Have an opportunity to purchase a used version of Husqvarna Viking 3D with dongle and registration code. My questions are 1. will it work? 2. If so, I'm a better off with this software or should I purchase Embrid, SewWhatPro, or Embrilliance? I have a laptop running 8.1 (I'm fighting going to Windows 10) and a desktop with XP. Have 3.5 floppy on both. Thanks in advance. Cris

CrisG, my first question would be, how do you intend to use the software?
Do you want to digitise designs or just use it to merge designs and transfer them to your machine?
If you think you may eventually want to digitise then I would avoid purchasing old software, especially 3D as the upgrades are quite expensive.
Sew What Pro is great for all round editing, adding text etc. and, as has been said, their support is great and upgrades inexpensive.

The bees knees is Embird, it is not expensive for the quality of the program, their development is ongoing and upgrades so cheap (or free) that you will always be up to date with the latest releases.

All the following modules are included in your original TRIAL download and you simply purchase the License for each one, install the License into your trial version to activate all their functions.

The License for the Basic program includes a great Editing module.

The Iconizer module is invaluable as it allows you to see all your designs in Windows Explorer without having to actually open them.

Then there is Font Engine (Text creation) module and a Cross Stitch module and I know there is something to do with quilting, but since I have no interest in it I have not investigated it further.
There are free instructions available on the Embird website, plus the free installable tutorials you can download and you can also purchase a number of ALREADY digitised Alphabets, which are fully sizeable, nothing at all like purchasing an alphabet and being stuck having to manoeuvre each letter in place and having only the size you purchased.

The Digitising & Sfumato (Photostitch) Module is a separate download and only required if you want to digitise your own designs.

Compared to professional digitising programs Embird is truly inexpensive and is always totally up to date with Machine manufacturers, Hoops, Design formats and Thread colours.

No, I'm not on commission but I have recommended Embird to hundreds of satisfied Cuties. :-)

I hope this helps you decide which is the best choice for your own personal needs and whatever you choose I wish you a great future in the wonderful world of embroidery.
hugs n roses,
Meganne (Melide Menschen Designs)

A very good subject and I hope you have had a good outcome. So good to have all this information available with such a helpful community.

Follow-up: I tried Embrilliance's demo and SewWhatPro demo. Saving my pennies for SewWhatPro as it is within budget reach at this time and can have modules added on later. Again, Many thanks for all your help.

Cris

1 comment

by jerrib 28 Apr 2016

I have used SewWhat Pro for over 4 years and wouldn't trade it for any other program. It does everything I need and the price can't be beat...also they are always upgrading and improving and even will take in to consideration any suggestions to improve the program. You can't ask for more and the support is unbelievable. Judy is always there to help with any problems.

Sorry gals, had to run off to work. Didn't realize until I got back that I had left out a few pieces of info. When I asked about it working, I was wondering if having a previously activated dongle would still work? The seller was including the registration code. Also, I'm trying Embrid free trial. I downloaded the free Easter Bunnies from Cutie and tried to convert and format from .HUS file to .SHV files. Everything worked except that the machine did not stop for color changes. Haven't had a chance to look at it again to see if I did something wrong. The 3D software was on ebay and the seller knew little about it - no returns. 3D with activated dongle is running less than 1/2 of Embrid on ebay but like mentioned here, it is not supported and won't work with my 8.1. So guess I will save up my pennies for one of the other non-Husqvarna software. Thanks Cris

2 comments

by mops 11 Apr 2016

The dongle would work - I installed my 3D on my daughters computer (and she does live in different country and has a different provider) so it would work for you too.
Did you accidently set the machine to ignore the stops? I have had that happen once.

by CrisG 17 Apr 2016

Hmm... will have to check. I haven't changed any of the settings since I got the machine. Didn't realize that was possible to set it to ignore stops. It has worked fine with the Husqvarna floppy disks that came with the machine. Thank you for the info.

I have 3D. There is NO support from Viking and if you have a computer above VISTA, I don't think you can even load it to your computer. I like it, it's easy to use & does what I need. However at this time in it's "life" I'm not so sure you should get it. I just am praying my current computer holds on!!

I am pretty sure that Viking doesn't support 3D anymore so if you have any problems or even questions they will just tell you to upgrade. I started with that and for me it was good as it was pretty much all I needed, the same as you, just to convert formats. Most of the time they update their software pretty often. I am up to 6D and they are on to something called Premier3D was expensinve and she may want to recoup some of her investment so unless she is practically giving it to you you could probably ge tsomething new for the same money.

Hi, Cris- I have heard of folks installing 3D on windows 8.1 and even on 10 successfully. For it to work on these newer versions of windows however, you also need to install the latest hasp (dongle) driver, which you can get from the Viking site.
As others have said, 3D is a rather old version of the Viking software, so a lot would depend on the price. If you decide to do it, make sure that the seller includes all of the updates. If your main question is if it will work, maybe the seller would be willing to let you try to install it on your computer first to see if it will work for you.
If the seller is not in a hurry, perhaps it would be a good idea for you to join the Premier software yahoo group prior to the purchase to get some more information on any questions you may have about any compatibility issues. Questions, answers and other helpful information about all versions of the software are posted regularly. It is truly a wonderful resource. Hope this helps you. Good luck! Judy

3 comments

by jalinnell 11 Apr 2016

Cris, which machine do you have? Does it have a "Stop" button? If it does, then perhaps the stop button was activated when you did your embroidery. That would cause the design to embroider with no color stops.

On the software - you cannot register a previously registered Viking embroidery program. However, that is not an issue because as 3D is an old version, there is no support other than that which you may get from the yahoo group I mentioned earlier. However, you can still install and use the program if you do get the latest dongle driver.
What would concern me the most is doing the purchase from someone on eBay. In my opinion, there are too many unknowns for comfort. Judy

by CrisG 17 Apr 2016

Yes, my Designer 1 machine does have a "stop" button. I might have accidentally pushed it thinking it resulted in a different "stopping" function. I will check it. Thank you.

by CrisG 28 Apr 2016

Thank you! Thank you! It was the Stop button. It was off when it needed to be on. You all are the best!!!

Viking 3D will not work on a computer with windows 8.1. I am on windows 7 and I had to buy a new Viking 5.1. I was on windows vista. 3D will work on vista and XP., but not anything higher. Call a Viking dealer to conform this .I loved Viking 3D, but as I said it will not work on 7 or higher.

1 comment

by laffma1 10 Apr 2016

I got 3D with my Designer SE and used it on my XP desktop computer. Now, I have it working on my windows 7 laptop. Laptop is old, and will probably need replaced in the near future. But so far so good. I also have Embird and use both apps regularly for diffrent funtions.

Four Vikings sit in the sewing room (never liked the trade in) and Embrillance has served me well with both flash drive and floppy using machines. You can add to it as you wish but don't shell out for features you are not ready for. jobaby

if the price is write buy it .I still have mine and it works fine

I would say go with Embird...as others have said the 3D is quite old...you may have problems with compatibility sooner than later, too. Also, most of the Embird upgrades are free or very minimal cost and you can purchase it in modules as you need them. If I was starting fresh, I would go with Embird for sure.

My daughter is still using my old 3D Pro - although she asks me to do complicated digitising jobs - everything works well. I've no idea how well 3D works on 8.1, my daughter is running it on Vista, I used it on XP.

It all depends on the price - I love Embird and use its digitising part (Studio) far more frequently than my 6D Premium. Input/output operations has the choice to write to a floppy for Designer 1 (after creating a disk to start with) - see first and one but last option.

1 images:[1]

3D is really old. I have 4D as I have Husqvarna sewing machines and I have always had their software but if I was starting afresh I would probably go for something like Embird. You can buy the modules that you know you will use to add to the basic program. Also if you keep it upgraded you get the newer versions really cheaply or sometimes free.

Depends on what you plan to do with it. 3D is a very old version of software. It does work with Windows XP, but you may have difficulty getting it to run on 8.1. I was able to get mine working on Windows 7, and keep my fingers crossed that the laptop doesn't die. It's useful for basic digitizing and editing functions, and if the price is very good, then it would be a nice starting point for learning.

However, Embird is available at a great price and has more capability than 3D. So if you are wanting to learn to digitize and need more than just basic functions, I'd go with a newer software package, and many folks here use Embird. Upgrades are easy and less expensive (sometimes free), and if you have questions, there many here who can help you out. Plus, their customer support is very good.

Welcome to Cute!!

1 comment

by CrisG 10 Apr 2016

Currently, I need software to convert and write the appropriate files to .shv format for my Designer 1.

My personal method is to use generic software rather than that tied to a particular make of machine. Embird does everything I want it to do!