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.