Professionals use WHICH SOFTWARE?

I started with a home digitizing software purchased in sewing machine store sometime in 2001, when I wanted more out of my design's as a home sewing hobbyist. I don't even remember the name of the software, although I do know it was bought out shortly after I purchased by some other company, and I think that was Origins. I upgraded to Origins, loved that software, that's where I learned to really become comfortable with digitizing. and started my embroidery/digitizing company. Business grew word of mouth, but then Origins no longer supported their software, not sure what happened to them.
At an expo embroidery show looked at both Wilcom and Compucon. Could not afford Wilcom at that time, and purchased E03 digitizing software by Compucon. Have been using their software ever since. Like most everyone else, it is what I am most comfortable with, and do not want or have the time to learn a new digitizing software. I really like the software I am using.

I started on a Wilcom with a 4' x 6' board and a 4 button mouse. you had to punch in 12 stitch sections or lay in EACH stitch. Wilcom makes a high quality product. Personally, I still use a Data-Stitch system because I like the control of density simplicity in wireframe, and I've punched on one of Don's systems since it came on an Atari desktop PC. Am I dating myself too much? How about this one for OLD old-timers: Ever heard of Pearl Embroidery of Philadelphia? It was my families business for over 100 years. We sold Mr. Tajima his first Gross Automat, which he used to develop his machines... too bad I can't get a discount, huh?

I am using Melco design shop Pro + for 15 years.

I love it.

Tajima by Pulse ...started with it many many years ago when first developed......and before that Gunold software .....

I started out on Wilcom many years ago. Once I started on my own I wanted to find something similar but cheaper so I went with Windaisy. It is a great software but the owner of the company passed away so I don't believe it is for sale anymore. I still have it and also have Wilcom now. I was surprised in the past couple years so many of my customers wanted a .emb file since they have Wilcom on their end. I think more and more production companies now have Wilcom too.

Been using Tajim DG/ML by Pulse for a while now. Even though the software is up to version 14, and even though I have 14, I still prefer to use my version 11 as that is what I'm used to. This software has been a stable platform, and when it does crash, it has almost always had a recent backup so that I'm never restarting over. The software is also capable of punching your own fonts, although it has it's quirks that are sometimes frustrating. I'm using the Maestro level, although I find that all the bells and whistles that are a part of the highest level, I just don't use. Again, just continuing to punch like I started out many years ago - works for me, and I'm happy with it. It's hard to bash any other software because again, we use what works well for us, and we make it work.

Paul Ford