In their infinite wisdom, each embroidery machine manufacturer uses their own proprietary format. Usually this is no problem, most digitizers (including A Creative Medley) offer their designs in all of the popular formats. Bernina’s format – ART – is the one exception to this for some – I’ll have more about that below. For all other formats, you will usually find that you can get the format you need when you purchase a design. But what do you do if you purchase a design and find that your format is not offered, or the digitizer forgot to include it on that design? I strongly recommend that every embroiderer own at least basic software. With software such as Embrilliance, SewWhatPro or Embird, you can combine designs, change stitch order, stitch multiples of the same design in one hoop, etc. You can also use it to convert to your format if necessary. I’ll have another post another day about my opinions on the various options, but I consider a basic design software to be one of the basic supplies for embroidery.
But what if you do not want to purchase software? That is where Wilcom Tru Sizer can save the day! They offer FREE web or desktop software that allows you to: “View, modify, read and convert all major embroidery file types with full design scalability. TrueSizer is based on the same core software as Wilcom’s acclaimed professional embroidery design software.” (I took that straight from their website) The web version is compatible with Mac, PC and even Android devices. Now you can convert to almost any format (except ART).
Now what about that ART format? Bernina does not allow any digitizing program but their own to create ART files. If a digitizer does not own this software (which costs several thousand dollars), they either must send their files to someone to be converted, or they cannot offer ART files. I do offer this on request, but the files are large, and so few people request them that I do not automatically include them in the download.
I do not have any affiliation with any of the software brands discussed in this article. My opinions are entirely my own, based on my personal and professional experience. None of the links in this post are affiliate links or benefit me in any way.