Split objects

The software lets you split branched objects – monograms, appliqués, lettering, etc – into their components. You can also cut shapes into smaller fragments which is especially useful for editing converted TrueType fonts.

The design should be saved before you break it apart. Save to a different name so you can go back to the original compound object to edit if necessary.


Use Edit Objects, Appliqué or Lettering / Monogramming > Break Apart to split composite objects - monograms, appliqués, lettering, etc - into components. Allows each to be edited individually. This tool is also available via Edit menu.

Break apart objects

Certain objects such as appliqué, are 'compound' objects and cannot be ungrouped in the normal way. Sometimes, you may want to edit components which cannot be done within the grouped compound object. For example, you may want to make edits to the various layers of appliqué such as the tackdown stitch, etc. Alternatively, you may want to resequence the stitching order of appliqué components. To perform such editing operations, compound objects need to be 'broken apart'. Use Break Apart to split all composite objects - monograms, appliqués, lettering, etc - into components. The effect on these objects is similar to the ungrouping operation. However, once it is broken apart, it cannot be re-grouped as a compound object again.

  • Select the object to break apart – open-object appliqué, auto-appliqué, monogram, or lettering. The Break Apart command is activated.
  • Click Break Apart. The object is separated into its component source (primary) and any generated (secondary) objects.
  • The operation ungroups monograms into component objects – a lettering object, ornaments (each ornament set remaining as a group) and borders (also grouped). See also Split lettering.
  • To modify individual objects – e.g. to change the stitching sequence of monogram borders – use the Resequence dialog to ungroup objects and resequence. See also Sequence designs.

When saved into earlier versions of the software, monograms, appliqués, and lettering may be subjected to Break Apart by default.


Use Lettering / Monogramming > Knife to cut objects along a digitized line, preserving stitch settings and colors.

Use Edit Objects / Select > Reshape to reshape an object outline, stitch angles or enveloping.

Cut shapes manually

Depending on your product level, the Knife tool may be available in your Edit Objects toolbox. Use it to manually cut closed or block-digitized shapes into smaller fragments. It can, for instance, be useful when editing artwork converted to embroidery with auto-digitizing methods.

The Knife tool has two modes of operation:

  • With nothing selected, it will cut all objects under the knife.
  • With selected objects, it will only cut those within the selection.

Generally, auto-digitizing conversion problems can be fixed with a combination of Knife and Reshape tools.

The Knife tool will also work with Satin, Zigzag, and Blanket outlines. It does not work with other outline types such as Run or Motif.