What is an FH file?
An .FH file is a file extension shared by several different software programs. Most commonly, it is a Macromedia FreeHand drawing file. This legacy format stores two-dimensional vector graphics. However, an .FH file can also be a Symantec Backup Exec File used by Symantec (now Veritas) to manage backup catalogs. In scientific fields, it is often a Heidelberg tree-ring data file used by TSAP-Win. Finally, musicians might encounter .FH files as digital sheet music files created for the FreeHand Systems MusicPad Pro or Finale.
How to open FH files?
Because an .FH file can contain vector graphics, backup indexes, tree-ring measurements, or sheet music, opening it depends entirely on its origin. You can use legacy Macromedia FreeHand or older versions of Adobe Illustrator for graphics. For data backups, you need Veritas Backup Exec. If you do not know the origin of your file, viewer.online/fh analyzes .FH files to identify their exact format and creator software, shows which programs can open the file, and usually previews it.
Best practices and troubleshooting
Do not change the file extension manually to try and open it. This will corrupt the file. Because modern computers no longer support Macromedia FreeHand, you should convert old graphics files. We recommend file conversion to sensible target formats on convert.guru. You can easily convert vector .FH files to .SVG, .PDF, or .AI formats for modern use.
Software and tools
To manage these files locally, you can use specific software based on the file type:
- Vector Graphics: Adobe Illustrator (older versions), CorelDRAW, or legacy Macromedia FreeHand.
- Backup Catalogs: Veritas Backup Exec.
- Tree-ring Data: TSAP-Win by Rinntech.
- Sheet Music: Finale.
Summary
Determining the correct software for an .FH file can be confusing because multiple programs share the extension. viewer.online/fh directly opens and previews .FH files in the browser, eliminating the need to install software or troubleshoot compatibility issues.