Using Layers, Symbols, and Styles > Using the Library panel > Creating and importing symbols |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
Creating and importing symbols
A symbol is an object stored in the library for future reuse. You can create a symbol from any object, text, or group. Creating a new symbol automatically adds the symbol to the library.
You can duplicate symbols as well as preview and import them from other FreeHand documents. Duplicating a symbol copies the attributes of the symbol.
To create a symbol:
1 |
Select an object, group, or text that you'll make a symbol. |
2 |
Do one of the following: |
![]() |
Drag the object onto the List view area in the Library panel. |
![]() |
Choose Modify > Symbol > Convert to Symbol. |
![]() |
Choose Modify > Symbol > Copy to Symbol. |
![]() |
Click the triangle in the upper right corner of the Library panel to display the Options pop-up menu, and choose New Graphic. |
![]() |
Click the plus (+) icon at the bottom of the Library panel.
|
![]() |
To duplicate a symbol:
1 |
Choose Window > Library. |
2 |
Select the symbol in the Library panel. |
3 |
Do one of the following: |
![]() |
Click the triangle in the upper right corner of the Library panel to display the Options pop-up menu, and choose Duplicate. |
![]() |
Hold down Control (Windows) or Option (Macintosh) and drag a symbol in the symbol list. Select a range of contiguous symbols by Shift-clicking. |
The duplicate symbol is added to the library. |
|
![]() |
To preview a symbol:
1 |
Click the triangle in the upper right corner of the Library panel to display the Options pop-up menu, and choose Preview. |
2 |
Select the symbol in the list. |
The symbol is previewed in the upper window of the panel. |
|
![]() |
To import a symbol:
1 |
Click the triangle in the upper right corner of the Library panel to display the Options pop-up menu, and choose Import. |
2 |
In the Open dialog box, browse to locate the folder from which to import the symbol. |
3 |
Click the file name, and click Open. |
4 |
Select the symbol from the Import Symbols dialog box, and click Import. |
![]() |
To remove a symbol:
1 |
Select the symbol in the Library panel. |
2 |
Click the trash can icon at the bottom of the Library panel.
|
3 |
In the alert dialog box that appears, click Delete. |
![]() |
To group symbols:
1 |
Click the folder icon at the bottom of the Library panel. Name the new group folder.
|
2 |
Select and drag the symbols from the symbol list into the group folder. Shift-click to select multiple symbols. |
![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |