Do you want to edit an embroidery design, create your own embroidery design or just want to convert an image to embroidery format? Well, you need embroidery digitizing software for that. To play around with embroidery, you must have access to the embroidery software and that’s why today I am going to share every best and free embroidery digitizing software for you.
Embroidery digitization makes it easier to stitch these designs on fabrics. Embroidery digitization takes many forms, sometimes simplifying embroidery, sometimes creating a new embroidery design, or sometimes combining both. There are a number of software available online which can be used for embroidery digitizing and some of them are free while other options are paid. But, it is still better to buy software and do digitizing by yourself instead of paying someone else huge amounts just to digitize your designs. Or, you can just use the free software which can also be used to digitize your designs.
Here is the complete list of the best free software for embroidery digitizing in 2023.
- SophieSew Embroidery Digitizing Software
- Inkscape and Ink/Stitch
- 2Stitch Organizer
- Dime Embroidery Toolshed
- My Editor by DrawStitch
- Embrilliance Express
- Stitch Buddy
- Bernina Artlink 9
- Embroidery Explorer
- Premier+ 2 Embroidery Software
And, here is the list of the best software for professional embroidery digitizing in 2023.
- Hatch Embroidery Digitizer Software
- Embird
- Embrilliance
- Corel Draw
- Brother Embroidery Software
- SewArt Digitizer
- Chroma
- StitchEra Universal
- Bernina Embroidery Software
This article will explain different software for digitization and how they are used. Let’s take a look inside to know more about this software and its processes.
What is an embroidery digitizer?
An embroidery digitizer is a tool that is used to digitize embroidery designs.
The digitized design can then be uploaded to an embroidery machine which will sew the design on a piece of material by following the pattern that was created digitally.
Embroidery digitizer software is very useful for embroiderers. It enables them to digitize their own patterns and also design patterns for other people.
The digitized designs can be created using a pattern or by sketching the pattern out on a computer program made specifically for designing and editing embroidery files.
These programs enable you to choose colors, specific lines, and patterns, as well as how you want the area of your design to be filled in (with colors or with different types of stitches).
Embroidery digitization is the process of converting a design to support the embroidery formatting using computer-aided design technology and various embroidery designs. Embroidery digitizing software generally allows users to create designs in a medium, such as a file format such as TIFF or JPG, then convert that design into either a machine embroiderable pattern or an electronic program.
Digitization with the aid of embroidery design software can be a very cost-effective method of producing designs for purchase or reproduction. They can be modified and printed at a lower cost in terms of sheer materials used, time to produce the final product, and money spent on labor. This can make costly designer originals more affordable and accessible to both customers and resellers.
There are generally two types of digitizing software available: one which produces embroidery stitches and another that is used to produce a text file. Embroidery digitizing software may also be used in combination with other software, such as page layout or image editing software to produce a final file.
With the increase in the popularity of machine embroidery, there has been an increase in the availability of programs for designing and editing files for embroidery machines. Generally, these programs have a graphical user interface, where the user makes selections and specifies options for each design element via buttons or menus. The final design is then stored in some electronic or physical format that can be uploaded to an embroidery machine for use.
Best Embroidery Digitizing Software in 2023
There are a number of digitizing software programs available, ranging from free programs to those that have a one-time purchase fee or a subscription fee. Let’s have a look at the best digitizing software out there.
Hatch Embroidery Digitizer Software
The Hatch Embroidery Digitizer is an embroidery digitizing software that enables you to create textiles with design elements. It provides a set of tools that are easy to use and understand, which has made it the most popular embroidery digitizer on the market today.
The first use of the Hatch software is to create embroidery patterns directly from an existing embroidery image. This method is similar to a word processor, where the user enters text and creates an image.
The second use is digital digitization, where you enter the images needed, convert them into a text file, then convert the image file into a stitch file and upload it to your embroidery machine.
To understand the working of Hatch software there are videos on their websites that can help users to understand the process but you cannot save the videos.
This software has been used by all kinds of companies that create their own designs or want to edit their personal embroidery designs. The main advantages of this software are its ease of use, its scalability, and that it is able to produce great-looking results in a matter of minutes.
The Hatch Embroidery Digitizer is used in a wide range of industries and has been well tested.
Hatch comes with the auto-digitizing option, the computer font conversion to embroidery fonts, and photo stitch.
Hatch is quite expensive from other software but it has a lot to offer. This software can cost you between $149 to $1000.
Embird
Embird is a high-end embroidery digitizing software that is used to digitize complex designs. It has the capability of digitizing any design in under a second. It can convert any images, drawings, or sketches into machine-embroiderable designs.
This Digitizing module is for digitizing, but you need a basic license before you can get any modules. The cost of a Basic License is $149. The cost for additional modules varies. The Digitizing module (Studio Digitizing Tools) is $150. You can convert any TTF font into an embroidery file using the Font Engine module.
The Embird digitizer has all the features required for designing and editing embroidery files, such as adding text and appliqué patterns and converting them into machine embroidery stitch formats like PCS and PES.
The program supports all types of popular extensions including JPEG, BMP, GIF, etc., in addition to DXF formats which can be imported from various CAD programs such as AutoCAD or Corel Draw.
This program also has the capability of creating stitch files for embroidery machines. It can convert one-color and multi-color designs alike into a stitch file format.
The user interface is quite simple, yet easy to use.
Embird has been quite popular on the market as it enables people to digitize their embroideries and finish them within a few minutes. This can be very cost-effective in terms of time and resources.
Embrilliance
Embrilliance is an embroidery digitizing software that can produce high-end results. It has been used by all kinds of companies that design their own products or want to edit their personal embroidery designs.
This program comes with a lot of features including automatic design and color conversion as well as photo stitch. The user interface is quite simple yet easy to use, which makes it an easy software for beginners to pick up and start using right away.
Different Stitch Artist levels are available in Embrilliance, such as levels 1, 2, and 3. Beginners should start at level 1 and work their way up from there. The basic tools kit of Embrilliance Essentials can cost you $139 and the price of Stitch Artist level 1 is $169. Every level has different tools, every next level is upgraded with advanced tools.
Brother Embroidery Software
The Brother PE design 11 is a digitizing software by Brother which offers features to the user. If you have a Brother Embroidery machine then it would be a great option for you. This program can only be used by experienced embroidery artists and companies who want to create their own designs or edit existing embroideries. The best feature of this software is that it has been able to design over 100 different stitches out of a limited number of functions, which includes standard threads and additional colors for an even wider range.
The Brother PE design can also be set in various fonts with no limits on the size. In addition, there are support files that include SVG format and other file types, such as PNG and BMP. The price for this program is approximately $1000.
SewArt Digitizer
The SewArt Digitizer is digitizing software that is used to digitize and edit embroidery designs.
You can also make changes and adjustments to the design before converting it into embroidery stitch format.
However, you will not be able to send the finished design directly to your sewing machine. The best part about this program is its simplicity which makes it ideal for beginners or older users who do not have a lot of previous experience with embroidery software.
Modules are not available in SewArt. A company that makes it (S&S Computing) offers it as the only digitizing program. The company offers other programs such as SewArt-Pro and SewWrite that work together with SewArt. There is SewWhat-Pro, an embroidery file viewer/editor, and SewWrite, a lettering-and monogram editor.
SewArt Digitizer can cost you $75 for the Basic edition and also give a trial of 30 days.
Chroma
Chroma is a digitizing software built by Ricoma which is used to digitize any embroidery design. It can also be used to create embroidery symbols that are used in different embroidery files. The best part about this software is that it has the capability of digitizing any design with no limits on the stitch count.
This program can also convert any designs into stitch files in a matter of seconds and then into machine-embroidered designs as well as mechanical drawing formats. There are various editing tools that come along with the program such as adding text and making changes to embroidery stitches, multiple dimensions, and automatic color conversion.
Chroma comes with different modules like Inspire, Plus, Luxe, with different tools. The basic module is Chroma Inspire which costs $599.
StitchEra Universal
StitchEra Universal is a software that has made it possible to digitize embroidery designs at a cost-effective price. The pricing of this program is available on a subscription basis. It comes with different modules like Express, Standard, and Liberty. They also give the option to stop the subscription if the user doesn’t like the product.
The monthly subscription of Express is available at $2, for Standard it costs $8, and for Liberty it costs $16.
The best part about this software is that it has the capability to convert any design into a stitch file format and then into machine embroiderable designs. One can also convert embroidery designs into JPEG, GIF, and TIF.
Bernina Embroidery Software
The Bernina Embroidery Software can be used for embroidery designs. There are different program versions, depending on what kind of embroidery machine you have. There are three different versions of the software.
The newest one is the Bernina Artlink Software which has a user-friendly interface and various tools which can be applied to any kind of design.
The other two versions are the Bernina Embroidery Software 8 and Toolbox. These two software have been developed to sew with more than two threads at once and machine embroidery designs.
This software comes packed with various features like support for different formats, designs, stitches, and text. With this software, there is also an option to import designs from other sources such as .dst or .exp files or start from a blank canvas.
Top Free Embroidery Digitizing Software
Even though free embroidery digitizing software provide more functionality, they are often difficult to use and to understand. The purpose of these programs is to be able to create thumbnails, convert files, and perform basic editing.
Embroidery digitizing software is the best option for users who are looking to digitize a few images for embroidery. The following is a list of some free embroidery digitizing software you can also have a look at.
SophieSew Embroidery Digitizing Software
This software is based on the innovative technology of digitizing a photo and provides various photo-editing techniques as well. The developers have purposely taken care not to put any restrictions or limits on the stitch count in this program. This program has been developed for Mac, which can be installed on different models. For Windows, there is a free download, but some features are not available in this version of the program.
Inkscape and Ink/Stitch
Inkscape and Ink/Stitch software is designed specifically for digitizing embroidery files and can be used with Windows.
This software provides a set of tools that can be used to edit the design for free, which is an advantage when compared to another free embroidery digitizing software.
There’s an Ink/Stitch extension that lets you digitize SVG files and create embroidery designs from scratch using Inkscape.
However, the interface makes it difficult for users to manipulate settings according to their needs. It also has very few design options and limited options when it comes to importing designs; there is also a lack of functionality for editing designs.
The Inkscape and Ink/Stitch program does not have any support for 2 or multiple thread machines, so this eliminates the possibility of using it in such machines.
2Stitch Organizer
This software can be used to create chart designs and then convert them into embroidery stitch files. There is a search tool and an option to convert design files into JPEG, TIFF, or GIF formats. This program can also be used as a stitch library where you can store all the designs you have digitized and use them later on in this program.
The 2Stitch Organizer software is free of cost and has no limitations when it comes to design files used for digitizing embroidery stitches.
Dime Embroidery Toolshed
Dime Embroidery Toolshed software is free and can be used for creating embroidery designs. The program includes basic editing features like resizing designs, printing templates, converting file formats, and changing thread colors. Additionally, a design stitch sequence can be copied, mirrored, and cut and pasted.
It also has a search tool that can be used for digitizing designs from the library. This program supports machines with multi-threading and can also be used to convert these into stitch files as well.
The only issue with this program is that there are limited design options available when compared to other software and it also has no option to import or export a design, so you will not be able to transfer your work onto other applications.
My Editor by DrawStitch
My Editor by DrawStitch is a good program when you only want to resize or merge the designs. There are various options that can be used for editing the user interface is minimalistic and easy to use, however, the ribbon design is quite old and does not look contemporary. It also does not provide much storage space for the designs, so you would need to digitize more than one design at a time.
My Editor has a free version available, but it has restrictions when it comes to functionality. This program also has extremely limited functionality when it comes to importing designs, no support for 2 or more thread embroidery machines, and there are no export options either.
Embrilliance Express
This is free embroidery software that can be used to edit, convert and stitch designs. There are many options available in this software, which can be used to create any embroidery design you want. The more advanced paid modules are also available for this program. This program is for basic editing and customization.
This program has a range of features which include editing and converting embroidery designs, stitching them, adding borders and threads to the design, and also providing an option to create bigger designs.
Some of the tools and features available in this programme include the ability to edit designs for multiple thread machines. There’s also an option to print circular or straight designs without any limits on width or length.
Stitch Buddy
Stitch Buddy is best for iPhones, iPads, and Apple phones. Viewing, editing, and converting embroidery files are all possible with this program. This tool allows you to merge designs, change thread colors, make minor edits to existing designs, and even print designs and templates. The software does not digitize.
It is free to use StitchBuddy HD until you wish to save more than 1,000 stitches, then you will have to pay an in-app purchase.
Designs are easily shared online with the help of this software’s built-in sharing option.
The main highlight of this software is that it does not require any installation, so you would not need a CD or driver for using this program. It also comes packed with various features such as editing functions and support for multiple thread machines. There are no limitations on design size or shape, so you can also create multiple designs at one time.
Bernina Artlink 9
Bernina Artlink 9 is another basic editing software with similar capabilities to the other free embroidery programs on this list. It’s just the teaser for Bernina’s full embroidery software package.
This program has been developed for Windows 10. This program is based on the 1-2-3 step approach, which involves creating your own design, editing it, and then digitizing it.
This software has enhanced editing tools, an easy interface to use, and a pattern library where you can store all your designs safely on your computer. The trial version comes with limited support and regular updates are available online through the company website.
There’s an option to convert your design into a JPEG file format at any time without any further conversion process involved.
Embroidery Explorer
Embroidery Explorer is a free embroidery thumbnail software, which can be used to digitize embroidery designs and then save them as stitch files. The limitation of this software is that it only supports the basic commands, so it cannot be used for more intricate designs.
This program has no limitations when it comes to design size or shape, so you will not have any problems with creating multiple designs at one time.
Premier+ 2 Embroidery Software
Premier+ 2 Embroidery Software is a unique software that can be used to digitize designs and stitch them on your embroidery machine. The software has a lot of features that can be used to create various designs.
The best thing about this program is that it provides a library where you can store all the designs and then easily use them later on in your embroidery program. The trial version of this program comes with limited functions, so if you want to use more advanced features, you will have to purchase the full version online.
The embroidery digitization procedure varies a lot depending on which digitizing software you use and how you’re planning on storing your designs afterward, or if you will share them online.
Embroidery Designs Editing Software
The following programs are designed to be used professionally, with no restrictions on the size of the design, and have lots of additional tools and features available to help you make your designs look great.
These embroidery designs editing software can be used to edit your designs in the easiest way. If you embroidery designs are in vector format then you can edit them first by these software and then convert those to the embroidery file formats by other software as mentioned above.
Purchasing these software can be a good option for designers because these software programs provide a lot of options that can be used for creating new designs as well as editing existing ones.
Coreldraw Embroidery Software
Coreldraw embroidery digitizing software is specially designed for designers who want to digitize embroidery designs. This software has an easy-to-use interface and automatic trace function which makes any novice comfortable while editing a design.
It is capable of opening and editing popular graphic design formats e.g. Corel .CDR, .PDF, .EPS, etc. Using auto or manual digitizing, it converts graphics into embroidery. Various embroidery objects can be converted to vector and virtual embroidery graphics and .EMB files can be used to save everything.
The main highlight of this software is that it comes with credible support from the tech community and is also supported by various community forums on their website. This program also has incredibly powerful tools like the ability to change thread colors, add borders, stitch designs together, and more. No limits on design size or shape so you can create multiple designs at one time.
Printavo Embroidery Software
Printavo Embroidery Software is a professional embroidery software developed for the users who want to create stitch designs at home. It provides various options that can be used to edit stitches, add borders, and other image related editing features.
This program also comes with a pattern library where you can store all your designs and then easily use them in other embroidery programs.
Printavo isn’t a platform for embroidery art, but a platform for anyone with a custom embroidery business. Make sure you keep your current digitizing and embroidery art software in place.
FAQ about Embroidery Digitizing Software
What is the best software for embroidery?
There is various embroidery design software available in the market. Some of these are free while others are paid. While purchasing this software you need to make sure that they support the kind of designs you want to work on.
Embrilliance, Chroma, and Hatch are one of the best embroidery software because they work on both MAC and PC. They also have a wide range of options for designing your handmade crocheted items and other designs.
What is the embroidery digitizing software for mac?
As embroidery digitizing software is similar to many other programs, basically it can be used to edit a design and then save it as an image. Contrary, the embroidery digitizing software specifically designed for Mac users are developed to work perfectly on Mac devices.
If you are working on a Mac you can use the Mac version of any of the above software, but if you want to work on a PC and transfer your design to Mac there are a few tools that help you do that.
The best embroidery software for Mac computers are Embrilliance for Mac, Premiere+ 2, Bernina Toolbox, etc.
How do digitize a photo for embroidery?
You can digitize a photo for embroidery using various programs. You can use free or paid programs for digitizing a photo. Before you begin digitizing your photo, you need to prepare your photo.
First, use the program’s editing tools to lighten and remove any imperfections.
Second, decide on a border size. This is depending on how many stitches wide you’d like it to be in the design.
Finally, set up rules to make the design look better once it’s stitched out. These are usually a color change from white thread to black or gray, then continued with black thread for outlining stitches.
How to digitize a logo?
You can digitize logos easily using embroidery digitizing software. First, you need to pick a logo design and make it the size of the design you want. Then crop out everything around the logo including the background so that your logo is in a white box.
Once you have done this, create a vector image of your new logo by selecting vector trace.
Next, go to “Stitch Wizard” and click on “Import Images”. Then upload your cropped logo into there and hit import.
Once it has been imported, play around with line weight and colors using the editing tools as needed.
Finally, save your design as a .JEF file or .DXF file for importing back into the original program or uploading them online to share with others.
Embird, Brother embroidery software, and Hatch are some of the best software you can use for this purpose.
What is the best digitizing software for Brother Embroidery Machines?
Brother Digitizing Software is specially designed for beginners who want to learn embroidery digitizing. As this software come from Brother so this might be the best option for people who want an embroidery digitizing software for their Brother embroidery machine. It comes with various tools that help you find the stitches easily and provides an easy-to-use interface.
One of the most important parts of this software is that it has a built-in lesson mode that teaches you embroidery stitch techniques.
Brother embroidery software doesn’t have any limitations on design size or shape so you can create multiple designs at once and also share them online with your friends.
Embrilliance is another great option because it is easy to use and has many advanced features.
Final Thoughts
As we have learned that different people are using different embroidery software because each of them has its own specialty and features.
You can use the above guide to get to know various embroidery software available out there.
Make sure you read the reviews before purchasing any embroidery design software so that it will be more useful for you and your work.