Comparable to a smaller, simpler, and less expensive version of Adobe Illustrator, Freeverse’s Lineform is a good option for anyone wanting to learn vector-based drawing. The program takes a technically-challenging art form, and makes it accessible to nearly anyone.
There are two primary forms of computer art—vector and pixel. Pixels, although often more detailed and realistic looking, have limits on how much they can be enlarged—since it is pixel-based it will eventually look grainy.
Vector, on the other hand, can be infinitely enlarged. A small image made on any computer can be used on a business card or enlarged to the size of a building. It is often used by companies for their logos and occasionally advertisements.
Typically, learning such programs is like learning a second language—the amount of options and tools is often staggering.
Lineform is different. It contains only the bare necessities of what is needed to draw in vector. While it has clear limitations, the program offers enough tools to create a fair range of illustrations.
At just $100, Lineform is easily one of the best deals on the vector-based illustration market. It gives an approachable workspace for beginners and an uncluttered drawing pad for professionals—with enough tools to still be attractive to both.
Testing Lineform
When I first opened Lineform on my Mac, I was impressed by how quickly it loaded. The program was able to open in less than a second. A quick load time means that you can quickly jot down a sketch or idea right as inspiration strikes.
The program is just over 17 megabytes (about the size of 10 pictures), which helps a great deal with how fast it can run on your computer.
Once opened I was met with a small, uncluttered, and customizable workspace with a single window to function as the drawing pad. Along the left side of the screen are small, additional tool windows that can each be moved, opened, and closed as needed.
To see what it could do I set out to draw a simple logo complete with transparency, layers, gradients, and shadows.
I found completing the necessary tasks to be surprisingly easy with Lineform. It took me approximately 45 minutes to learn the program (without any previous knowledge), find the tools I was looking for, and use them how I intended.
Essentially, the program consists of a handful of drawing tools. After creating an image or shape and its various visual characteristics—such as color and transparency—the design can be quickly adjusted from a floating tool menu.
The program has a small learning curve. Its clear that Lineform programmers put in a great deal of effort to make it as simple and user-friendly as possible.
I found the process of drawing to be significantly easier than in Adobe Illustrator CS3 (keep in mind I only have basic skills in Illustrator).
Unlike Adobe Illustrator which could take months to learn, a user could most likely learn to use every tool in Lineform within a day (although mastering these tools could take much longer).
This does not go to say the tools are weak, rather, Lineform keeps only what designers are most likely to use and provides toolbars to make the more complicated uses of these tools easier to access.
Illustrator Compatibility
Since Lineform does have its limits, experienced users will most likely prefer to use it as a supplement workspace to Adobe Illustrator or a similar program.
The default file format that Lineform saves documents in cannot be opened in Illustrator CS3. It can, however, export in several other compatible file formats including JPEG, PNG, and TIFF.
Unfortunately, Lineform also cannot open the AI document format that is used by Illustrator. If a user wants to make a file compatible with Lineform, they will need to export the file to one of the several compatible formats.
This could create some compatibility issues. There was some pixelation in the images after exporting between the programs since the exported formats were not vector-based.
If you do not plan on using the programs interchangeably, this compatibility issue should be of no concern. If you are determined to use these programs interchangeably, however, you will simply need to export your files in one of the several compatible formats.
A Closer Look at the Tools
There are two brush tools in Lineform: the pen, which can be used to carefully draw and map out lines; and the bezier tool, which will automatically smooth out any lines you draw.
The other tools consist of a circle and rectangle tool, fonts, selection tools, and an eye dropper. A few others work on more specific functions, such as merging objects, but these are located separately from the small set of primary tools.
The bezier tool is easily one of the best in Lineform. Freeverse has implemented this tool very well by adding options in the adjustment panels, allowing users to quickly edit the types of lines drawn, thickness, and other options.
There are a slew of options to edit and customize the lines the tools create. One tool will quickly make your line resemble an arrow with a library of both pointed and feathered ends. Others give natural-looking brush strokes in various forms, while others adjust the marks even further.
While drawing was easy, I found coloring to be more difficult. There is no brush tool for specifically adding and filling color. There is an option to adjust the color of the bezier tool or the pen tool, but it is hard to be accurate with this.
Instead of using this option, I discovered that Lineform fills in selected objects by selecting a desired color from a menu. There are nice ranges of colors to choose from—including a broad selection of hues specifically for Web use that include HTML codes.
The lack of a color brush tool aside, Lineform does offer a fill tool that allows for quick color formatting, gradients, images, and text to fill a chosen object. I found this useful in creating a professional looking gradient for a small logo.
Another tool that seems to be absent is an eraser tool. To compensate I employed the “undo” command or used the arrow keys to move selected objects to desired areas. Although I was able to get by without an eraser, it would have come in handy at times.
In a Nutshell
Lineform is a great program. It is not meant to be a contender with industry powerhouses such as Illustrator CS4 (which is around six times more expensive), yet it does come close in some regards.
The program’s toolset is still beyond most others in its price range. It’s easy-to-learn, user-friendly workspace also sets it far apart from similar programs on the market and helps make vector-based illustration an accessible tool for the casual user—a feat few have accomplished.
For professionals in the graphics design field, Lineform may not be a necessary buy, but it can still offer welcome benefits. Although it would most likely not be used as the primary workspace, its clean environment and fast start-up make it a great place to sketch and brainstorm.
