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November 7, 2008 @ 2:47 pm #

Carolyn Duncan writes tutorials for Husqvarna Viking software. Here is her advice:

It really depends on the sort of digitizing that you want to do and how much you are prepared to spend. We have an expression in Australia – “horses for courses”.

Dealers have been pushing software with the implication that the software will do the work for you. Generally speaking the more you pay the more features you will get. However no software will compensate for a poor quality image and in my opnion the “faster/easier” the digitizing process the poorer the quality of the resulting design.

4D Embroidery Extra with the Express Design Wizard will turn out designs pretty quickly once you get the hang of it as long as you start with reasonably simple designs. If you want to experiment with digitizing this level of software is fine. The majority of users do not want to go beyond this. Embird is marketed via the net and has fewer overheads and is therefore cheaper. You do not get he glossy manuals, the “sexed up” screen icons etc. You can buy it in bits and build up as you go along.

If you are thinking of professional digitizing then you need much more. You need really good computer skills to digitize well and generally speaking you pay for what you get. Wilcom is the industry standard but you may be looking at a bank loan to purchase it. The majority of people will not want this level of expense, output or difficulty. As I understand it the initial group that put together Autodigitizing V4 went their separate ways and created a variety of packages all based on the original software.

I used the Bernina software up to Version 3 and it did have some good features at the time (it was – and possibly still is – Wilcom based). The older V5 and VIP software had some catching up to do to be on a par with the software available at the time but you had to buy the software to get your designs onto your sewing machine via VIP Disk Manager. When USB transfer came in with the SE it meant that VSM had to catch up quick with their software or loose their share of the market.

The 4D Professional is a full package and the “Express Wizard” is in the digitizing module, but it is just the starting off point for creating a good design. You still need to do the editing to make the design stitch out professionally. There are few “true” shortcuts. The manual digitizing in the 4D seems strange at first because it is a radical step away from conventional techniques. IMO it blends the best of manual and automatic digitizing. I did not think that the Bernina V3 got this combination right but maybe they have now. Autodigitizing took steps in the right direction but I think that in 4D they have finally got it right.

Carolyn DuncanHusqvarna Viking Tutorial Writer

Comment by Angela Philipp

November 8, 2008 @ 4:52 am #

I would reccommend Embird. It is a fantastic program and low cost. You can download a trial version at Secrets. I also have 4D embroidery extra and never use it.

November 8, 2008 @ 5:39 am #

Lucky you, already being able to design with vector images! I bought the HV 4D Pro and find it very good, adaptable to my needs. In fact the programme is extensive and it is taking a while for me to get to grips with all parts of the programme. A big expence, but in my opinion, worth it.I would suggest that you buy a programme that has a good support network, I am lucky having an excellent HV studio nearby. The books are fairly limiting as introductions only, as are the on-line tutorials. Of course, there is always the internet and phones to ask for help. HV have been very good in sorting one problem for me, and they run excellent classes.Most good software packages are able to change designs into different formats.

November 8, 2008 @ 6:07 am #

I like bernina v5 it is made by wilcom.

November 8, 2008 @ 7:09 am #

My suggestion would be to check out Embird. Many digitizers use it and it is reasonable. Not only is the basic program reasonable but upgrades are downright cheap compared to others. Updates are free. You buy it in parts. You would need the basic program and would want the digitizing part and absolutely get Iconizer that allows you to see your designs in Windows Explorer. I don’t have Vista, so will leave comments on that to someone else. I run Embird on an older computer and a low end laptop. The best part is there is NO dongle And you are allowed to run it on more than one computer as long as you only use one machine at a time.

There are several Yahoo groups and LOTS of lessons out there for Embird. This site has some good ones. The Embird people keep adding new capabilities to the software and are really good about listening to requests from users.

You can download a trial version of Embird just to see what it is like. Again, right from this site.

Comment by Jeanne Dorweiler

November 8, 2008 @ 7:24 am #

I would recommend the Floriani suite of software, having used Embird and the Pfaff/Viking suite of software previously. The Floriani software is fast — I run it on vmware fusion on my mac, and it is great. It doesn’t require a dongle, and they let you run it on two machines. Also, it gives you very nice fine control over individual stitches. The greatet thing, though, in my opinion, is the “Save to sew” feature, that modifies the overlap and underlay based on what fabric you are going to sew on. This has been an amazing solution for a number of my “problem” files, and makes digitizing much easer. Walt’s lessons are also very good if you want to digitize.

November 8, 2008 @ 7:28 am #

I have researched many. I know that a lot of people like the Viking 4D software, but it is pretty costly for me and did not totally ring my bell. If you have over a 1000 to spend, then I would say Generations. It is very powerful and user friendly. A lot of the pros use it. I personally though could not use it. I bought Embird Studio and I love it. Granted you have to go through a few extra steps at times and it is not as easy to use. However, there is lots of support and tutorials for it. You can find one of the best here with Carolyn’s Tutorial. I bought this one. Good luck with whatever you buy.

November 8, 2008 @ 7:30 am #

I should have said I could not afford the cost of Generations even though I really like the software. You get so much for the money with Studio. And I am already such a big fan of the base module of Embird it made sense.

November 8, 2008 @ 9:39 am #

Hello Momi,I began to digitize with 3D EMBR in 01/07 ( I get 4D but it’s difficult to use ) , then PE Design v7: it’s better , now I have discovered Bernina Designer Plus v5 this spring 08 : this software is fantastic , with marvellous tools that simplify very well working …I am not a “professional” user , and I have found a fantastic french teacher ( for the 3 methods ) !Good luck ,and have great pleasure with digitizing ,slavy33

Comment by LauraM. Bart

November 8, 2008 @ 10:02 am #

Momi, I too am a Mac user, heres what I did. I installed Parallels on my iMac which lets me open windows on my mac without rebooting.( Parallels has a great telephone support system as well if you have trouble getting set up) I bought the package called 4D Embroidery Extra- which allows tons of fonts and digitizing. I didn’t want the full range of the 4D Professional as you said you didn’t. My dealer also pushed the 4D Professional because I am in education – but knowing 3D very well I knew what I needed and wanted.Finally I found a great dealer out of town who listened to what I wanted to do and got me the package I wanted. You can add additional packages to the 4D Embroidery Extra anytime you want. This 4D Embroidery extra gives you the ever important usb port dongle- and lets you digitize with the click of the mouse.It is great! Laura

Comment by E.l Anderson

November 8, 2008 @ 10:37 am #

Contact Carolyn Duncan. She is wonderfully full of knowledge, helpful and very kind.You should be able to contact her through this website.

Comment by Sandra Jager

November 8, 2008 @ 12:45 pm #

I wish I could help you. I’m writing to let you know that you aren’t alone. I am a long-time Mac user who ended up buying a laptop PC in order to use her sewing/embroidery machine to the fullest. My sewing machine is a Bernina 180E, about five years old now. Recently, I broke down and purchased the Bernina Designer Plus embroidery software. I’m enjoying learning how to digitize, though I haven’t progressed terribly far as of yet. (For what it is worth, I am fairly proficient with Illustrator, but have no experience with Photoshop.) This software is compatible with many embroidery machines, including Viking, though I have to tell you that it is pricey. My research indicates that if you want to digitize your own designs, you will have to purchase the upper end software. The less expensive options will only work with pre-designed embroidery, unfortunately.

Good luck in finding the right software for your needs.

November 8, 2008 @ 1:16 pm #

I would suggest getting the TES software by Compucon. This is a great program. I have had it for 6 years now. There are different levels you can purchase and by reading your letter I would suggest that you get the top of the line. It is a great program and I love it. I had the Viking software at one time and found it not user friendly. I think that the TES software is friendly and has many options for you. You can find information on it at compucon.com Hope this helps you

Comment by Carmen Paar

November 8, 2008 @ 1:22 pm #

I have been digitizing for many years now, started out with palette 2 and am now at palette 7. I also have Drawings X3 (including CorelDraw X3, and also invested in MasterWorks, upgrading to MasterWorksII.I also have Designer’s Gallery Studio Pluss with all the add-ons. Strange as it may seem, I do use each of these for a specific job when I digitize. I might not use all of them on one design, but at least two programs are used each time for one thing or another. I also have Pre-Design2. I could be called a program junkie. I mostly rely on my MasterWorksII and start all my designs in this program. I particularly like CorelDrawX3 for the fonts as it does a great job for small lettering. I would highly recommend spending time investigating each program, itemizing the pros and cons for you needs. I certainly can understand your undecision regarding programs. The ones I have listed will save designs in all the popular machine formats. Good Luck. Carm.

Comment by Sylvia Stover

November 8, 2008 @ 2:30 pm #

Hi, I have the 4D Viking program with all the“Extras” and I have struggled to learn it forabout a year. I also have Generations that Ihave used for many years now and love thisprogram. If I were you I would try to finda dealer that could give you a hands ondemo so you know what you are getting. Thiswill probably take some time on your part, but,at these prices it will be worth it in the longrun. There is also a program called Embird thatI have heard is good and easy to use. TheGenerations program is compatiable with VikingPfaff, Janome, Singer, Brother, and many commercial machines. It has a learning curve but is muchmore streamlined than the 4D. True type fonts allwork. Your graphics will work as it will read just about all the graphic types. Go to generationsemb.com/for more info and technical stuff.Sylvia

November 8, 2008 @ 3:43 pm #

I have Viking 3D software, have not updated to 4D., as I mainly use GENERATIONS SOFTWARE.generationsemb.com I find this a wonderful programme, and I also, have learned a tremendous amount about it using DIGITISE-WISE course.digitise-wise.com.au (which is available world wide now)

November 8, 2008 @ 4:49 pm #

hello, the Husquavarna dealer I spoke with a few months ago told me their more advanced & larger machines will read all/any embroidery file extension, not just .dst

It might help you to know that good digitizing software is expensive, regardless of whose software you use. Also, remember it takes time to digitize embroidery designs & time is $$.

November 8, 2008 @ 9:06 pm #

I love every thing that viking has. I just got 4D and I’m having fun trying new thing. I hope you will love your SE I do.

November 8, 2008 @ 9:31 pm #

I would heartily recommend the Embird software for price & Value & is easy to learn. You can add on any extras that you find that you might want like X-stitch & Sfumato, & Font Engine & Studio.Updates are free & Major upgradea every year or 2 are very inexpensive. Even cheaper through secrets of Embroidery. A demo of the full program is available too, it only needs the password added to get you on your way.I once upon a time used my Husq/viking software but haven’t upgraded since the old VIP version when I purchased Embird. I now have all the add on programs & many of the alphabets. There is not much that I cannot do with my Embird software & the designer / writer is very good at giving new improvements on a regular basis. Also good to join one of the Yahoo discussion groups as well.Computer wise I have an older PC running XP professional. Check out the Embird info for minimum requirements & add as large a hard drive as you can, & make sure you have USB connections.Hope that helps.

November 9, 2008 @ 5:49 am #

I have and love the Masterworks program. I’ve had it for about a year now and it does everything I need. I works on my reg PC. After I had bought it and was madly in love I took a digitizing class with John Deere and guess what, he reccommends it too. There is also an excellent DVD tutorial set to go along with it. And to top it off its very reasonably priced.

Comment by Solveig Dolby

November 9, 2008 @ 6:58 am #

I have the Husqvarna Viking software 4D, I have upgraded over the years – I started with a very primitive version. There is no ways I would ever use anything else. I have looked at friends software and it is complicated by comparison. This software is really user friendly, I design a lot of my own embroideries and do not like ready made drawings! My son is a graphic designer and he can always be called on the draw for me. When you digitise for yourself you are fussy (well I am)and the Viking software enables you to do wonderful things – it is expensive but then any good product is, really it is a joy to use. You can e-mail me any time and ask me more. Good luck!

November 9, 2008 @ 7:09 am #

I think you would be happy with Embird software. I have the 3D Suite from Pfaff, which is the same as the Viking software, and had a difficult time learning how to use it. And even though they have come out with a new version, it is still basically the same. Once I purchased Embird, and learned how to use it, I am able to do everything I need to with it, for a fraction of the cost of the Viking software.

Any digitizing software will work with your machine. You would just need to be sure to have a way to transfer the designs from the computer to your sewing machine, and your machine should come with the software needed for that.

The minimum requirements for a computer are Windows XP Home or Professional, or Vista (32 bit). There are some issues with Vista, so I would get XP if at all possible. Also at least 128MG of RAM, and a screen that can display 800 x 600 resolution.However, you may want to get something like Virtual PC for your MAC, then you should be able to run Embird on your MAC and wouldn’t have to buy another computer.

November 9, 2008 @ 11:18 am #

I’m wondering why Carolyn hasn’t responded to this… I would love to hear what she has to say, as I am a Husqvarna Viking employee and cannot afford the software either. I am considering Embird, but would like to hear an opinion on this.

Comment by Colleen Broadbent

November 9, 2008 @ 1:29 pm #

I also have Husqvarna SE and I don’t think you can go past Embird for ease of use and price.

Comment by Jennifer Goh

November 10, 2008 @ 5:25 am #

I am very interested in digitizing, as I have bought a Janome 9700 sewing/embroidery machine. Currently, I’m using the ata card designs.

It is very pricy to buy the original software. Possible any suggestion, or where I would be able to purchase from someone who wishes to give up her embroidery hobby.

Comment by Eileen Davie

November 12, 2008 @ 11:26 am #

Originally, I owned a Viking machine and purchased the Bernina Artista V5 digitizing software to make my own designs because it looked to be a powerful program that wouldn’t take much of a learning curve.(I also work extensively in Photoshop and a bit in Illustrator, and I do not purchase ready-made designs). I am extremely happy with the software but it sounds like it might be beyond your budget (it was $1500 when I bought it a few years ago).

Whatever software you purchase, you need to ensure that it will translate seamlessly between file types. When I translated the “.ART” (Bernina) files into “.HUS” (Viking) files, they did not always stitch out wonderfully. This is because, during translation, it split items that were “single” entities in the original “.ART” file into several different sections. For instance, one flower petal might be separated into five or six different parts. Because of this, there were sometimes small gaps between the stitching of one section and another — not pleasing.

I ended up buying a Bernina sewing machine to match the software I have and it solved my problem — but it was an expensive fix.

All the best of luck to you in making a decision. Happy stitching!

November 12, 2008 @ 7:26 pm #

I started digitizing about 3 yrs ago, I have PE 7software for my digitizing and recently purchasedWacom-Intuous tablet for designing. I would recommended John Deers new book on digitizing as hehas very useful instructions on digitizing yourown designs. As posted you can use any software & there will always be some learning curves. The more you do the better you get at it. Good luck, phyll

November 23, 2008 @ 8:26 pm #

Where can I get a copy of the John deer digitizing book.I would love to learn more. jean

November 24, 2008 @ 2:23 pm #

I really like the Bernina Artista Ver. 5. Very versatile. Pricy but you get what you pay for.

November 25, 2008 @ 7:25 pm #

Jean you can purchase Johns book at johndeer.com orjohndeerembroidery.com, great book,Phylliss

November 28, 2008 @ 6:44 pm #

Can anyone give me advice about Generations digitizing software? I went to buy Janome MB 3.0 today, & I let myself get talked into Generations. I am not really familiar w/ Generations & am wondering if I made a mistake? I have not opened it yet on the chance that they would let me exchange it for something different. Any advice would be great!

February 27, 2009 @ 10:51 am #

I see that you guys are discussing different digitizing software solutions. Just thought I would throw this out there a company called Burbank Embroidery that does free digitizing. They have a pretty neat video that explains the process.

May 9, 2010 @ 6:31 pm #

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May 9, 2010 @ 6:32 pm #

the best popular embroidery digitizing software is wilcom and tajim . We used it , IT IS GOOD .

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