Convert artwork

Your embroidery software includes as standard the entire suite of CorelDRAW® Essentials drawing tools which offer many techniques for drafting outlines and shapes on screen. The software runs in what is called Embroidery mode. Conversely, CorelDRAW® Essentials runs in Graphics mode. Graphics mode lets you convert vector graphics directly to embroidery objects. In fact, entire clipart designs can be converted to embroidery. The resulting objects take the current stitch type, color and object details set for the particular object type. You can modify these as required. You can also convert embroidery to vector objects.

For a detailed description of the CorelDRAW® interface, refer to the electronic User Guide available via the Windows Start > Programs group. Alternatively, use the onscreen help available from the Graphics mode Help menu.


Use Switch and Convert > Switch to Graphics Mode to import, edit or create artwork as a backdrop for embroidery digitizing, manual or automatic.

Graphics mode

Graphics mode allows you to create and edit vector objects using the CorelDRAW® Essentials toolset, and convert them to embroidery. Hide embroidery objects in Graphics mode by toggling off Show Embroidery.


Use Switch and Convert > Convert Embroidery to Artwork to convert selected embroidery objects to vector artwork.

Use Switch and Convert > Convert Artwork to Embroidery to convert selected vector or bitmap artwork to fill or outline stitches.

Convert vector & embroidery objects

The Convert tool behavior depends on the mode in which it is invoked and objects selected in the design window...

  • In Graphics mode, selected vector objects are converted to embroidery and displayed in Embroidery mode. Unselected objects are displayed but can’t be selected.
  • In Embroidery mode, selected embroidery objects are converted to vector objects and displayed in Graphics mode. Unselected objects are displayed but can’t be selected.
  • You can hide embroidery objects in Graphics mode or vector objects in Embroidery mode by toggling off Show Embroidery or Display Vectors.
  • Select the vector objects you want to convert and click Convert Artwork to Embroidery. Embroidery mode opens in a few moments and the converted embroidery objects are displayed.
  • To convert embroidery objects to vectors, simply do the reverse – select the embroidery objects and click Convert Embroidery to Artwork. Graphics mode opens in a few moments and the converted vector objects display.
  • Graphics text can also be converted to native embroidery fonts.