Do you want to get started digitizing embroidery to make or edit designs for embroidery? As the most highly regarded embroidery digitizer in the world, I am frequently asked two questions:

• “What is the best software for digitizing embroidery?”
• “What embroidery digitizing software applications are simple to use?”

The essential tools necessary to create an embroidery design file are included in the majority of embroidery digitizing software programs. They can generally achieve the same result because they can make running, fill, and satin stitches.

However, the advanced tools and features that facilitate design creation are what set it apart. Some require more manual input of “stitch settings,” but others are more advanced because they automate the process and speed things up for you. Some do require more work. Consequently, please note that:

When evaluating embroidery digitizing software, consider the following:

Personal Preference Like everything else in life, not everyone will like the same brands of software. Your decision will probably be influenced more by your background than anything else. When stitching your artwork, some programs will make more sense and make you feel more at ease if you have a background in machine or production. If you have a background as a graphic artist, you will be able to adapt to this new type of software more quickly. Another type of software will be programmed with a focus on the graphics industry.

Do your homework.

The trial phase will help you figure out if the software is right for you. I highly recommend that you utilize our 30-day free trial of Hatch as a starting point. We’ll give you our Embroidery Digitizing Made Easy Challenge as a bonus—only through us—so you can see if Embroidery digitizing services interests you.

Asking other people’s opinions about a particular software brand online is another great way to conduct research. Today, you can post questions and get honest customer feedback through a variety of useful online tools, including Facebook groups, blogs, YouTube videos, and others that focus on embroidery.

Brands of Reputable Embroidery Software and Embroidery

Instruction When learning to digitize designs, the software’s training is critical. Either they purchase software and are left to figure it out on their own, or they enroll in classes taught by an unqualified instructor who has never digitized professionally and knows little more than they do. My book Digitizing Made Easy sold almost 50,000 copies worldwide due to this software knowledge “gap.”

Now, if you do find a software company you like, but it doesn’t offer a good education to help you master it, I highly recommend taking a look at Digitizer’s Dream Course, which is a fan favorite. This online course will take you by the hand and teach you the age-old theory behind creating beautiful embroidery designs. It is taught directly in 11 of the most popular software brands in the industry.

Should I purchase online or at a dealer store?

Sincerely, this is contingent on how much one-on-one assistance you anticipate requiring with the fundamentals. If you believe that your local dealer’s level of support justifies the additional cost, I do recommend supporting them.

Instead, it may be because software must pass through additional sales channels before reaching you. The software manufacturers, the regional sales coordinator, and the physical store need to make money.

Understanding of software

But if you know you’ll need a lot of help understanding the basics, paying your dealer for this service isn’t necessarily a bad idea. They ought to be compensated for their efforts and labor. However, keep in mind that the majority of stores and employees typically only have a basic understanding of software. If you want to learn how to digitize and create more complex designs, you should learn from a professional who has done so. You know, the person who provides software-specific digitizing lessons and has digitized for Coca-Cola, Disney, the NFL, and the NBA, among hundreds of other businesses? Okay, enough self-pitying. Does your embroidery machine’s brand of software need to be purchased?

Fair Enough

even though you don’t need it, having the same brand of hardware and software occasionally gives you some extra features. For some, things like wireless connectivity can be significant incentives.

However, purchasing software specific to your machine brand has few significant advantages when it comes to designing and digitizing in particular. In point of fact, you usually just pay more.

Where Can I Get Support or Assistance with Embroidery Software?

There is always a slight learning curve when learning something new. Consider the time it took you to learn how to underline and center words the first time you used Microsoft Word.

Education is important, and our lessons are very helpful in learning how to digitize. However, there are times when you have specific questions about how to do something or where to find a tool. Even though Google is a great resource, it’s sometimes easier to post your question online so that real people can answer it.

As a result, it’s a huge advantage to be a part of a community or group! We personally manage the largest Hatch Facebook group and the amazing Design Doodler Facebook group. Post your question or need some inspiration to the group, and one of our amazing members or administrators will assist you and point you in the right direction. If you ever have a question about how to do something or just want some ideas, post them there.

With embroidery software

Start where you need to start. The last thing I’ll say is to avoid being sold more advanced versions of software unless you think you’ll use them. You may not require full-featured Embroidery digitizing software if you are just starting out in embroidery. You can always start small and move up to the next level with modular-based programs like Hatch when you’re ready to learn more about embroidery.

I now realize that the majority of embroiderers have a limited understanding of digitizing and whether or not it is worthwhile to devote time to it. Consequently, I created a PDF cheat sheet for the free embroidery digitizing 101 video course. It’s a great place to start if you want to learn the fundamentals of digitizing, such as stitch types, underlay, pull compensation, and more. Trust me when I say that the theory you’ll learn here will help you achieve better embroidery results regardless of whether you want to digitize.