help me decide: DecoStudio, Drawings4, or Wilcom ES

By charm2468 on Apr. 02, 2008
Forums: 
Embroidery and Digitizing

Hi there - I am just getting started in digitizing and want to make the correct purchase, so please help me decide which software to purchase. My apologies for the long message but I have a lot to ask and have been unable to find answers elsewhere. :o

I want to be able to get up and running pretty quickly, but I also want a comprehensive package that will not disappoint me as I am a perfectionist and pay very close attention to details. I understand that there can be a pretty extensive learning curve with these packages, but I am an advanced computer user and not afraid to take the time to learn. I am running Windows Vista, so I know that I will probably need to install the service packs to Wilcom ES to get it to work correctly, but I think the other two packages should work as they were released after Vista.

I have seen and worked a little on CorelDrawings 3 and see that it has a lot of features, as well as a lot to learn. However, I am leary to purchase Drawings4 as it is no longer supported by Corel (is this a good thing or a bad thing?)

My current thoughts are to purchase DecoStudio e1 since it seems to be the newest and is a combination of Corel and Wilcom, both very strong products. But, does it have enough features to complete detailed work? How does it compare to Wilcom ES 2006? Are there significant features missing in DecoStudio and conversely are there features in DecoStudio that are not in ES 2006? My concern with ES 2006 is that it is a couple of years old, and in technological advances, that can be significant. Is there a new ES in the works that will make 2006 obsolete as soon as I purchase it? (unfortunately I have a tendency to always want the newest and the best).

My feelings are to purchase DecoStudio e1 to "get my feet wet" and after some time learning and becoming an expert (if that is even possible), upgrading to ES - which by then hopefully there will be a newer version. So please give me your thoughts on how these two packages compare and if I should even be considering Drawings 4.

I guess one final question to ask ... I presently have an intermediate level sewing machine - the Brother Innovis 2500D and have no intentions of upgrading in the near future, unless I decide to go into embroidery full-time. Are these software packages to advanced for my little machine - ie. can I output .pes files that my single needle machine can handle, or are they mainly meant for the professional multineedle machines. I have tried PE Design v6.0 and found it to be a little too basic for some of the design ideas that I have. I am not sure if the newer version 7.0 adds many features, and will look at this software only if these advanced packages are too "powerful" for my machine.

thank you in advance for any support / advice that you can provide. I find that the reviews and discussions relating to these advanced embroidery software packages is extremely limited and have not been able to find out anything. As well, I do not know of any local suppliers here in Winnipeg, Manitoba where I would be able to see the software in action or to advise me on what is best. So, I am relying on whatever information you can give me.

thanks again, and my apologies for asking so much - but I have been reading the discussions in this forum and know that there are many experts here that should be able to help me.

Brenda

Location: 
United States
Submitted by Kristimck on Thu, 04/19/2012 - 23:27

I can see that this post is very old now but just wanted to clarify that Wilcom does support Bezier curve input/reshape method.
Some embroiderers tend to prefer traditional input/reshape and others (more graphic design oriented users- Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW) prefer to use bezier input/reshape.
Due to this varied preference, our software provides user an option to choose the preferred method.

Also a little note that DecoStudio is not designed for the experienced digitizer, but more for simpler embroidery projects which dont require alot of embroidery knowledge. It also caters for print design, rhinestones, applique and combinations of these.

Wilcom EmbroideryStudio is the professional embroiderers choice, and also offers full capability for print, rhinestones, sequins, applique etc as well. As Wilcom is Corel's Strategic Partner, both products include CorelDRAW Graphics Suite as part of the purchase price.

Kristi
Wilcom International
wilcom.com

minimalist's picture
Submitted by minimalist on Tue, 05/01/2012 - 15:34

I'm not that experienced but working on it. I have found that my compucon software does just fine and the tech support is very helpful when I don't know how to do something. My level is creator plus and I'm thinking about upgrading to professional. The increase in the number of fonts alone justifies the price upgrade.

I've read many a thread on how compucon doesn't compare to wilcom. I have an older version of wilcom too but once I started to work with both I found the compucon easier to work with.

Submitted by maddierae on Tue, 09/11/2012 - 12:52

In answer to my question that I Goggled, I found my way to this page. The answers are old and I am wondering if now, in 2012, any opinions have changed.....this AM, I received an email from Wilcom about their latest and best. I have PE Design Next (9), don't feel I am able to do great designs with it.......many times I am ask to come up with an embroidery logo from a business card or a picture of an ink transfer.....there is SO much work trying to get these ready to turn into stitches! I know a vector is needed, but I often don't have that, and need to know what is best for turning these into a vector, then having software that will do beautiful lettering and shapes. I am using the Brother PR1000; the machine isn't a problem, but the software has a lot to be desired. I have a lot of other questions, but this is the best place to start..

Screen Printer's picture
Submitted by Screen Printer on Sat, 10/06/2012 - 19:22

The good thing about Wilcom is that they offer you great deals to upgrade at a later date.

I bought deco....which is not much for type features
Less than a year later they let me upgrade to embroidery 1 for $1500.

Now..I can upgrade to their top of the line for another $1,999.

So for under $5000 you could have their $15,000. software package.

Plan for the future.

If you spend $1,000 on another software..that may be wasted if you grow to the next level.

Submitted by BJ24 on Tue, 09/18/2012 - 14:57

I have used different programs out there and I personally believe that Wilcom is the best by far! It really gives you everything you need and if you have artistic background esp. with photoshop/illi,to me it seems pretty user friendly.. I have been digitizing for 17 years so I have seen different software out there but Wilcom is my choice.

Submitted by neo on Mon, 04/23/2012 - 20:38

For what it's worth, I have a Corel Drawings X3 I'd like to sell- I opened the box installed it and never used it- I already had Corel X12 and thats what I use for creating twill lettering to send to the cutter- I'm sure it would be updateable on the website-

benami313's picture
Submitted by benami313 on Wed, 04/02/2008 - 20:37

I used Drawings for the better part of a year, and it served me well. Easy to learn. It was however very limited, and I felt I needed "more". I also used Embird, the two complemented each other well. Wings Modular I felt was next to useless. I also hated the way it dominated my embroidery files and insinuated itself as the default embroidery program each time I used it. So I was ready for a change when the upgrades came up. Wilcom DecoStudio or Drawings X4. I decided to go for DecoStudio because of Wilcom's reputation. What a disaster! Decostudio needs so many more steps and so much more tweaking than any program I have ever used! It cannot seem to handle a 6-8 point satin stitch, all came out garbled. The Tatami stitch is ugly and monotonous. Please understand that I have only had it for a month. Maybe there is more to learn, but I have watched all the videos. Fortunately I also have Design Shop Pro +. Freakishly expensive, but gets the job done! Hope this helps some. I am no expert, but I regret that I left my comfort zone for the unknown and not necessarily better program.

Submitted by KenBeynor on Mon, 04/14/2008 - 05:48

benami313 wrote:
I used Drawings for the better part of a year, and it served me well. Easy to learn. It was however very limited, and I felt I needed "more". I also used Embird, the two complemented each other well. Wings Modular I felt was next to useless. I also hated the way it dominated my embroidery files and insinuated itself as the default embroidery program each time I used it. So I was ready for a change when the upgrades came up. Wilcom DecoStudio or Drawings X4. I decided to go for DecoStudio because of Wilcom's reputation. What a disaster! Decostudio needs so many more steps and so much more tweaking than any program I have ever used! It cannot seem to handle a 6-8 point satin stitch, all came out garbled. The Tatami stitch is ugly and monotonous. Please understand that I have only had it for a month. Maybe there is more to learn, but I have watched all the videos. Fortunately I also have Design Shop Pro +. Freakishly expensive, but gets the job done! Hope this helps some. I am no expert, but I regret that I left my comfort zone for the unknown and not necessarily better program.

Try DRAWings 4 pro! There is a free download at:
https://ssl11.chi.us.securedata.net/drawstitch.com/Evaluation.asp

Ken

Robert Young's picture
Submitted by Robert Young on Thu, 04/03/2008 - 09:06

I have been a custom digitizer for a long time now.. using Wings products since back when APS could hook to my Digititrac (yep old horse here).... Back then it was pretty much Wilcom or Wings.... While I feel it is too late for me to switch now ,personally, I think anyone serious about digitizing should go the Wilcom route. They have a proven track record and are a worldwide organization that really seems to care about continually changing their products for the better. Thats my 2 cents

Modern Embroidery Designer
volant-tech.com
volantfineart.com

Submitted by Lionel on Sat, 04/19/2008 - 15:47

if you are intersted in buying DecoStudio think about it twice. I did exactly what you are doing right now. I got the User Manual and read it and decided to buy the software after looking at the beautiful fills showed in the manual. To my great surprise after paying $1,049.00 (because I gave them the Drawings SN and the treated my case as an upgrade) for the software I found out that the software cannot do the so mentioned effects and WILCOM says that the illustrations were used just to illustrate other features; The say that the manual have a legal disclaimer and does not want to make a refund. If you are looking for a Digitizing sotware that allows you to apply special effects then buy Drawings 4. That is what I am going to do if I can get my money back. If you know about other software that can do what Drawings can do then buy it but do not buy DecoStudio; you will regret it. If you still want to read the User Manual get in touch with me at one this e-mails ad I will send it to you. If you still want to buy DecoStudio I can sell it to you.

lionel@webdedicado.com
lionel@fastprintingpr.com
ssembroidery@fastprintingpr.com

You can download a Drawing demo version from drawstitch.com. If after reading this message you are interested in buying DecoStudio that is up to you.

Submitted by stitchme2 on Mon, 04/28/2008 - 03:31

I am an Ex-DRAWings user. I even bought the upgrade for $299. My problems started with it constantly freezing and I wont go into the rest.

I did trade in my Drawings for decostudio and it was the best thing I ever did. In terms of stitch quality - decostudio kills drawings hands down. And the girl I spoke with said I can upgrade to a higher wilcom level if I want in the future.

I agree with Robert's comments. Eerywhere you read you hear about the great quality of wilcom stitching and it is. I can't help it but to admit I am in love!

The only bad press i've read about decostudio was by people who are obviously passionate about their Drawings or obviously work for Wings. There are a few common people floating around forums posting the same message over and over again and "Ken" is one of those that immediately stood out to me as Wings staff. Every post has a link to a download trial and "sales" like talk. I guess desparate companies do desparate things ;)

benami313's picture
Submitted by benami313 on Thu, 05/01/2008 - 09:19

I don't work for anybody. I say to a beginner, test run the available programs and go with what works for you. Listen to the tips from the pros. I am not passionate about any of the programs. Just want to get the job done, and the hype about DecoStudio did not match up to the reality. I have no doubt that the higher levels of Wilcom are awesome. DecoStudio sucked, and DRAWings is, well just ok!

Submitted by KenBeynor on Mon, 04/28/2008 - 11:55

Lionel wrote:
if you are intersted in buying DecoStudio think about it twice. I did exactly what you are doing right now. I got the User Manual and read it and decided to buy the software after looking at the beautiful fills showed in the manual. To my great surprise after paying $1,049.00 (because I gave them the Drawings SN and the treated my case as an upgrade) for the software I found out that the software cannot do the so mentioned effects and WILCOM says that the illustrations were used just to illustrate other features; The say that the manual have a legal disclaimer and does not want to make a refund. If you are looking for a Digitizing sotware that allows you to apply special effects then buy Drawings 4. That is what I am going to do if I can get my money back. If you know about other software that can do what Drawings can do then buy it but do not buy DecoStudio; you will regret it. If you still want to read the User Manual get in touch with me at one this e-mails ad I will send it to you. If you still want to buy DecoStudio I can sell it to you.

lionel@webdedicado.com
lionel@fastprintingpr.com
ssembroidery@fastprintingpr.com

You can download a Drawing demo version from drawstitch.com. If after reading this message you are interested in buying DecoStudio that is up to you.

Hey Lionel,
Do you have any news? Have you got your money back from DecoStudio?
Could you please make a comparison between this and DRAWings 4 PRO? Even the Evaluation edition is good enough to give you an idea!Correct?
Thanks,
Ken

Submitted by KenBeynor on Wed, 04/30/2008 - 02:57

See below what Connie says in that forum....That is why the FREE Evaluation Edition of DRAWings 4 PRO is the answer to your questions ;-)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote:
Originally Posted by BinkPrintIt

Any DRAWings 4 users that have had a chance to use this product can you tell me if it is all working good and not freezing up like I saw was happening to some people? I have DRAWings X3 professional and was considering upgrading but have a couple of concerns before I go this route. Can you import a .DST file format into DRAWings4? The other question is will the font digitze nicely true type fonts that we have on our computer? These are the two major items I need that are missing in X3 and I am having to juggle between three programs to get an end result that is usable for stitching. Thanks for any help anyone can provide. Connie
--------------------------------

Dear Connie,
Same answer:
Try your self:
http://www.drawstitch.com/DRAWings4EvaluationEdtion.htm
Download the Guide Booklet,
and also check the information on their site: import/edit/combine stitch files, as well as many new functions on true type and Pre-digitized fonts. There are so many new tools to mention; e.g. node editing on graphics/embroidery at the same time!
Kenneth
-----------------------------------
7 Hours Ago Apr 29, 2008 2:56:09 PM - #4 (permalink) -
BinkPrintIt
Member Since: May 2007
Posts: 5

Re: DRAWings 4 Help

Awesome product once I worked through my installation issues. For anyone else getting this upgrade remove all your old DRAWings and Modular before installing the upgrades. This doesn't even compare to X3!!!

Submitted by KenBeynor on Fri, 05/02/2008 - 04:00

Very good advice Benami313. Test and try...
I don’t have any experience with DecoStudio but since they don’t let us try it, I have to believe those who already did and say that it is more or less a crap…
Have you tried DRAWings 4 Pro? As Connie says, it doesn't even compare to X3!!!
Try and let us know...

Submitted by Alexandros on Mon, 05/26/2008 - 15:15

Did you check Draw Fusion from Pulse Microsystems?
It is more advanced then both Deco Studio and Drawings 4 combining advanced digitizing features with interactive communication between the DG/ML digitizing levels and Corel X2 and X3.
As per Deco Studio would you consider buying a S/W not maintaining your original Bezzier handles?
Make the following test.
Convert a Corel Draw file to embroidery file using Deco Studio and then bring it back to Corel checking your handles.
Surprised?
All original vector handles are gone.
Reason?
Wilcom can simple not handle Bezzier points as it is an old system based on a very old technology.

Submitted by lebrodeur on Tue, 05/27/2008 - 04:32

I can confirm that DecoStudio sucks. You can claim that you have the best stitch quality all over the world (still to be proven in many cases), but Deco Studio has less than the minimum to get your work done. Their demos are impressive using very simple projects but as soon as you go to the real cases for your daily work, then you are stuck!
I'm involved in screen printing as well, and the fact that DecoStudio loses the original vector lines by converting them to dxf type of lines kills my screen printing quality.
I will never use that product again. I have been told that Pulse also have interesting integration with Corel, therefore I will start to investigate in this direction.

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