I am looking at purchasing digitizing software. I have a Bernina embroidery machine, but contemplating buying a Viking. Question, if I buy the Viking 6D digitizing software, but then never buy the Viking machine, can I still use 6D to digitize, and save it to an .ART file? I know my current Bernina (free) software will sew using .HUS files, so maybe I am OK to use 6D? I have the Bernina 440QE machine, thinking of getting the Viking Ruby.

Mops is right-- you will not be able to save your designs to the .art extension! So you will be dead in the water! I digitize & sell my designs. I have two digitizing software programs, Stitch 'N Sew & Floriani Auto Digitizing, and they will read the .art designs--I can uplaod the .art extensions to my software, but I cannot save in the art format.
I have been looking everywhere for a software that will save designs in the .art extension, but am finding out that the only way to save designs in the .art extension is to purchase Bernina software! Bernina has the ArtLink 6, but it does not convert either. I have been posting all over the internet looking for a software that will make the .art extension. I finally literally just contacted Bernina today, and sent a message to them to see what types of software I can purchase so I can convert the designs for my customers. I already have $1500 in software, and hate the thought of spending more money.
Some of the Bernina machines will read the .exp format. You definitely should see if your machine will read the .exp as well. If it doesn't, then the only option you have is Bernina Software. Otherwise, you're going to be purchasing software that you won't be able to use! Good luck!

I love my Bernina !

Bernina has just upgraded to V7 software and the roll out has been rough, lots of glitches. I loved the V6, but at this point in time I am regretting the upgrade. They have done an update, but it has issues too. I am waiting for the bugs to be worked out before I update.

I find software very frustrating because there just isn't enough training.

1 comment

by PatriciaVosloo 31 Dec 2013

I was interested to read your post since I too have a Bernina ( Deco 340) with version 6 software. My experience has been the same relevant to the limited after sales training in the software for digitizing. I am very happy with the machine itself and the quality of the embroidering and have put it to good use.

Get the Ruby- you will love it. Hugs. Nan W

6D will read ART and convert designs to other formats, but that's one way only, it can NOT convert TO it. You would need the Bernina software for it.

1 comment

by katydid 31 Dec 2013

I love my Bernina!

Yes you can. Just need to save the design in the right format

I believe the 6D only will read the .art format (from the Husqvarna website). Listed under File formats: "Bernina ART (.art version 1-3; load only)"