I have heard and read good reports about Embird, but i wouldnt know, i think the more experienced embroiders/digitizers and quilters would tell you more
:) hugs and a *4u

Terrie I use PE design for the limited amount of work I produce. I look forward to seeing what answers you get. What a kind son you have

I have had Bernina V1, V3, V4 & daughter gave me V6. Really like the 22(machine) file types it opens and saves to. Easy to use. Plus hooks computer to embroidery machine, or write files to Flash Drive(Thumb Drive), or embroidery card. When resizing moves stitch count down when shrinking or increases stitches when enlarging designs. Many built in fonts for lettering and resizing lettering. Go to Bernina site and download FREE ARTLINK software(mini editing program) try it. When we get PM back will be happy to visit with you one on one. Be sure and check out several kinds if you can. Having a dealer near is a plus. However the Cute members are wonderful sources almost as good as a dealer.

shesgr(een) but growing

Most important make sure you can communicate with the embridery machine with the program you decide on.

Shesgr(een)

I have heard good things about embird, but I personally use generations and I really love it.I did have to take a course to learn how to use it and to understand digitizing, the handbook is of no use at all.

I purchased Floriani Embroidery Suite. I have BARELY learned everything about it. But so far it is very user friendly. BUT, it is quite expensive. I have no idea cost of other software. Good luck. Have fun with whatever you purchase.

My answer is actually a comment to nannynorfolk's answer. The url for embird is below

Design 7, pricey though. *

I had purchased the janome software when I got my first janome. I couldn't find much help with it. Then I bought embird and have joined several groups for embird. There is a lot of support online for it and it can be purchased in seperate parts as well too. Good luck with what you chose. Just make sure that you have some kind of support :) Charlotte

I'm am still very much a beginner. Hubby bought me Embird for Christmas last year and said I had to get Tutorials as well so I have Carolyn Kebers tutorials from Secrets which help a lot figuring it out. There are also yahoo groups for Embird which are helpful, even just reading what others are asking I have learned a lot.
Meganne recommends Flying Needle tutorials but I haven't tried those yet.

Really good question!!! Really good advise here!!
Support is important.

I'd like to hear from those members who have both 5D and any other digitising program for comparison. From recent reports on this list Embird seems to be the favoured program.

I saw the 5D demonstrated and it does some great things. I have 3D and been pretty much dumped by Husqvarna because I can't afford to upgrade or purchase the 4D or the 5D programs. I'm still battling with the instruction book. I don't think I'd want 5D, because of my experience with 3D and Husqvarna's attitude of 'buy the latest or go without'.

Local support and lessons is good but if you have to pay for any extra help, like support, lessons, tutorials, updates and upgrades, then the total cost can be large for some programs. Embird seems to have the best on-going support at very reasonable prices.

I'm considering Embird Basic and Studio right now based on recommendations here, pricing, ease of use and enjoyment. Together these two don't cost as much as even half the upgrade from 4D to 5D.

You have to enjoy what you use and, again, support is important.

AlmaG.

Sweetie, I have had Bernina from the start, so i can not compare. Whatever you decide on , make sure it includes lessons. I have taken them over and over as I am computer challenged. I do learn something new each time. my softwear has the capability of more than I will ever use. I do love the color program of Ver 6 Bernina, It is wonderful. You can see at a glance each color change and the shape it includes. i always take a print out to my machine to use as a guide and it is great. Hope you have a Bernina dealer near you. Kay

I would agree with all the Bernina responses. It's what I have and I love it -- does way more than I'll ever be able to use but it is user friendly and you will have dealer support.

Thank you for all your wonderful advice. The only support I would get where I live would be from the Bernina shop, although my machine is an Elna!!

Just a note on BeRNINA. Bernina USA has several training things up at any time. They change but don't remember how often. Perhaps watch these since Bernina near you.

Lamkin

I heard many say that Embird is the best for the price. I have Palette. If I purchase another it will be Embird. H&*