Auto-digitize embroidery

The software can automatically convert artwork to embroidery. Artwork is ‘batch processed’ to create the many embroidery objects that make up a design. The software can recognize shapes in artwork - bitmap and vector - and choose suitable stitch types to use. It can also determine a stitching sequence based on closest join. The auto-digitizing tools become available when an image is selected. Only one image can be selected at a time. See also Convert artwork.Auto-digitizing tools accept artwork in either a raw or processed state. However, the quality of the resulting designs greatly depends on the type and quality of the original artwork. Generally speaking, vector drawings preserve the picture quality when resized, whereas bitmap images cause problems of pixelation and image degradation when enlarged or scaled down. However, any scaling required should be done before importing into the software as the importing operation automatically transforms vector drawings into bitmaps. In order to make bitmap images more suitable for automatic digitizing, the software also provides image processing capabilities and links to graphics packages. See also Artwork.


Use Auto-Digitize > Auto-Digitize Instant Embroidery to create embroidery designs directly from imported images using default settings.

Auto-digitize instantly

In essence, creating an embroidery design with the Auto-Digitize Instant Embroidery tool is simply a matter of selecting the image you want to convert, and clicking the tool. The system automatically determines colors to fill, turn into details, or omit altogether. And it chooses the most suitable stitch types to apply using default settings. Even if an image is not pre-processed with the image preparation tool, Auto-Digitize Instant Embroidery automatically processes and converts it. Delete any unwanted background stitching. Edit stitch colors and types as preferred.

You may want to preset the Design Palette according to your available threads before processing the image. Select from a wide range of commercial thread charts. You can assign up to 128 color slots.


Use Auto-Digitize > Auto-Digitize Embroidery to create embroidery designs directly from imported images using conversion settings.

Advanced auto-digitizing

For more control over object conversion, use the Auto-Digitize Embroidery method. This too can recognize shapes in artwork, bitmap or vector, and choose suitable stitch types to use. However, it provides more control over conversion settings.

  • Select the image and click Auto-Digitize Embroidery. If you have not yet processed the image, you will be prompted to do so. See also Process images.

  • Image colors are automatically classified as fills or details, or omitted altogether.
  • Select a color in the list and use the Locate button to preview.
  • Use droplists to tag colors or omit them altogether. Fills are always stitched first, outlines, including borders or small areas, last.
  • Use Up / Down buttons to adjust the stitching sequence.

  • Select a conversion method for color processing.
  • By default, image colors are matched to the nearest thread colors in the current design palette. Use the Add Colors to Palette option if you want to add exact image colors to the palette. Optionally, choose a thread chart from which to select those colors.
  • Adjust stitching options for details as preferred. See below.
  • Click OK to process the image.

All editing techniques are available to further refine the auto-digitized image. See also Edit objects.


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Stitching options

The software lets you adjust object recognition settings for any color you identify as a ‘detail’. A detail may be a centerline, a border, or a small area of the design you want stitched last. If an image color is both a fill and a detail, you can either recolor the fill color in a graphics package, or omit it for later editing. To adjust detail settings...

  • Select a stitching style for details from the droplist:
    • Centerline: Most suited for use with thin lines. This option will trace the center of a color identified as a detail with a run stitch.
    • Satin line: Suited for use with thicker lines of constant width, usually with larger designs.
    • Turning Satin: Most suited for use with thicker lines or small shapes of varying width.
  • Click OK to process the image.
  • Optionally, add outlines to all color blocks by ticking the Outlines checkbox and selecting a color. This has the effect of reinforcing the edges of shapes with a continuous, branched running stitch.
  • Similarly, you can add a border to the entire design by ticking the Border checkbox.