Of This File.

FreeHand was originally developed by Altsys Corporation in 1988 and later acquired by Macromedia in 1994. Adobe Systems acquired Macromedia in 2005, and FreeHand was discontinued. The .FH9 extension specifically refers to files created with FreeHand 9, a version released in the late 1990s.

File Structure Technical Specification.

The .FH9 files are vector-based and store graphics data in a format compatible with FreeHand 9. This includes paths, shapes, colors, and other vector elements. Unlike raster graphics, vector graphics are not resolution-dependent, meaning they can be scaled to any size without losing quality.

How to Convert the File?

Windows

Using Adobe FreeHand 9:
- Open FreeHand 9: Launch Adobe FreeHand 9 on your Windows machine.
- Open the .FH9 File: Use the “File” menu to open the .FH9 file you want to convert.
- Export the File: Choose “File” > “Export” and select a compatible format such as .AI (Adobe Illustrator), .EPS, or .PDF.
- Save the File: Specify the destination and save the file in the desired format.
Using File Conversion Software:
- Online Converters: You can use online services like Zamzar or CloudConvert to convert .FH9 files to formats like .PDF or .SVG. Upload the file, select the target format, and download the converted file.
- Desktop Converters: Some desktop applications may offer conversion capabilities. Look for software that supports FreeHand files or can handle a wide range of graphic formats.

Linux

Using FreeHand on a Virtual Machine:
- Set Up a Virtual Machine: Install a virtual machine (e.g., VirtualBox) with a Windows OS.
- Install FreeHand 9: Within the virtual machine, install Adobe FreeHand 9.
- Convert the File: Follow the Windows conversion steps to export the .FH9 file to a more widely supported format.
Using Conversion Services:
- Online Converters: Use online file conversion services like Zamzar or CloudConvert through a web browser on Linux to convert .FH9 files to formats such as .PDF or .SVG.
Manual Conversion:
- Inkscape: Though Inkscape does not support .FH9 directly, convert the .FH9 file to .SVG or .PDFusing another tool first, and then open it in Inkscape if needed.

macOS

Using Adobe FreeHand 9:
- Open FreeHand 9: If you have an older macOS version or use compatibility software, launch Adobe FreeHand 9.
- Open and Export: Open the .FH9 file and use the “File” > “Export” option to save the file in a different format like .AI, .EPS, or .PDF.
Using File Conversion Software:
- Online Converters: Similar to Windows, use online services like Zamzar or CloudConvert to convert .FH9 files to formats such as .PDF, .SVG, or .AI.

Android

Using Online Converters:
- Access Online Converters: Use your Android browser to visit online file conversion websites like Zamzar or CloudConvert.
- Upload and Convert: Upload your .FH9 file to the service, select the desired output format, and download the converted file.
Cloud Storage Integration:
- Use Cloud Storage: If you have cloud storage with conversion features, upload the .FH9 file and convert it to a more accessible format within the cloud service.

iOS

Using Online Converters:
- Access Conversion Websites: Use Safari or another browser to visit file conversion services like Zamzar or CloudConvert.
- Upload and Convert: Follow the service’s instructions to upload your .FH9 file, choose a target format, and download the converted file.
Cloud Services:
- Cloud Storage Apps: If using cloud storage apps like Google Drive or Dropbox that support file conversion, upload the .FH9 file and use the integrated tools to convert it.

Others

Specialized File Conversion Tools:
- Online Conversion Services: Use specialized online services like Zamzar or CloudConvert, which can handle a wide range of file formats and conversions.
Legacy Software Archives:
- Find Older Software: Look for older software archives or specialized conversion tools that may support .FH9 files. These tools might be available in niche software collections or archives.

Advantages And Disadvantages.

Advantages:

Scalability: Vector graphics can be resized without loss of quality.
Precision: Ideal for creating clean, precise graphics and illustrations.
Compatibility with FreeHand: The .FH9 format works seamlessly with FreeHand 9.

Disadvantages:

Legacy Software: FreeHand 9 is outdated, and the file format is not widely supported by modern software.
Limited Compatibility: Few current programs can open or edit .FH9 files directly.

How to Open FH9?

Open In Windows

Adobe FreeHand 9: The native application that can open .FH9 files.
Adobe Illustrator: With conversion, Adobe Illustrator can handle FreeHand files if they are converted to an Illustrator-compatible format.

Open In Linux

Inkscape: Inkscape does not natively support .FH9 files, but you can try converting them to a more universal format like SVG or PDF using a tool or service on another platform first.

Open In MAC

Adobe FreeHand 9: Similar to Windows, the native application for .FH9 files.
Adobe Illustrator: After conversion to a compatible format, Illustrator can handle these files.

Open In Android

Limited Support: Android apps generally do not support .FH9 files directly. You would need to convert the files to a more common format like PDF or SVG using a desktop application first.

Open In IOS

Limited Support: As with Android, iOS apps do not support .FH9 files directly. Conversion to a more common format is required before opening on iOS devices.

Open in Others

File Conversion Tools: Various online file converters can change .FH9 files to more accessible formats, although this may require intermediate steps and checking compatibility.
Legacy Software Archives: Some older software archives may still have programs capable of opening .FH9 files.