Embroidery software allows for almost any image to be turned into an embroidery design. While some are more complex than others, the basic functions of embroidery software involve importing whichever image you’d like and then turning it into an embroidery design, which may be followed by hand. These designs, however, are most commonly programmed into an embroidery machine. There is a wide variety of software available that ranges in price, ease of use, and features.
Many types of embroidery software have pre-loaded, simple designs or graphics which can be used to create unique designs of your own. These can be combined in a number of ways to make creating basic embroidery designs relatively simple. Some software also comes with the ability to link to an online database of designs and graphics, which may create endless possibilities for design. Of course, the ability to load designs of your own is also standard in many types of this software.
Using embroidery software does not generally require a high skill level or expertise in embroidery. It does, however, usually require an understanding of the different types of stitch in embroidery and how to use the machine, if you have one. When choosing embroidery software, it may help to read what the software does for you and what skills are needed to use it.
The cost of the embroidery is typically directly related to how it will be used. Professional-grade software may cost thousands, while software intended for personal use is considerably cheaper. It is important to understand what the software will be used for when deciding on which one to get. If certain embroidery software seems to have more features and abilities than you will ever use, then you may be better off with a more basic program.
It is not normally expected that you know exactly how to use the software once you get it. Most will come with tutorials, help menus, and instructions for use. Those software programs that don’t seem to come with many directions may not be worth much, but sometimes it’s possible to find help in books or online. User reviews of the product may be very helpful when deciding if a certain software is right for you as well. These reviews are normally offered by the software company and/or the retailer you purchase the software from, especially when buying online.