The only problem is that Bernina is the only software that offers ART. So you should hang on to your version of it if only for conversion purposes..
I do not know either Wilcom or Floriani, but read good comments about them.
I have 6D - which has the same problem: very expensive upgrades - Embird which I use most often and Brother's PED Basic that's only a reader/writer for the almost archaic cards my 190D still uses. And the free Wilcom Truesizer is downloaded as well - I use that to help when I get a question about it. If that's anything to go by the quality of there software must be very good and consumer friendly.

Yes, Embrilliance will work with any brand of machine. But it cannot put out ART format, so as mops said you will need to keep your Bernina software for conversion. Embrilliance works very well and you can buy modules as you want/need/can afford. Also great customer service. Hugs. Nan W

I can't say enough nice about Floriani. Hefty entry price, but no charge for any updates or upgrades ever. Upgrades occur often and have been phenomenal. You can reduce the price greatly by purchasing at an event, if one comes to your area. Can you tell - I am sold on it!

Terri, I can and always have recommended Embird as the most reasonably priced, best supported, (digitising) program I have ever used.
But like most programs it does not create ART format, this is because, as unfair as it is, ART is owned, copyrighted and totally protected for use and creation ONLY with Bernina software.

You can download the FULL (but saving restricted) version of Embird for a 30 day trial and then purchase the license to unlock each module as and when you decide to proceed.

Most of the upgrades are free, though sometimes they might charge a whopping $15 (LOL!) for a particularly comprehensive program upgrade.
If you download and purchase the separate Module Licenses through Secrets of Embroidery you will also earn Secrets dollars to deduct off the cost of the next module you purchase, and you'll also get a bonus design sampler (30+ designs) when you spend over $35.

the first Module you must purchase is Basic Embird which contains the Manager Module and the Editing Module and while neither module is actually for digitising you can, in Editor, combine designs resize, rotate, mirror image, copy, paste change hoops change formats and add or remove individual stitches from designs, which is great practice for digitising.
Manager does what it sounds like, opens, edit and saves colour files and palettes, recolours, prints, outputs designs to various machine media, creates images, animated gifs, screen savers and auto designs from Windows Metafile images, etc.
Considering everything Embird does it is way cheaper than it should be and once you have it you will only need to use your Bernina software to convert designs to Art and transfer them to your machine's media

Hope this helps, hugs n much love, Meg

I use Janome MBX mostly, but have Palette 9 (which I do not like at all)...I also have Embird Basic with their Iconizer. I have used Floriani which is a fantastic program, but pricey! Embird and Floriani do not charge for upgrades which is a huge plus. I have spent more to upgrade my Janome than I would have to outright purchase either Embird's entire package or Floriani software. Although Embird has many tutorials available, the support and ongoing training that Floriani offers is in my opinion unmatched by any other. I love the Embird Basic and could not be without Iconizer...but I do believe Floriani digitizing software is extremely user friendly, support and training is fantastic and free upgrades make it worth the cost. Floriani is constantly updating and improving and adding new digitizing options to their software and really do take suggestions from their users and try to implement the requests into their software. Although I do like the Janome MBX, I would not purchase it if I were to have the option to start again...Wilcom makes Janome software and they are basically "sister" programs...would not purchase Wilcom either....good luck and keep us posted!

Terri, I love my Bernina! I opt to keep my older Bernina machines and try to keep up with Bernina software. However, I have version 7 designer plus and have not yet up graded to Ver 8 software. I live on Social Security and small pension and can no longer buy the latest embroidery machine even with 5 years financing. Which Bernina software do you have now? Kay

by 2newbie 19:39 Edit
hi I have florani software it was an expense but free updates and nobody mention free monthly designs. Plus free monthly designs from previous years :-)

I, too, am looking for the best software for me I'm thinking it may be Embrillience . You don't have to purchase all the different packages at once. There is a sale going on now, I don't know how long. It also has a special free standing lace, FSL feature. It doesn't have photo stitch yeti which is a disappointment for now. I'm sure it will be available in in the future as another element for the program.
Do any of you use Embrilliance?