HI, I am excited to find this community, and hoping someone can help me. I bought a Viking Designer Ruby some years back (I am thinking it was 2011?) and it came with 5D embroidery software. I used it for 4-6 months and then life took an unexpected turn and it has sat in the closet ever since. I pulled it out and was going to use it some and ran into some issues that I can't find information about online. I no longer have a Windows computer, just a Mac, and the software says it is for Windows vista, 7, or xp. I have been trying to find out about software, but there is no way I can afford a couple thousand dollars for TruEmbroidery. I am so frustrated at this point I am ready to list the machine on eBay and be done with it. I have been reading about other softwares but none of them make it clear whether they are the only software I would need or whether I can upgrade my software and use them or what. I'm sorry to sound so ignorant...but I am, when it comes to this! Any and all help would be greatly appreciated!
Here is a link to the requirements page of Embird. It is compatable with both PC and Mac. It is a great alternative software package, and is much easier on the bank account. It also has upgrades from time to time, and those are often free of charge or only a nominal fee.
You can try it out for for 30 days free of charge and pick & choose the modules that appeal to you. Look around the website and read the "how to install" information. The company provides good support when you need it too.
Hope you can get your machine up and running soon. Can't wait to see some of your new creations.
I'm not familiar with Viking machines, but you should be able to use the machine without software. I hope someone can be more specific soon.
You can run 5D on a Mac if you can upload virtual Windows - can't advice you on the how-to. The 6D group had a recent Q&A thread on it, so it would be worthwhile to join and have a look in the archives.