I used to digitize maps for a living and am currently "between jobs". I contemplated purchasing Buzz Tools, but then saw a demonstration of Generations. Now I see many people on the forum writing about Embird. I am wondering if anyone has used Generations or if they have opinions on the benefits of either program. I am also interested in potentially manually digitizing some images as well, so if anyone has suggestions on what tools I could use for that endeavor, I would greatly appreciate any guidance.

I use Generations, I always have, I recently purchased PE design next, and I just can't get my head around it (although I have not tried that hard). I love Generations because you have so much control of what you are doing. I have never used Embird so I will not argue with Meganne. I think the main thing is to make sure you can get good tutorials for the software you choose.
Alice.

1 comment

by raseitz 04 Jun 2011

I looked at Generations, but the cost is too much for an someone that hasn't been working in a while. I decided baby steps would be better that giant leaps...in regards to money at least.

I chose Emb and digitized a silouhette of my lab...her head at least....now I want to share it with you all, but I'm not sure how...

1 comment

by raseitz 04 Jun 2011

I figured it out. Kiley's head is up in the "Designs by Cuties" section. Enjoy!

Critiques/Comments/Helpful Hints are welcome...this is my first attempt at digitizing for embroidery.

Much thanks to all you Cuties for welcoming me and providing support and guidance!!

Glad you joined. Good question. I really liked reading the answers you got for future reference for myself when I finally feel confident enough with just doing emb. to try digitizing something I want.

Welcome to Cuties. Good luck on whichever choice you make. I have PE Design Ver 7 and do not have a clue how to use it for digitising purposes. I am not sure if anyone else here uses it.

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I have purchased Floriani Embroidery Suite Pro, but I haven't taken time to learn to digitize yet. You might want to check into it, you do not pay for upgrades. Good luck finding the right one for you! Does anyone else have this software?

well i know 0 about this but I wanted to welcome you here too!

I took the plunge! I purchase EMbird after taking some of the tutorial lessons I found on the net. I'll post something here as soon I like the looks of it :)

The simple answer is that Embird is the best of the best and will allow you to digitise any way you like, manually, auto-trace, Sfumato (photo-stitch), fully automated (you need font engine and access to lots of Windows Metafile Pictures for auto digitising.

I use Xpressive 11 by Pulse, which is a semi-professional program (a scaled down version of Pulse's Industry software) and I also use Embird.

There was a far greater learning curve with Xpressive and at one stage I gave up on it because there was no support at the time, that was when I bought Embird and found it so user friendly that anyone with good pc skills can learn to use it without any outside help.

But you don't need to learn on your own because there is so much support available for Embird, also many free tutorials from various sites.

You could also join Flying Needle and get the absolute BEST Video tutorials for $US12.00, the most reasonable price on the net.

"Generations" by comparison, I was told by someone highly respected in the industry, not to waste my money as it is not in the same league as Embird though it does have some nice features.

In making your choice you need to weigh up the support available and the frequency and cost of upgrades.
The Balara's, who developed Embird, are constantly adding more features, (they listen to the requests of their users), and their last two upgrades were free, the one before those was $US 14.00.
So anyone can afford Embird and can also afford to keep it totally up to date.

I would recommend Xpressive 11 but it is no longer available and even if it was the support was/is non-existent.

These opinions are my own and in no way reflect the views of anyone else.

You should also check out the "Software" tag on the left and type "Embird" in the search topic box if you need further info.
hugs n roses, Meganne

Welcome to Cute. I know that you will love it here. If you will click on the word "digitizing" to the left under popular topics, you will find many answers.
There is a free program by Sierra software that many people really like. There are also yahoo groups to support it.
http://www.freesierrasoftware.com...
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Sti...
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Sti...
If you are interested in Generations, Holly Pike of Artistic Thread Works has lessons and free videos. You can get a 3 weeks trial membership to the site for $1.
http://www.artisticthreadworks.co...

I have both Embird and 5D Pro. I have never used the two you mention. Are there free trials you could use? I know Embird has one, 5D does not. I am not particularly keen on the consumer-friendly programmes - IMO they won't let you have as much freedom as you want if you are seriously digitising, but offer a lot of instant results - nice for a beginner but not what you want in the long run.
I hope some of the users of the programmes you mentioned will offer some advice.

4 comments

by raseitz 25 May 2011

Both applications have free trials. Mom already downloaded the buzz trial software but it doesn't offer the digitizing option. I haven't gotten the Generations trial yet, it comes in the mail and has a $50 refundable deposit. What is it that you like about and don't like Embird and 5D Pro? I am trying to get a sense of the ups and downs before I head too far down any one path.

by mops 25 May 2011

I like Embird for the ease of use and the versatility, the fact that you can buy the modules you want and add on as you progress, the upgrades are cheaper and is far less expensive than 5D - although that comes with a lot of built-in alphabets (over 100) while you have to buy them in Embird for $15 a set.

As I said, 5Dpro is consumer friendly, but as soon as you want to do manual digitising Embird wins in ease of doing it. That has to do with the use of Bezier nodes in Embird. What that means is that you should use as few nodes as you can in Embird and place far more in 5D to get the same smooth curves.
Both can be mastered with practice, and the stitching is excellent in both programs. Having used Husqvarna software for 10 years before I bought Embird might have been a great factor in finding the latter easy to master - I was used to digitising, used to make logical choice in what first, what last, how to avoid jump stitches, etc.

by raseitz 25 May 2011

Mom and I were contemplating doing some of this work together. We live in separate states, however..do you happen to know if we would have to purchase two copies of Embird to do the work or is there a "lite" version of Embird. I looked at the Embird site and it looks as though I would benefit from the digitizing package and she would benefit from the basic package - she might want to tweak the colors or whatnot. Does that sound right? If I purchase the digitizing package, does the basic come included in the digitizing package? Sorry for all the questions. I greatly appreciate your patience, help, and guidance.

by mops 26 May 2011

The Basic one would be enough for your mom, you would need Studio and the basic one (it's not included in Studio). I would recommend the Iconiser for both of you and FontEngine for you.
You can download a free tutorial - http://www.embird.com/sw/embird/t... which might give you an insight in the programme.

Welcome. I cannot digitize to save my life so I can't help you. Are there any software brands that offer a free trial so you can get a taste for it? Or try googling each 1 to see if they list what there brand cand do so you can compare? Good luck with it. I am grateful for those who can digitize designs.

rasetz, WELCOME to the CUTE family - I leave the digitizing up to the others - I have a love of LACE - if you decide to get into it - I would love to see your work.

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Glad you came and joined.

Welcome to you and your mum. I know nothing about digitizing but there will be many talented Cuties who will help you. Enjoy your stay here. Sarah.

Welcome to the site. Good luck with your digitizing. God bless. * for your garden :-)

Welcome to Cute !
Be sure to check out The P-E Design program.(before you decide)
I have never beem computer smart or very arty ,but this program allows my simple art drawing skills,to be stitched into beautiful embroidery.
Very easy and a good manual too, I taught myself from it.
Hope you have lots of Fun.
From Bev

Welcome to you too from someone who loves you very much, mom! (You can check the tags on digitizing here too.)

3 comments

by shirlener88 25 May 2011

Glad to see you talked your daughter into becoming a part of the CUTE family - way to go.

by sewbadly 25 May 2011

Good for you, mom. What a wonderful experience to share.

by raseitz 25 May 2011

Awwwwww, shucks. Thanks for the help and guidance, mom, as always :)

Sorry I can't help with your question but someone will come along shortly that will. Good luck with your future digitizing. BTW....."WELCOME" to Cute. Since your mom is a member you already know what a great site this is. So glad you've joined us too.

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