This is kind of a new take on an existing topic. I have a Babylock Esante and I really need software incl digitizing - I am on a limited income but still looking for the best I can afford.. I know many of you use software - could you please offer me your opinions and suggestions on which software I should buy.

I have always been a Bernina girl from day one ,but you have gotten some great advise. Go with what you can afford. I can no longer afford the new Bernina machines.

Thank you all for your input - looks like I will tryout the Embird and get a feel for it.

Hugs

Hi Lyn, welcome to Cute Embroidery!
I use Embird Basic and two of its modules: Iconizer and Studio which is for digitizing - they are not expensive. I love Embird and use the Basic and Iconizer daily. I will never become a professional digitizer and use Studio for digitizing frames for my doilies,

Hugs, Lidia

Like the others have said, Embird does the job :) not crazy expensive, yet powerful enough to get your started with whatever designs you can think of.

I think if I had to start over again, I would go totally with Embird. I have Basic Embird and the Iconizer which I use everyday...love them...I did not know about the Digitizing Studio module and the others when I made the investment in Janome MBX then in Palette Next and I also have Floriani...I know...way too many...my go to digitizing software is Janome Digitizer version 5...but it is expensive to keep up with...Embird updates are generally free or if there is a charge it is minimal (I think it was $20 the last time I had to upgrade versions). There is a free trial available for 30 days...but I do not think you can save your work...but it will give you an opportunity to use the software and get a feel for it's capabilities...and there is a lot of educational help available to it which is absolutely necessary...Floriani also has free upgrades for life and very extensive educational support...The cost to upgrade most software programs is expensive and come about every three years...check several out and good luck with your decision...come back and let us know what you find out and decide to do..

Lyn, your best bet is Embird, if only for the basic program! And, the Iconizer plugin that allows you to see pictures of designs in folders and all pertinent info on each, is the best value for $20 I have ever spent. You can add other plug-ins for monogramming and digitizing, when desired. I purchased the Studio for digitizing a long time ago, but, have never used it! There are so many beautiful designs available from talented digitizers, I haven't found the need to get around to learning!! :) Love my Embird program!
Hugs, Angel

I like sew what pro ***only $65/ bucks Go take a look ***Welcome to cute hugs

From what I read, I think Embird sounds like software I would have gotten had I not started with Bernina Artista software.....I love the Bernina software for digitizing, however it is expensive to upgrade every few years and you have to buy it with all the features.....I am using 7.0, and for the first time I have not upgraded to 8.0 because although they added some great features, they took out some important ones that I use almost daily, so did not make sense to upgrade at this time....good luck with whatever you choose!

1 comment

by katydid 10 Jun 2017

I am still using Art 7 also. What were the major changes for ver8? My dealer retired and I am left with a stranger who bought the stores.

I know a lot of people use Embird. It comes in modules so you can buy just what you need. In addition to the basic program, I'd definitely get the Iconizer. It's great for seeing your designs. The optional "plug-ins" are Studio (digitizing program), Font Engine (an automatic lettering function) that you might like. There are two other plug-ins: Cross Stitch and Sfumato Stitch(creating photo realistis designs from photos).

It's worth exploring a few different kinds of programs, but to start out with, I don't know if I'd spend a ton of money on a program. Some of them have trial programs that you can download and try. They have limited features, but will give you a feel for how the program works.