By DennisGladx on
Feb. 10, 2008
Forums:
Will any digitizing software work in any machine?
What are the cost ranges for the software?
Does any not work with Corel?
Where can a person new to this arena learn more about Machines, Software?
Location:
United States
Re: Digitizing Software ????
wilcom 16,000
tajima ?
drawings 1800
wingsXP
just a few of the better ones ...wilcom being the best
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Re: Digitizing Software ????
The issue is not if the Digitizing Software will work with the machine. The software should be able to convert files and save files (.PES is one example). Your machine will use files with specific extensions, our Brother PRO600 uses .PES. You first need to know what your machine uses and start with that. We use Generations Digitizing Software (Its OK) it has its drawacks (Use of a dongle (USB Access Key). For the most part since our partner has past, I just do not have the time to run the business and perform digitizing services so I use a company for that (They do great work).
If you have bought the machine already your best resource to learn more is the dealer you got it from. If not, stop by a local shop and ask questions. Some units have LCD Displays and some do not. You need to know if you want a home base system or strictly commercial, there are significant price differances (Brother PRO 600 signle head/ 6 needles is roughly 7000.00 usd) compared to a 12 head/ 12 needle at about 25,000 usd.
You will need to look at your space available, a signle head wil usually fit on a table compared to a multihead that could take up your entire wall.
If you are new to this, I started out with a Brother PRO600 for about 7000.00 and turned it into a small business. This machine is very user friendly (My 11 yo daughter can use it and often does some work for me (at a family pay rate of course).
Recap- Follow these rules
Check needs of machine in owners manual for required extension (.PESis one possiblity)
Check out software packages (Ask them to provide demo packs, the good companies often will)
DO NOT attempt differcult designs, start small to gain your KSAs (Knowledge, Skill and Abilities)
MOST OF ALL HAVE FUN!
Sean F :D
eaglesrestembroidery.com
Re: Digitizing Software ????
What is the process for hiring an outside digitizer? Sorry, I'm new to this, and want to explore all the options since more than likely I will not be good at digitizing for sometime. So how does it work? I'm assuming a customer gives me a design and I send it to someone else to tweak it and they send it back and I put it in the machine? Sounds simple, but do I have it right? Thanks.
Re: Digitizing Software ????
if you are in embroidery.....go with wilcom
Re: Digitizing Software ????
Hello:)
Most software exports dst. which is generally the world standard read by most commercial machines.
Image files in almost everyday use are scans,hand drawn art,or art in the form of jpeg/bitmaps/tiff/gif/pcx. Although vector art is generally preferred,chances of getting this on a daily basis is rare. Fixing vector art prior to practical use can also be quite the irritation,but if youre fluent in graphics applications, then it may take less time but it still requires knowledge of enbroidery design. 'Autodigitizing' is being toouted as the thing of the day, but if you want to become known for any kind of quality output , its necessary to digitize,or have your work digitized by someone knowledgeable.
Its good sense to get edit level software first,unless you have the time to learn to digitize,or wish to emply someone. You can hone your editing skills first,then upgrade when you feel you would like to digitize.
bye
Nevi
efectpro.com
We're actually launching a new software in a few months and actually looking for some agents in countries outside USA. (conditions apply)
i-cliqq.com
Here are a few features..
There are numerous brands available,but you should review a few and find out which would best suit your needs. Do not just look for 'cheap' because that can just cause you loss in the longer term.
bye
Nevi
efectpro.com
Re: Digitizing Software ????
As far as general knowledge, I highly recommend attending a tradeshow and going to the workshops that are offered. We attended ISS Orlando and got a lot out of it. We went through training on our machine and digitizing software this past week and out of everyone in the class, I was the only one who was able to answer the instructor's questions - and only because I attended so many workshops at the ISS show. We're planning to attend a Printwear show in the coming months, too.
I keep hearing that Wilcom is the cadillac of digitizing softwares. Our software that came with our machine is by Sierra and is "Design Maxx". I can digitize from scratch or I can heavily edit stock designs fairly easily. Digitizing is certainly an artform though and not something I intend to jump right into. I am thankful that I know the basics though. I think DesignMaxx will serve my needs well.
Re: Digitizing Software ????
I need advice so I can begin to digitize the designs that I am creating in Corel Draw. I am a retired designer from the motortruck industry and I need education and advice in this new venture. Digitizng is only one aspect of the education that I need this is all new to me and to reduce the false starts and stupid mistakes I NEED ADVICE.
My wife and I are investigating Embroidery machines for purchase and have not settled on the specific one yet. I will be small by most standards because we want to start small and decide if we will grow the business. We have a nich market in mind that has a real need for products, but that is the machine selection part of the formula. I would like to create designs for that nich market and then maybe digitize as a service as my experience with products produced gives me confidence that I can deliver quality. The digitizing software is what i'm most concerned with.
Thank you
Dennis
Re: Digitizing Software ????
I just love brand bigots.:mad: I also love how most of the pros will tell you to choose what you're comfortable with. :confused:
Most features you'll need are available in almost every package. There is a lot of embroidery done using embird (very inexpensive, and a little hostile). That said, there are times I use it. I also use Master Works II (under $2,000). John Deer has an excellent video on MasterWorks that gives a great overview of the software and how it does everything you can get in the $10,000 packages. I'll agree with not going with the least expensive, but even the bargain basement software has features you'll find useful.
Steve Wilson has an excellent DVD series on digitizing embroidery. Sections of the DVD collection are with John Deer (a few years old). It's all about embroidery techniques and how to get the most out of whatever software you've purchased and when to use or not use the standard settings. There's a lot about how to break away from "cartoon" digitizing, so you end up with realistic patterns. The only place I've found this collection was at an Anita Goodesign Embroidery Bash, but you could check with sewspecialstudio.com, which is the shop that hosted the Bash where I purchased my copy.
Tajima is an excellent package, but it's a bit pricey for my budget. After viewing the Steve Wilson DVD collection (which I am reviewing yet again), I found that no matter what the default settings were, I could override them and get a better product. A small patch I designed for a local Gym originally had 5,800 stitches (only a 1x1 patch). After incorporating some of the techniques, I reduced stitch count to under 3,900, had a much cleaner embroidery, better coverage, more flexibility (no longer bullet proof) and saved 40% of the stitching time. The changes took less time to incorporate than stitching out 3 times.
No matter what package you purchase, don't expect it to do all the work for you. There's nothing that will give you an actual photo realistic embroidery in full color. Some come closer to others, but nothing does it all the way. You need to take control go get great results.
So here's the real answer to your question. You'll need at least two. Learn how to digitize by knowing both the benefits and the limitations of your software, you can learn when to take control away from the software and you'll learn a lot of techniques that are better than what comes out of the box. You'll also learn more about the limitations of your machine. It's really more about you and developing your talent with thread as a medium than it is about the software along.
Hope this helps:D
Re: Digitizing Software ????
While I agree that you can digitize well on nearly any software out there if you know it well, your choice does depend on what TYPE of designs and HOW MANY you will be producing. For example, we are a contract digitizing house with both WINgs and Wilcom digitizers... the WINgs software is simply faster to digitize your everyday left chest/hat logos....but the Wilcom has many more bells and whistles if you are trying to WOW your client with more artistic flair.
After you practice on someone's software for a few designs you might find it better to use your skills in creating the art and working with an experienced digitizer to make your pieces come to life with the WOW that you probably want until you are proficient enough to digitize for yourself.
Modern Embroidery Designer
volant-tech.com
volantfineart.com
Re: Digitizing Software ????
Can you purchase software w/o an embroidery machine? I already posted a question in a different forum, but long story short, I have six months or so to kill before I'm able to purchase my 4-head SWF machine and would like to get familiar with the software. Would anyone advise against my getting software before the embroidery machine? I think Wings lets you trade in your software for a more recent program...
Thanks,
Tracie
Re: Digitizing Software ????
Software can be purchased separately but I wouldn't recommend spending too much time with it before you have a machine to sew-out what you've digitized. You'll discover that what you see on the screen doesn't always embroider how you think it would until you gain the experience of knowing what you have to do in the software to make something look right when embroidered. Your time would be better spent reading about the embroidery business (Helen Hart has written 2 books) and subscribing for trade magazines which are free. Spend time on embroidery forums to learn about some of the issues embroiderers have and how they deal with problems. Also, spend considerable time developing a business plan.
Jennifer
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Embroidered Button Down Shirts no minimum
Re: Digitizing Software ????
Thank you! I'm already a subscriber to Stitches, and have never heard of Helen Hart but I'll get on Amazon and look her up.
Regards,
Tracie
Re: Digitizing Software ????
and Tom Moore's book... digitizing 101..... look up Walter Floriani, Claus Schnabel, Steve Wilson, John Deer, Bonnie Landsburger, etc.... Look into the NNEP and ETA as organizations that have helpful info.
Modern Embroidery Designer
volant-tech.com
volantfineart.com
Re: Digitizing Software ????
no thats actually a pretty smart idea buying the software before you get the machine. the only flaw in that plan. look, new people in the business want to be a digitizer and an embroiderer all at once. learning the machine is difficult enough never mind digitizing. 6 months pending on how fast you pick up might be a descent amount of time for you to learn some things in digitizing. if your serious about being both id buy the software now and learn it. one less battle to tackle now than later.