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Digitize objects

In the software, you build designs from basic shapes or ‘embroidery objects’. The process is called ‘digitizing’. Digitizing tools are used in conjunction with stitch types to create embroidery objects. The tools are similar to drawing tools in a graphics application except that the objects you create have stitch properties as well as general properties, as shown.

The Digitize toolbox provides all the digitizing tools necessary to create embroidered shapes. Tools such as the Freehand tools can be used to create designs with a hand-drawn appearance, something which is difficult to achieve through conventional digitizing methods. You can apply different effects to your embroidery objects. Effects such as Feather Edge which is used to create shading effects or imitate fur or other fluffy textures. Use special tools for cutting holes, removing excess stitching, as well as filling holes. 

There are also stitch settings for stabilizing large areas as well as reinforcing outlines. Branching is an advanced feature that you can apply to  similar, overlapping objects – e.g. the fingers of a hand, sections of a custom letter – without having to think about the most efficient stitching sequence and joins.

In this blog article we give you useful tips on how to avoid some common pitfalls when manually digitizing. We used our Easter egg design to highlight important elements of the digitizing process such as adding a basting stitch, adding special stitch effects and working out your digitizing and stitching order.Click the thumbnail to read more or right-click to open the link in a new tab...

General functions

Keyboard shortcuts are available for most general functions:

To Press
Apply/select satin
<Shift + I>
Apply/select tatami
<Shift + M>
Apply/select run
<Shift + N> then press <Enter>

Create a new design

 <Ctrl + N>
Close the software
<Alt + F4>
Define layout work area^<Ctrl + W>

Open an existing design

 <Ctrl + O>
Open Lettering docker <A>
Print a design      <Ctrl + P>
Save a design <Ctrl + S>
Show/hide Design Colors toolbar
<Ctrl> + <Shift> + <R>
Show/hide grid <Shift + G>
Show/hide rulers
<Ctrl + R>
Show/hide Overview window
<Shift + V>
Show/hide Sequence docker
<Shift + L>
Show/hide Threads docker <Alt + T>
Show/hide work area <W>

^ Press <Esc> to close

Not all shortcuts are applicable to all product levels.