What kind of digitizing software does everyone use? I would like to learn more about this. Please give me all the information that you can. Thanks for your time.

I'm a HUGE fan of Embird. However, I would recommend with any digitizing software that you invest in some good tutorials or lessons. This will save you days or months of heartache. I have worked for years with CAD programs, PhotoShop and Illustrator... so digitizing wasn't something "foreign" to me. BUT, I also bought Carolyn Keber's tutorials (carolynkeber.com) and went through the videos and lessons. Most people go through 1/4 or 1/2 of the material and then they're on their own... not a good idea. Learning the correct method of shading, line direction, running stitches instead of jump stitches, using satin stitches (but there is a measurement restriction), etc. is learned throughout the lessons. Good luck in whatever you choose... I'm EXTREMELY happy with Embird (I tried the other main programs too)... but wouldn't give up Embird for anything!

Another thing, Embird was originally designed for the commercial industry... so the tools are amazing as well as the results. You can buy the program reduced at secretsof.com or directly from Embird. There is a 30-day trial as well, but unless you have some basic understanding of digitizing, you may be overwhelmed within the trial period. :-)

I use Janome Digitizer Pro just like Ricky. The program is pricey, but I got it from my dealer, who gives digitizing lessons on the software for free. I also got a manual with mine. If you can use microsoft Publisher, you can probably pick up Digitizer Pro fairly easily, I found it to work much like Publisher does in the command sequences. I adore the almost endless UNDO function, hee hee hee. Besides digitizing, the program gives you the option of resizing designs, opening designs into the program from zip files without even unzipping the file, combining designs, changing colors & stitches in existing designs, editing stitch by stitch, and has a Design Gallery where you can view all the designs you have in thumbnails without opening them, and most of the time without even unzipping them. I can also download files in any format, and convert them to JEF, which I use. So it doesn't matter if the freebie is PES, DST, whatever, I can use it. It's a powerful program, and I love it. But, the real quesiton I think is not so much can you learn to digitize, because I don't think it's that hard if you care to put your mind to it and ask questions & make mistakes & do lessons. I think the real question is what do you want to digitize, & why. I want to be able to make things nobody else has. I have the time to put into the project, and find it satisfying to be so creative. But I'm also 60, disabled and retired, and have the time to spend playing. My husband also had the $1700 to spend on the software & embroidery machine, and I have incredible support from my dealer. The Janome site also has tutorials on the software. The tutorials are good, but the Janome site is just awful to navigate and use. I think Ricky should go fix their site for them, hers is better by far. Buying online: just a personal opinion, but for something as expensive as a sewing machine or software, I want a person I can look in the eye to buy from. I just wouldn't do it, but many others here have, and have had no problems. I just want all the support that comes with purchasing from a person instead of a computer. Just personal preference, because I'm an old bag, probably. Kind of weigh the price of the product, what you can do with it, and why you want to do that. Mine is an expensive program, but even if I didn't digitize, it would have been worth the money for all the other features. It makes my embroidery life so much easier. I hope this helps you, if you need any more info or someone to brainstorm with about your decision to dizitize, just send me a PM. Much luck to you!! Marji

There are 2 pages of different kinds of software at this site. I buy most of my embroidery needs from them I find they have the lowest price and great customer service, Toby #116 she is fantastic and very helpful. Once you finish researching all the different software check if they have the lowest price. They do not carry Embird. In the search box type in digitizing software

http://www.allbrands.com/products...

Look at digitizers that allow you to manually digitize. Don't get one that just does it automatically or semi automatically (Click to stitch).You will not get a good result with it.Too many jump stitches and sometimes even missed stitches.

I have Masterworks. I love the program. Kind of depends on what you want to spend.

I have Masterworks. I love the program. Kind of depends on what you want to spend.

I use Brother peDesign as it came with my Brother machine, however lots of people use Embird Studio (which is heaps cheaper) and swear by it!

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by americangirl 24 Aug 2008

Thank you - I will go check that one out. I really don't know about all this. So I really appreciate you input.

Hi, I use the Janome Digitizer Pro.It is a bit pricey but it is complete. You don't have buy extras for it. It is very easy to use and can be used for any machine. It converts to a lot of formats.It also comes with a manual.Ricky

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by americangirl 23 Aug 2008

That is what I need is very easy to use. I will have to check it out. Thanks for your help.

Yes ped design is made by Brother. The newest version of it is design 7 and I think it costs over $1000.00 If you look in the column to the left there is popular topics click on digitizing and see what you can learn. Also do a google search for machine embroidery digitizing programs.

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by americangirl 23 Aug 2008

I don't really want to go $1,000 - I don't know if I can learn it. I will go check it out though. Thanks a lot. :o)

I bought mine off of Craig's List it is Ped Design 6. I did not get a manual with it so I am learning by trial and error. I will probably never digitize clipart it is just too time consuming and I don't have a good enough eye for it. I can make simple designs with mine, and import designs to make a grouping like I did with the King and Queen towels.

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by americangirl 23 Aug 2008

It is awful how little I know. Is this for Brother machines or any? Can you buy it online? Thanks for taking time to help me.