I really have to get embroidery software for my Babylock Esante - I asked Embird the price and with the basic, font engine, digitizing and cross stitch it comes to $525 US - isn't there a decent software suite out there that doesn't cost this much or am I just asking too much.

I'm convinced. Will be at buying at least the embird basic.

Do NOT EVER buy PEDBasic from Brother---when it works you can see all parts of a file on the screen--but when it crashes---there is NO INTELLIGENT support. I bought Floriani Embroidery Suite at a Floriani workshop--quite expensive but NO STRESS like in PEDBasic-still learning to use it----BUTTTT there is CONSTANT support and FREE updates for LIFE----
Good luck:):):)

1 comment

by bmupton 19 Jun 2012

I love my PED Basic and have used it for years...sorry you have had so much trouble with yours...I have downloaded the updates and have not had any problems. I has been great for this beginner.

do you have a babylock dealer in your area?

I am not familiar with different digitizing programs but i know about prices, for me Embird is one of the most economical for what they offer, the owner is always willing to help. I bought my from Secret of Embroidery, it is cheaper and you get points you could use to buy more stuff.

I have Viking 4D and it was pricey (Extra and Stitch Editor are my favorite parts, don't have PRO) but here are some inexpensive and free software programs, not necessarily including digitizing, but a start at low cost:
SOFTWARE
http://amazingdesigns.com/edit-ex... FREE
http://www.sandscomputing.com/id1... FREE TRIAL, $65 FOR PURCHASE
http://www.berninausa.com/product... FREE
http://www.allbrands.com/products... free
http://www.sandscomputing.com/ several to choose from $20 and up, free trials on some
I am told these are free as well:
http://www.thredworks.com/index.p...
http://www.freesierrasoftware.com...
http://www.sophiesew.com/
http://www.embroideryabc.com/
http://www.wingsxp.com/index.php/...
Linda

1 comment

by keeponsewing 17 Jun 2012

I don't have a digitizing software, but I do have for fonts/lettering. I LOVE my Personalize N Stitch and Letter It from Amazing Designs. Very reasonable prices.

I use Embird and really enjoy it. I have Artista, but never use it. I have to encourage you to get iconizer. It lets you see little icons of your designs and it a real convenience. You don't have to buy all the parts at once unless you are digitizing your own designs, they you'll want to. When I was choosing software, I could not buy anything cheaper. There are a couple of Embird Yahoo groups that give very good support online too.

Besides all the wonderful things that everyone said, I love that Embird doesn't have a dongle. You can load it onto 2 computers. Just make sure you keep your codes in a couple of places so that you always have them in case of a crash or theft. I've even emailed my codes to myself to have a back up safe place.

I use basic Embird with Iconizer for editing, layout and printing designs with color chart. Love this program which I use every day, it's inexpensive and easy to use.
Hugs, Lidia

Mislyn, I do not know how I ever did machine embroidery without my basic Embird and its Iconizer plug-in! Even the basic has so many features I enjoy, and love, love the Iconizer!
Hugs,
Angel

Ok ladies you have convinced me - I will give it a shot - I will get the basic for now - if i can resize some of the free fonts that should be good enough and the digitizing can wait till I make some money.

There was another site that sells the Embird with a free tutorial - anyone remember what that was - I think I previously downloaded the one from Embird and had problems with it so I cant redo it from there

$525 US for a software suite is really very reasonable (I know it does not seem like it but most other suites I have seen are well over $1,000). I like that you can buy Emibrd in parts. I have basic and iconizer and plan to get the font engine next.

I have 5D Pro, which set me back €1699 (multiply that with 1.3 to get the price in dollars), most programmes like PE design and Artista to name just a few fall into the same price range.
I also have Embird; Basic, Studio, Iconiser and Font Engine. I did not buy Sfumato or cross stitch.
I find Font Engine extremely useful (it can be used with Basic as well as Studio) as most "fonts" are in fact collections of embroidery designs of a given size that you have to combine as you would any embroidery design. Font Engine gives you the freedom to generate letters in any size you want and you only have to type text and space it just the way you like. Have a look at the free manuals at the Embird site.

I prefer Embird for ease of use and the price is a bargain.

I guess I'm with Peggy -- I love Embird! It's easy to learn and use. Also since it's modularized you only need to buy the modules that you want/need. That means you can buy them at different times so your cash outlay isn't all at once. secretsof.com even discounts it and the support is the same as buying directly from Embird.

I have basic, font engine, digitizing, and iconizer and in my opinion it was a bargain for what it does and the ease with which I learned it. Just my opinion. :) Good luck.

I really like the Embird program and think the price is a bargain, however the font engine if a part that I would not buy. I have no use for it since I collect so many free fonts and buy membership at a reasonable cost. Can't say about digitizing anc crossstitch, don't own it.Embird basis plus iconizer is a BARGAIN and well worth the cost.