Option Function

Show unselected The reverse of the above option. Only objects that are
objects currently ‘unselected’ are visible.
Hide whole design All embroidery objects in the design are hidden.

Related topics...
 Selecting objects
 Selecting objects by color or stitch type
 Sequencing embroidery objects

View selected color blocks

Use Docker > Color-Object List to toggle the Color-Object List display on
and off. Use to view and sequence objects in a design.

Use Color > Colorway Editor to assign thread colors to color blocks in the
design.

A color block corresponds to a color stop in the design. It may contain a

single object or group of like-objects – e.g. ‘ropes’. Or it may be
comprised of different objects of like-color – e.g. ‘ropes and birds’. The
Color-Object List offers an easy way to selectively view color blocks and
embroidery objects. The View by Color function also lets you view
objects by color. The Colorway Editor provides another method for
selective viewing of color blocks.

To view selected color blocks

 Click the Color-Object List icon. The Color-Object List can be
docked to the either side of the design window, or floated in any
position.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 99
 Click the switch to view the list by color block.

Click to toggle
color blocks Total color blocks,
objects and
stitches in design

 Select a color block or blocks and click Locate and hold.

Click and hold to isolate

selected blocks

Select color
block/s to view

C h a p ter 4 Viewing Designs 100

 Selectively hide or ‘unhide’ selected color blocks and embroidery
objects using popup menu commands.

Use commands to
selectively hide or
show color blocks
and objects

 Alternatively, to isolate a color block in the design window, click and

hold it in the Color toolbar. First press Esc to deselect all objects.

Click and hold with

no objects selected

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 101

  Alternatively, select View > View by Color. Select the colors you
want to view. This function will not work with grouped objects.

Select color
blocks to view

 Alternatively, click the Colorway Editor. Select a color block and click
Locate and hold.

Select color
block

Click and hold to

locate selected
color block

 To reveal all hidden objects press Esc followed by press Shift+S or

select View > View all Colors.

Related topics...
 Selecting objects

C h a p ter 4 Viewing Designs 102

  Combining Objects
 Sequence by color
 View selected color blocks
 Name design elements

Viewing stitching sequence

When checking embroidery designs, you will want to understand the
stitching sequence in order to ensure efficient stitchout on the machine.
‘Travel’ through designs by color block, embroidery object, or even
stitch-by-stitch. Alternatively, simulate the stitchout on screen.

Tip: Depending on your design background, you can change display

colors for unsewn stitches. See Change display colors for details.

Simulate design stitchouts

Use View > Stitch Player to simulate embroidery design stitchout on

screen.

Stitch Player is an important tool in EmbroideryStudio. It lets you

simulate the actual embroidery design stitchout on screen. Because
Stitch Player emulates the movements of the embroidery machine, you
are able to make decisions about how to optimize your design in order to
lessen the load on the machine. This is important if you intend to make
multiple stitchouts.

To simulate the design stitchout

 Choose a design view to visualize your design. Stitch Player can be
run with or without TrueView™.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 103

 Click Stitch Player or press Shift+R.

Set starting point

Set design to pause

at color changes,
stops or trims

Use video controls to Adjust redraw

run stitch player speed

 Optionally, use the slider bar to move the starting point.

 Use the controls to stitch forwards or backwards through the design.
Typical ‘media player’ buttons are available for play, pause, rewind
operations.
 Use the Auto Pause control to set stop points – by color change, stop,
or trim.
 To redraw a section of design, specify a start and end stitch using the
tabs.

Set stitch range to redraw section of design

Toggle Auto Scroll to view

at high zoom factors

 Use Auto Scroll when running Stitch Player at high zoom factors.

Tip: Depending on your background, you can change display colors for
unsewn stitches, selected objects, object outline, grid and guides.

C h a p ter 4 Viewing Designs 104

 Related topics...
 Change display colors

Travel through designs

It is useful to be able to view the stitching sequence color-by-color,
object-by-object, or even stitch-by-stitch. The Travel toolbar provides all
tools required to do so. Travel forwards or backwards with any button by
right or left mouse-clicks. Traveling can be initiated from any stitch in the
design. The current needle position is marked by a white cross or ‘needle
position marker’. The current stitch number is displayed in the Status
Bar.

To travel through a design

 Turn off TrueView™ and press the Esc to ensure no object is
selected.

Use ‘travel’ tools to move

through every component
of a design

 Travel to the start of the design by clicking the Start/End Design icon
or pressing the Home key.
 Use the Travel by Stitch functions to travel forwards or backwards
through the stitching sequence. Use left or right mouse-clicks or arrow
keys – l or r, t or b. Alternatively, to travel by 1000 stitches, press
Shift + Num+ or Shift + Num-.

Travel to previous stitch Travel to next stitch

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 105

  To travel by color, click/right-click Travel by Color. This is useful if you
need to locate a specific color change in order to insert an object or
delete it from the stitching sequence.
 To travel by object, click/right-click Travel by Object. Alternatively,
press Tab or Shift+Tab.
 To travel by machine function, click/right-click the Travel by
Function tool. Alternatively, press Ctrl+Page Up or Ctrl+Page
Down. The needle point will stop at every jump, trim, and color
change in the design.
 It is sometimes easier to use Travel by Trim to travel by trim
functions alone – e.g. when checking for unnecessary trims.
Alternatively, press Ctrl + Left Arrow or Ctrl + Right Arrow. Turn
on Show Connectors and Show Functions to view while traveling.

Travel by trims with

connectors and
functions showing

Tip: While traveling through a design or editing stitches, click the

Select Current icon or press Shift+0 to select the object associated
with the current cursor position.

Related topics...
 View selected color blocks
 Nest objects

Select objects while traveling

Click Select > Select Object together with the Ctrl key to select objects as
you travel through a design.

C h a p ter 4 Viewing Designs 106

 Left/right-click Travel > Travel by Object to travel to previous or next object.

Click Select > Select Current to select the object associated with the
current cursor position.

Traveling is usually associated with checking the stitching sequence. You

can select objects as you ‘travel’ through a design using the Ctrl key.

To select objects while traveling

 Click the Select Object icon.
 Use the Travel by Object tool or Tab and Shift+Tab buttons to
travel forwards or backwards by object. See Travel through designs for
details.

Press Shift Press Tab key

+Tab keys

 Click the Select Current icon or press Shift+0 to select the object
associated with the current cursor position.
 Hold down the Ctrl key to select an object as you travel through it.

Viewing colorways
A ‘colorway’ is a color scheme or palette of thread colors. It may also
include a background color, fabric sample, or a product image. In
EmbroideryStudio, you can define multiple colorways for the one design.
This means you can stitch out the same design in different colors on

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 107

 different fabrics. You can also print multiple colorways, icons of color
blocks, and design backgrounds with the production worksheet.

Switch colorways

Use Color > Current Colorway dropdown to select a new color

scheme for design.

Use Color > Colorway Editor to assign thread colors to slots in the color
palette.

In EmbroideryStudio, you can preview the same design in different colors

on different fabrics.

To switch colorways
 Open a design with multiple colorways.

C h a p ter 4 Viewing Designs 108

  Select a colorway from the droplist.

Select
colorway

 Alternatively, use the Colorway Editor to toggle between colorways.

Select colorway
Double-click to edit
background or
product image

Related topics...
 Colorways
 Change backgrounds

Change backgrounds

Click Color > Background & Display Colors split arrow to change the
background color of the current colorway.

Use Color > Product Visualizer to choose a garment or product backdrop

on which to position your decoration.

Click View > Show Product to toggle product image on/off. Right-click to
open the Product Visualizer docker.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 109

EmbroideryStudio lets you set the background color, fabric, or product of
each colorway for more realistic previews and presentations.

To change backgrounds
 Open the design and select a colorway.

Select a
colorway

 Use View > Show Product to toggle on or off any product image that
may be included in the colorway.
 Click the droplist next to the Background & Display Colors icon.
 Change color via the Background Color popout menu.
Click arrow to invoke popup menu

Select background
color

C h a p ter 4 Viewing Designs 110

  If your colorway includes a background fabric, change color via the
Fabric Color popout menu.

Change fabric
colors

 If your colorway includes an article or product, open the Product

Visualizer droplist and change color via the Product Color popout
menu.

Change product
color

Tip: Click Background & Display Colors or Product Visualizer

icons to preset any of these options.

Related topics...
 Add colorways
 Fabric & product backgrounds

Change display colors

Use Color > Background & Display Colors (or Colorway Editor docker) to
change design background presets for the current colorway.

In addition to background color or fabric, display colors for borer holes,

unsewn and selected stitches, object outlines and grid are part of the
colorway definition. Change them if the default display color is not visible

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 111

against the current colorway. The Background & Display Colors dialog
includes a Display Colors panel.

Select display
colors to
change

Adjust colors as required for:

Display item Description

Selected Selected objects or stitches.
Unsewn Unsewn stitches as they appear when traveling through the design.
Object Object outlines as they appear when Show Outlines is activated.
outline See View embroidery components for details.
Needle Change needle point display color according to current
points background. See also View embroidery components.
Grid Depending on the colorway, you may need to adjust grid display
colors in order to view them against the background color. See also
Measurements.
Guides Depending on the colorway, you may need to adjust guide display
colors in order to view them against the background color. See also
Measurements.
Borer Borer points. These are machine functions which only appear when
Show Functions is activated. See View embroidery components for
details.

C h a p ter 4 Viewing Designs 112

 Display colors are saved with the colorway. You can save the colorway as
an EMT template file for use in future designs.

Black needle points

against white
background

Related topics...
 Add colorways
 Fabric & product backgrounds
 Working with templates

Viewing design repeats

Use View > Show Repeats to toggle design repeats display. Right-click for
settings.

Many customers make traditional garments such as sarees which employ

continuous and sometimes overlapping designs. It is important to be able
to see these designs together with their repeats. The Show Repeats
function displays repeating designs, including sequins, in both TrueView

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 113

 and stitch view. You can view a design, even while digitizing, with any
number of repeats. The number can be a whole number or fractional.

Vertical distance,
user-defined

Horizontal distance, user-defined

or automatically calculated

Note: It is important that the artwork you use is properly sized and in
the correct horizontal position. Always check the position of your artwork
before starting to digitize.

To view design repeats

 Set your units of measurement as required.

Note: Stitch length and density controls remain in mm regardless of

measurement system. These controls reflect the machine functions as
industrial machines are always in millimeters.
 The first time you use the feature, right-click the Show Repeats tool
or press shortcut W to access the Repeats dialog.

Select Show Repeats

Enter required number Enter required number

of horizontal repeats of vertical repeats
Enter distance Enter distance
between horizontal between vertical
repeats repeats

C h a p ter 4 Viewing Designs 114

 Select the Show Repeats checkbox to activate the feature.
 Set the distance between horizontal repeats. This will always be
expressed in millimeters. Depending on the template, different
options are available:

Option Function
Design This option is only available with the Schiffli template. Repeat
repeat distance is fixed. This is typically a factor – x1, x2, x3, etc – of
needle distance. See Schiffli Supplement for details.
Other When selected, you need to manually enter a repeat distance in
mm. This is typically used when doing continuous design work on
multihead machines. The figure will generally correspond to the
distance between machine heads – e.g. 135 mm – or factors
thereof.

 Enter the number of horizontal repeats. Repeats are balanced around

the source design. This means that whole designs are displayed only
for odd integer (1, 3, 5) numbers of repeats.

Repeat Effect
1.0 The original design only is displayed.
1.2 • The original design is displayed, plus
• 0.1 of the design on either side of the original.
2.0 • The original design is displayed, plus
• 0.5 of the design to either side of the original.
The repeat pattern looks like this: ][][.
2.9 • The original design is displayed, plus
• 0.95 of the design to either side of the original.
3.0 • the original design is displayed, plus
• a complete copy of the design to either side of the original.
The repeat pattern looks like this: [][][].

 Vertical distance is not constrained by needle or head distance.

Vertical distance will be a function of design height. Set vertical
distance and number of repeats as preferred.
 To help distinguish the source design from repeat patterns, Use the
Colors option to display repeats in different colors. Enter a color offset
to indicate where you want to start the first repeat color. Let’s say you
have a 4-color design using palette colors 1, 2, 3, 4. If you set color
offset to 5, repeat colors will display as 5, 6, 7, 8.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 115

  Use the Show Repeats icon to toggle design repeats on or off.

Source design

Related topics...
 Preparing artwork for continuous embroidery
 Set measurement units

Viewing design information

You can obtain design information in a variety of ways and formats –
before opening the EMB file via File Explorer and from the Design
Information docker. See also Preview design reports.

View design details in EmbroideryStudio

Use Docker > Design Information to view and modify design details prior to
design approval or stitchout.

You can check design details via the Design Information docker. This
is always advisable prior to design approval or stitchout. The opening tab
contains information about design height, width, stitch count, colors, and
so on. On other tabs, summary and order information may be provided
by the digitizer or sales team. The information is printed with approval

C h a p ter 4 Viewing Designs 116

 sheets and production worksheets. Choose a file and select Design >
Design Information.

Use tabs to view other design

information, including orders
and machine runtime
estimates

Provide descriptive
name as preferred

Related topics...
 Viewing & managing design information
 Managing quotes & orders

View design details in File Explorer

Even without opening EMB files, you can check software version number
and other design details via File Explorer. This same dialog can be
accessed from within the Open dialog in EmbroideryStudio as well as the
Design Library.

To view design details in File Explorer

 In File Explorer, right-click an EMB file and select Properties from
the popup menu.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 117

 The Properties dialog displays with an EMB tab. View general file
information, such as file size and modification dates, together with
design information such as stitch count, number of stops and color
changes, as well as machine format.

Dedicated EMB
properties tab

 The Custom tab shares information with the Design Information >
Summary docker in EmbroideryStudio.

Use Custom tab to

provide additional
file information

Related topics...
 Viewing & managing design information

Preview design reports

Click Standard > Print Preview to preview the production worksheet on

screen.

Approval sheets and production worksheets contain all or some of the

design details contained in the Design Information docker. Approval
sheets are intended for customers, not production staff. Customers can

C h a p ter 4 Viewing Designs 118

 see what they are ordering and approve accordingly. Production
worksheets are intended for production staff. All production-related
information, such as bobbin length, design size, garment fabric, etc, is
provided.

To preview a design report

 Click the Print Preview icon.

Choose a
print option
Order
details
Modify report
options
Click Close to return to
design window

 To change paper orientation, click Landscape or Portrait. Large

designs may be displayed over a number of pages.
 To change included information and set printing/plotting preferences,
click Options. Here you can choose the report type – e.g. Approval
sheet.
 To print the design, choose an option:

Option Function
Print Now Send the design report to your local printer.
Save as PDF Save the report as a PDF document. You are prompted to
save to the hard drive or network location.
Send PDF via Send the report – usually an approval sheet – as a PDF
Email attachment to your local email client.

 To close the preview, click Close.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 119

Related topics...
 Viewing & managing design information
 Printing design reports
 Customizing design reports

C h a p ter 4 Viewing Designs 120

Chapter 5
Threads & Charts

When you digitize, you select thread colors for each object from the
Color toolbar. The palette contains a selection of thread colors tailored to
each design. This color scheme represents the actual threads in which the
design will be stitched.

You can select colors from commercial thread charts containing a range
of colors from different manufacturers. To save time when setting up new
color schemes, you can create your own thread chart using your favorite
or most frequently used colors. In EmbroideryStudio you can search for
particular threads by criteria. Even match threads automatically from
selected charts to colors in your design.
This section describes how to select colors from the Color toolbar as well
as how to assign threads to the colors in your design. How to modify
thread charts is also covered, as well as creating custom thread charts.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 121

Choosing threads
The color palette contains a selection of colors tailored to each design or
colorway. New objects are created using the currently selected color. You
can change colors at any stage. Machine functions are automatically
inserted in the stitching sequence whenever you assign a color. Typically
you will want to assign actual thread colors to the Color toolbar in these
circumstances...
 When you create a design, it includes a single default colorway. Using
the NORMAL template, ‘Colorway 1’ contains default colors,
unassigned to any thread chart.
 When you convert vector graphics in CorelDRAW Graphics, colors
are appended to the color palette as unassigned RGB values (if Match
to Embroidery Palette is off).
 When you use the Color Wheel to create new color combinations,
RGB values are added to the color palette.
 When you auto-digitize a bitmap, RGB values can be automatically
matched to actual threads or simply added to the color palette.
 If you read a machine file, unassigned colors will be appended to the
color palette.
 If you receive a design which uses colors from a thread chart you don’t
have, you may want to match them to a preferred thread chart.
In EmbroideryStudio you can search for threads in one or several charts
and assign them manually or automatically.

Note: Due to the differences in computer monitors and computer video

cards, the approximate colors displayed should be used only as guides.
Threads should always be matched to the appropriate physical color card.

Select thread colors

Use Color > Pick Color to pick up a color from an existing object and make
it current.

Use Color > Current Color to view current color.

Use Color > Apply Current Color to apply the currently selected palette
color to embroidery objects.

Use Color > Add Color to add a color to the end of the color palette.

Use Color > Remove Color to remove an unused color from the end of the
color palette.

C h a p ter 5 T h rea ds & C h a r t s 122

 Use Color > Hide Unused Colors to show or hide all unused colors in the
color palette.

Use Color > Remove Unused Colors to remove all unused colors from the
color palette.

New objects are digitized using the current color on the Color toolbar.
You can change colors at any time.

To select thread colors

 Press Esc to deselect all objects.
 Click a color in the Color toolbar to make it current. Alternatively, pick
a color from the design with the Pick Color tool. The current color is
shown on the toolbar and highlighted in the palette with a black
square.

Current color

Thread
description

 Hover the mouse pointer over a color to view the thread code, thread
name, and thread chart in a tooltip.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 123

 To isolate a color block in the design window, click and hold it in the
Color toolbar. First press Esc to deselect all objects.

Click and hold to

isolate the color block

 Select object/s you want to recolor. Alternatively, select a color block

in the Color-Object List.

Select objects or color

block to recolor

C h a p ter 5 T h rea ds & C h a r t s 124

  Select a color from the palette. Alternatively, transfer a used color to
other objects with the Apply Current Color tool.

Click to select
a new color

 Use the +/- buttons to add or remove color slots as needed.

 Use the Hide or Remove Unused Colors controls as preferred to
compact the palette.

Related topics...
 Change color schemes

Assign thread colors

Use Color > Threads to search for and match threads from different charts,
and assign for use.

Use Color > Add Color to add a new color slot to the color palette.

Use Color > Colorway Editor to assign thread colors to slots in the color
palette.

Use Threads > Select Thread Charts to select the thread chart/s you
currently have available for use.

Use Threads > Assign Thread to assign selected thread to the highlighted
color in the current colorway.

Use Threads > Match All to match threads from the current chart/s to all
color slots in the current colorway.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 125

The supplied charts represent the brands of threads that
EmbroideryStudio supports. Each chart includes a range of thread colors
together with code, brand and description. You can search for a thread
by code or description and assign it to a selected design color slot.
Alternatively, let the software match design colors to threads in the
current thread chart/s.

To assign thread colors

 Press Esc to deselect all objects. The currently selected (default) color
is shown in the toolbar.
Current color

Select colorway

 Select a colorway and click the Threads icon. Alternatively, right-click

a color in the palette. The docker opens.

Click to open
thread charts

Assign preferred
thread chart/s

C h a p ter 5 T h rea ds & C h a r t s 126

 Click the Select Thread Charts button to access the thread chart
listing.
 Choose the chart/s you prefer or currently have available and click OK.
 Click a color in the Color toolbar to make it current. The Threads list
updates automatically.
 Alternatively, click Add Color to add a new color slot to the color
palette and make it current.

Use scrollbar to
search

Click to assign
Selected thread thread to current
assigned color slot

 Use the scrollbar to refine your search. Or, in the Search field, enter
the first few characters of the required code or name. The code is the
identification number of a thread color in a brand. The system
searches for the closest match and displays it in the thread color list.
 Double-click or click Assign Thread to assign a thread to the current
color slot in the current colorway.
 Alternatively, use Match All to assign threads from the current chart/s
to all color slots in the current colorway.
 Check the thread assignments in the Color toolbar by hovering the
pointer over the slots.
 Optionally, click Remove Unused Colors to remove unused colors.

Note: The Remove Unused Colors tool is disabled for machine

formats that use needle addressing – i.e. that have Color Change set
as Needle No in the Machine Format Settings dialog.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 127

Thread usage estimates
In order to obtain more precise thread usage estimates, you can adjust
fabric thickness to suit the target fabric. This may be necessary if you are
planning a large production run. Settings are generally fine-tuned on a
case-by-case basis. However, adjusted settings can also be saved to the
current template.

To estimate total thread usage

1 Select Design > Design Information > Stitching tab.

Click to calculate thread

and bobbin length

2 Click Length Calculation.

Enter target fabric

thickness
Enter bobbin thread
length as a %

3 Enter the thickness of the target fabric.

4 Adjust the bobbin thread length according to the mixture of thread
types in the design.
This factor provides a simple mechanism for a more accurate bobbin
thread length estimate. The default value (100%) is suitable for a
design with a mixture of stitch types. If the design is all Run stitches
or all Tatami, more bobbin thread will be used and the factor can be
increased say to 125%. If the design is all Satin stitch, the factor can
be reduced to say 65%.
5 Click OK. The Total Thread and Total Bobbin values are adjusted to
take into account fabric thickness on total thread requirement.
6 Optionally, click Save to save revised settings to the current template.

C h a p ter 5 T h rea ds & C h a r t s 128

 Related topics...
 Working with templates

Recoloring consecutive objects

You can change the color of consecutive objects of the same color at the
same time.

To recolor consecutive objects

 Select the first object in the sequence to recolor.

Blue Blue

Green

 Select Object > Set Color. The Set Color dialog opens.

Change color of
consecutive objects

Select color

 Select the All consecutive objects of the same color option.

 Select a color from the list and click OK.

Red

Red

Green

Related topics...
 Select objects with Color-Object List

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 129

Managing thread charts
Thread charts in EmbroideryStudio represent the many different brands
and colors of thread available. They may not always be accurate because
thread manufacturers often change, delete, and add new colors to their
lines. For this reason, you can update charts as necessary.

Edit thread colors

Use Color > Colorway Editor to modify threads in selected colorways.

Use Colorway Editor > Edit Color to modify thread information for the
currently selected palette color.

You can always change code, name, chart, thickness or thread colors. For
example, in Schiffli work, you may want to change text labels to Parts A,
B and C to reflect the pattern arrangements when printing. These labels
appear on the production worksheet both in the stop sequence and in
Color Film printout. Alternatively, you may want to edit colors in a
colorway before you assign actual threads.

To edit thread colors

 Open the Colorway Editor and select your colorway. If already open,
the Threads docker closes automatically.

Click to view
thread details

Select thread
to edit

C h a p ter 5 T h rea ds & C h a r t s 130

  Select the thread to edit and double-click or click Edit Color.
Alternatively, double-click a palette slot in the Color toolbar.

Click to select
or mix color

Edit thread
details

 Edit thread details as required.

Note: When a color is changed, all objects using that color update
immediately, whether selected or not. All other objects in the design
are unchanged.

Related topics...
 Creating colorways
 Assign thread colors
 Modify thread details
 Printing design reports

Create & modify thread charts

Use Color > Colorway Editor to create new thread charts.

EmbroideryStudio lets you define your own charts. When you create a
thread chart, you are creating a store of colors for future use. Select
names that will help you remember the charts or help you sort
frequently-used charts to the top of the list. Rename or remove charts at
any time.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 131

To create a new thread chart
 Select Manage Thread Charts via the Setup menu. Alternatively,
click the Select Thread Charts button in the Colorway Editor.

Click to open
thread charts

Click to modify
thread charts

 Click Manage. The Manage Thread Charts dialog opens displaying

the current thread chart.

Click to create new chart

 Click Create. The Create Thread Chart dialog opens.

My Thread Chart Enter new

name

C h a p ter 5 T h rea ds & C h a r t s 132

  Enter a name for the chart and click OK. The new chart is created,
ready for you to add colors.

Click to add
your own
threads

Click to copy
threads from
other chart

 Click Delete to remove the entire chart.

Click to rename Click to delete

 Click Rename to change names.

My Thread Chart

My New Thread Chart

Enter new thread
chart name

Caution: Be careful when deleting thread charts. If you delete the

wrong chart you will need to reinstall EmbroideryStudio to restore it.

Related topics...
 Modify thread details
 Copy colors between charts
 Definine custom thread chart files

Copy colors between charts

Use Color > Colorway Editor to modify existing charts.

Copy colors between charts to create your own charts from existing
threads.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 133

 To copy colors between charts
1 Select Setup > Manage Thread Charts. Alternatively, click the
Select Thread Charts button in the Colorway Editor and click
Manage.

Select Click to create

thread chart new chart

Click to copy
threads from
other charts

2 Create a new chart or open an existing one from the Name list.
3 Click Copy. The Copy Thread Chart dialog opens.

Select
thread chart

Select color
to copy

4 Select the source chart from the Name list.

5 Select the color/s you want to copy. Use Ctrl or Shift keys to copy a
group or range of colors.
6 Click OK. All colors are copied to the new chart.

Modify thread details

Use Color > Colorway Editor to modify existing charts.

You can copy colors from other charts or mix them yourself. You can also
set the code, description, brand, and thickness of existing threads.
Remove obsolete thread colors for good housekeeping.

C h a p ter 5 T h rea ds & C h a r t s 134

To modify thread details
 Select Setup > Manage Thread Charts. Alternatively, click the
Select Thread Charts button in the Colorway Editor and click
Manage.

Select
thread chart

 Create a new chart or open an existing one from the Name list.
 Click Add to add your own colors or Edit to change selected thread
details.

Click to select
or mix color
Enter thread
1234
details
My Brand

Deep Purple
Select thread
thickness

 Enter code, name, and chart for the thread color.

Code is the identification number of a thread color in a brand.
 Select the appropriate thread thickness. These values are added to or
subtracted from values used in the Auto Spacing table for specific
stitch lengths.

Thickness Description Default

A Normal embroidery thread (approx. denier 40) 0.01
B Thicker than normal (approx. denier 30) 0.03
C Finer than normal (approx. denier 80) -0.03

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 135

 Thickness Description Default
D Very fine (approx. denier 100) -0.06

Tip: Lighter weight threads do not run so well in a production

environment as the machines need to be slowed down in order to
avoid thread breaks. However, lighter weight threads are good for very
small lettering and fine-detail designs.
 Click More Colors in the droplist to see more colors or to mix your
own.
 Remove threads as required:
 Click Remove to remove individual threads.
 Click Clear All to remove all threads.

Related topics...
 Satin auto-spacing

Definine custom thread chart files

While you can define custom thread charts within EmbroideryStudio, you
can also share custom charts in CSV format directly. Files need to be
configured as shown...

Standard TCH
file format

The data that needs to be included is:

 Thread number
 Brand name
 Thread name
 Thread thickness – A, B, C, or D
 Thread RGB value.
A CSV file formatted in this way can be read directly by the software.
However, you need to change the file extension to ‘TCH’ and save it to the
correct custom asset location on your hard drive.

C h a p ter 5 T h rea ds & C h a r t s 136

 Related topics...
 Custom asset locations

Save default thread charts to template

You can save your default thread chart by selecting it in the Colorway
Editor and saving to the NORMAL template. Alternatively you can save
a dedicated template for the particular thread chart and stitch settings
you are using.

Overwrite existing
template or create
new one

Related topics...
 Working with templates

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 137

 PART II
HARDWARE & SOFTWARE SETUP
In order to work with your particular equipment, EmbroideryStudio needs
to be properly configured. You may also want to configure the software
to your particular design requirements.

System settings
This section describes how to change the TrueView™ display, grid spacing
and positioning, and Design Window scrolling options. It also describes
how to save designs automatically as you work. There is also information
about how to adjust the pointer position display, paste position options,
and other general options. See System Settings for details.

Hardware settings
This section describes how to set up digitizing tablets and embroidery
machines. It also describes how to calibrate the monitor. See Hardware
Settings for details.

Machine formats
This section describes how to select a machine format for a design and
output it using other formats. It also explains how to customize machine
formats to meet your machine’s specific requirements. See Machine
Formats for details.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 138

Chapter 6
System Settings

EmbroideryStudio lets you adjust various system settings controlling the

appearance of designs on screen, display of design information, the
behavior of the design window, and other settings.

General options
The General tab of the Options dialog provides a miscellaneous group
of system settings including automatic save and backup, pointer position
display, color handling for inserted files, paste position options, toolbar
display, and others.

Set auto-save Set color handling

options for inserted files

Set pointer position

display

Set Object Property Set continuous

‘apply’ options input for Column A
digitizing

Set toolbar
display options

Set font list

display options

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 139

Automatic save & backup options

Use Standard > Options to access application options for design view, grid
& guides, and other settings.

Save your work automatically at regular intervals using Auto Save. This
protects you in the event of hardware or software failure.

Select to
auto-save designs
Select to
auto-backup designs

Auto save
The Auto Save function creates a temporary file with the extension EMA
in the RECOVER folder. This is automatically restored when
EmbroideryStudio is restarted after a computer crash. You can access
these files manually by browsing to the RECOVER folder and renaming
files from EMA to EMB.

Backup copy
If the Backup Copy checkbox is ticked, a backup copy of the current
design file is automatically created in its previously saved form. This
protects you from overwriting the design with unintended changes – e.g.
using the Save option instead of Save As to save a modified design. The
backup copy is saved in the BACKUP folder with the original file name and
native file format. Access backup files manually by browsing to the
BACKUP folder.

Caution: Backup files remain in the BACKUP folder until you delete them.
To prevent the folder from using too much hard disk space, delete
unwanted files regularly. Backup files should be kept in a separate
physical location, preferably off-site. Access the backup folder via the
File > Open Backup Design command.

Related topics...
 Custom asset locations

Pointer position display

Use Standard > Options to access application options for design view, grid
& guides, and other settings.

When you move the mouse or digitizer puck, the pointer position is
displayed in the Status bar at the bottom of the screen. Use the Options

C h a p te r 6 Sy s te m S et tin g s 140
> General tab to display the pointer position as a relative or absolute
value.

Select relative or
absolute pointer
position

Select a Relative or Absolute pointer setting:

Option Function
Relative Shows pointer position relative to the last digitized point or stitch
point. Useful while digitizing or editing stitches.
Absolute Shows pointer position as an absolute value from the first needle
point of the design. Useful for checking that the design fits a given
area.

The X and Y values show the horizontal and vertical distance of the
pointer from the relative or absolute point. The L value is the length of
the line connecting two points, while A is the angle of that line, relative
to the horizontal. You can measure onscreen distances using the values
in the Status Bar. You can also use the Measure function (M).

Length = 33.47 mm 2 Length = 33.47 mm 1

Y = 17.38 mm Y = -17.38 mm

X = 28.61 mm X = -28.61 mm
1 2
X: horizontal Y: vertical L: length A: angle

Status bar

A negative X value indicates that the second point was placed to the left
of the first. A negative Y value displays when the second point is below
the first. Negative angles indicate angles of more than 180º – e.g. an
angle of -60º is equal to 300º.

90º
2
135º 45º

180º 0º

A=30º
1 -135º -45º
-90º

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 141

 Related topics...
 Measure distances on screen

Thread color handling for inserted files

Use Standard > Options to access application options for design view, grid
& guides, and other settings.

Whenever you copy and paste or insert an embroidery design or element

from one file to another, the respective color palettes are merged. You
have the option of adding the source palette to the target palette or of
matching the source palette to the nearest colors in the target palette.

Colors added Colors matched

to palette to palette

Click the Options icon or select Setup > Options and select the
General tab.

Select inserted
embroidery file
option

Select an inserted embroidery file option:

Option Function
Add to palette Unique colors in the design are added to the current color
palette.
Match to palette When you insert a design, colors are matched to the current
color palette. The system finds the nearest match based first on
RGB values, and then on Brand and Code.

Paste & duplicate options

Use Standard > Options to access application options for design view, grid
& guides, and other settings.

C h a p te r 6 Sy s te m S et tin g s 142
You can control where an object is positioned when pasted. If you are
pasting within the same design, the default is the same position from
which the object was copied or cut. Other options are available.

Pasted / duplicated
objects offset from original

Click the Options icon or select Setup > Options and select the Edit
tab. Set Paste and Duplicate with offset settings independently of
each other as preferred.

Select paste
position setting

Select duplicate
position setting

Paste settings include:

Option Function
Object property Objects are pasted according to the coordinates in the Object
position Properties docker.
Shift pasted Objects are pasted slightly offset from their original position.
objects Adjust offset distance as preferred.
Center at current Objects are centered at the current needle position marker.
stitch
Start at current Objects are positioned after the current needle position
stitch marker.

Duplicate position settings apply only to normal Ctrl+Shift+D

operations. Cloning by right-click and drag will override these settings
temporarily. Ctrl+D operations will assume the ‘quick clone’ value.

Note: Paste and duplicate options control the physical position of the
object in the design, not its position in the stitching sequence.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 143

 Related topics...
 Copy & paste objects
 Duplicate & clone objects

Digitizing presets

Use Standard > Options to access application options for digitizing tools.

The Continuous Input setting provides a simple and efficient way of

digitizing a single Column A object comprised of separately stitched
sections.

Set continuous
input for Column A
digitizing

Five preset styles are included for use with the ‘Use preset styles for
traditional tools’ option. These apply to the Column A, Column B, Column
C, Complex Fill, and Complex Turning tools. When the option is checked,
default stitch type and underlay conform to the associated style. If you
change stitch type or underlay, this applies throughout the current
session. When the checkbox is unticked, current settings are used.

Traditional tool Cover Underlay 1 Underlay 2

Column A/B/C Satin Edge run Zigzag
Complex/Turning fill Tatami Edge run Tatami

Related topics...
 Embroidery digitizing
 Create smooth joins
 Working with styles

Toolbar display options

Use Standard > Options to access application options for design view, grid
& guides, and other settings.

C h a p te r 6 Sy s te m S et tin g s 144
 You can adjust toolbar appearance via the Options > General tab.
Choose between large or small button icons, with or without short names.

Choose large or small

button icons with or
without names

Font list display options

Use Standard > Options to access application options for design view, grid
& guides, and other settings.

You can set the size of your font preview via the Options > General tab.
You can also adjust the number of recently used fonts.

Set number of recent

fonts shown in font list

Set font preview

size

Related topics...
 Select embroidery fonts

Object property apply options

Use Standard > Options to access application options for design view, grid
& guides, and other settings.

The most important dialog in EmbroideryStudio is the Object

Properties docker. By default, modified object properties to take effect
immediately. Alternatively, set the default to apply changes by means of
an Apply button at the bottom of the docker. Click the Options icon or
select Setup > Options and select the General tab.

Select object
properties default

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 145

 Related topics...
 Access object properties

Other general options

Use Standard > Options to access application options for design view, grid
& guides, and other settings.

Miscellaneous other system settings available via the Options >

General tab:

Select other
general options

These options include:

Option Function
Closest join The Closest Join method (the default) automatically calculates
closest join between objects while digitizing. When
deactivated, entry/exit points of all newly digitized objects are
set manually. See Embroidery digitizing for details.
Play button Enables beeping sounds made by the software in response to
sounds mouse clicks and pressing Enter or Spacebar keys while
digitizing.
Cumulative stitch Displays stitch count as a cumulative total in the Stop
count Sequence tab of the Information docker. See also View design
details in EmbroideryStudio.
Crosshair cursor Changes the default cursor pointer to crosshairs for more
precise positioning. It is best used together with the grid.
Show measure Shows length and angle in a tooltip when measuring distances
tooltip on screen. See Measure distances on screen for details.
Show Home When activated, the Home Screen always displays when the
Screen on startup software starts up. See Home screen for details.

C h a p te r 6 Sy s te m S et tin g s 146
 Option Function
Check for When activated, the software will check at every startup
updates whether updates are available. It will also check whenever you
access the My Wilcom page from the Home Screen. When
deactivated, you will need to run the Help > Check for Updates
command.

Tip: Use the measure tooltip in combination with the crosshair cursor on
for more accurate measurements.

View options
You can preset viewing options for embroidery design elements as well
as graphics.

Design viewing options

Use Standard > Options to access application options for design view, grid
& guides, and other settings.

EmbroideryStudio lets you preset options to show or hide design

elements such as stitches, outlines, and background fabric. You can also
change TrueView™ settings for different viewing effects.

To set design viewing options

 Click the Options icon or select Setup > Options and select the
View Design tab.

Select design
elements to display

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 147

  Select viewing options to display. These control the same toggles as
the View toolbar. The difference is that the selections you make here
affect default system settings.
 Click TrueView Options to adjust TrueView™ settings.

Select thread thickness

Select light source

 Adjust thread thickness and light source for preferred TrueView™

appearance. These settings also affect the appearance of printed
TrueView™ ‘virtual decoration’.

TrueView™ – thick thread, light above TrueView™ – thin thread, corner light

Note: This Thread Thickness setting only affects the TrueView™

display, not actual thread thickness values.

Related topics...
 View embroidery components
 Viewing design components
 Outputting designs as images

Image viewing options

Use View > Show Bitmaps to show and hide bitmap images. Right-click to
set image display options.

Use View > Show Vectors to show and hide vector graphics. Right-click to
set image display options.

Use View > Dim Artwork to dim graphic backdrops to show stitches more
clearly for digitizing.

C h a p te r 6 Sy s te m S et tin g s 148
You can dim bitmap image backdrops to make it easier to view stitches.
You can also show colored vector graphics as outlines only.

To set image viewing options

 Right-click either the Show Bitmap or Show Vectors icon. The
Options > View Graphics dialog opens.

Show vector outlines

Dim graphics

 To dim a bitmap image backdrop, select the Dim Graphics checkbox.

Original bitmap Dimmed bitmap

image image

 To view a colored vector graphic as outlines, select the Show

Wireframe checkbox.

Original vector Vector outlines

graphic only

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 149

 Show auto-start & end points
The stitch cursor always appears at the end of the last digitized object.
On the View Design tab, auto-start & end symbols – a green circle and
a red cross – can also be activated.

Current cursor
position

Auto start and end

symbols on

Related topics...
 Setting auto start & end

Grid display options

EmbroideryStudio provides a set of grid lines to help accurately align or
size embroidery objects. The Show Rulers and Guides feature lets you
accurately place and align objects. When a design is saved, the ruler zero
point and guide positions are saved with it.

Grid display options

Click View > Show Grid to show or hide the grid. Right-click for settings.

Click View > Show Rulers and Guides to show or hide rulers and guides.
Right-click for settings.

Drag the Ruler Zero Point to reset a new ruler zero point.

Adjust grid spacing depending on the size of design you are working with.
Use the Snap to Grid feature to align objects with the nearest grid lines.
Checkboxes control the same toggles as the View toolbar. The difference
is that the selections you make here affect default system settings next
time you run EmbroideryStudio.

C h a p te r 6 Sy s te m S et tin g s 150
To adjust grid display
 Right-click Show Grid. The Options > Grid & Guides dialog opens.

Enter grid
spacings Click to save
for current
template

Set zero point

of your design

 Enter Grid Spacing values for horizontal and vertical grid lines. To
save grid spacing to the current template, click Save.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 151

  Select the Snap to Grid checkbox as required. Reference points,
control points or leading edges of objects snap to grid during
digitizing, sizing, reshaping, or positioning operations.

Snap to Grid Snap to Grid

in X only in X and Y

 Choose a snap method. You can choose whether to activate in X or Y

axes or both.
 Select the Set Reference Point checkbox to set the zero point of the
rule. For example, you can set the grid reference point to the design
center. This is easier and faster than moving the whole design. When
you close the dialog, you are prompted to mark the zero point of your
design.

Tip: To temporarily disable Snap to Grid as you digitize, hold down

Alt.

Related topics...
 Display grids, rulers & guides

Ruler & guide display options

Right-click View > Show Rulers & Guides to set the Snap to Grid and Snap
to Guides options.

Rulers and guides are activated by the Show Rulers & Guides toggle.
The unit of measurement – mm or inches – defaults to the regional
settings in the MS Windows® Control Panel. The ruler scale adjusts with

C h a p te r 6 Sy s te m S et tin g s 152
 the current zoom setting. Guides can be used separately or in addition to
grid lines for detailed work.

Guides can be set

separately or in
addition to grid
lines

Column C width
guide activated

Snap to Guides can be set for guides independently of grid lines.

Reference points, control points or leading edges of objects snap to
guides during digitizing, sizing, reshaping, or positioning operations. To
temporarily disable Snap to Guides as you digitize, hold down Alt.
The Show Column C Width Guide option activates a special cursor with
the Column C tool. A circle appears at the cursor position corresponding
to the width setting in the Object Properties docker. This is useful when
digitizing a border based on a background image. When the offset is
biased, two circles are shown, one for each side.

Note: To gain the benefit of the width guide, you must accept the current
width setting by pressing Enter, rather than digitizing reference points
after finishing the centerline.

Related topics...
 Display grids, rulers & guides
 Set measurement units
 Digitizing regular columns

Scroll options

Use Standard > Options to access application options for design view, grid
& guides, and other settings.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 153

The Options > Scroll tab lets you to control mouse pointer and mouse
wheel behavior. Use Auto Scroll to scroll automatically while digitizing.
This can be more convenient than using panning or scroll bars, especially
when working on large designs. The dialog also lets you set four different
mouse wheel behaviors.

To set scroll options

 Click the Options icon or select Setup > Options and select the
Scroll tab.

Adjust auto-scroll
speed and pointer
position

Select desired
action for your
mouse wheel

 Adjust Auto Scroll options as needed. The effect only becomes

apparent when you start to digitize. The design window automatically
follows the current cursor position.

Option Function
Auto scroll Tick to enable automatic scrolling while digitizing.
Move pointer Set pointer position after each scrolling action:
after scroll
Center: Use this setting for large movements.
Midway: Use this setting for smaller movements – e.g. when
zooming into a small area of the design.
Corner: Use this setting for slow scrolling.
Response time Adjust scrolling speed.

Tip: Hold down the Shift key to temporarily deactivate Auto Scroll.
Use the Ctrl+Shift+A key combination to toggle Auto Scroll on/off.
 Tick Center pointer when zooming to ensure that the pointer stays
centered on screen at all times.

C h a p te r 6 Sy s te m S et tin g s 154
Reshape options

Right-click Reshape > Reshape Object to set reshaping options.

Stitch generation during reshaping operations can slow down your

system. Reshape options let you choose whether stitches are generated
immediately or only after Enter is pressed. This tab also controls node
dragging behavior in Reshape operations as well as re-sequencing
behavior in cutting operations with the Knife tool.

To set automatic stitch generation options

 Right-click the Reshape Object icon. The Options > Reshape dialog
opens.

Select object types for

immediate stitch
generation

 Select options for generating stitches immediately after reshaping

operations – i.e. for lettering objects, motif runs, and/or other objects.
If left unchecked, any reshaping changes made are not updated until
Enter is pressed.
 Select your preferred left mouse drag node behavior – Traditional or
Bézier.

Select preferred drag

node behavior

Generally, ‘bézier’ node dragging preserves the shape of the curve

more closely.

Original curve Bézier curve Traditional curve

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 155

  Select your preferred object-cutting reordering behavior.

Select preferred
object cutting
reordering behavior

EmbroideryStudio orders object fragments resulting from cutting

operations with the Knife tool into a closest-join sequence that
preserves the source object’s entry and exit points. There are three
possible ways of reordering fragment objects:
 Reorder and create travel runs between objects separated by gap.
 Reorder, trimming between separated objects where necessary, but
creating no travel runs.
 Combine fragments into a single branched object corresponding to
the source object.
The option you choose will affect all Knife tool cutting operations.

Tip: The Break Apart tool allows you to split branched objects,
including objects resulting from cutting operations, into their
component parts.

Related topics...
 Reshape objects with Bézier controls
 Cut shapes manually
 Break apart composite objects

Warning options

Use Standard > Options to access application options for design view, grid
& guides, and other settings.

Some warning messages may become distracting. You may want to

switch such warnings off but still be able to re-activate them at a later

C h a p te r 6 Sy s te m S et tin g s 156
time. The Options dialog includes a Warnings tab which allows you to
re- or de-activate specific warning messages as desired.

Select warning
options to include /
exclude

Warning messages include:

 Changed Stitches: This appears when sending designs to Stitch
Manager, depending on whether stitches need to be regenerated to
comply with a changed machine format.

 Non-Native Design: This appears when opening ‘machine files’ of

unknown origin. Machine files cannot be scaled by more than
approximately ±5% since their stitch count does not change. By
contrast, design or ‘outline’ files such as native EMB, can be scaled by
any factor as stitches are dynamically regenerated.

 Fabric Settings Unchanged: This appears if you have chosen to

work with an auto-fabric and wish to save changes made to object
properties. Any changes are saved to the template, not to the fabric
itself. Such changes are overridden by current fabric settings.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 157

 ZSK File Name: This appears if you try to save a design to ZSK TC
format with an alphanumeric file name. ZSK machines require 8-digit
filenames.

 Design Integrity Alert: This appears if the software detects a

problem with the design file. If you see an alert, you should use Undo
to return the design to an error-free state. Save the design. Then save
a separate instance of the design up to the point the alert is generated.
Send both designs to Wilcom Support for analysis.

Note: Turning off this message also turns off design integrity checking.

Related topics...
 Send designs to Stitch Manager
 Working with fabrics
 Embroidery file formats

C h a p te r 6 Sy s te m S et tin g s 158
Chapter 7
Hardware Settings

You will need to connect peripheral devices for use with

EmbroideryStudio. These may include digitizing tablets, plotters,
printers, appliqué cutters, scanners and embroidery machines. Different
devices are set up in different ways – some in MS Windows®, via the
Control Panel, others within EmbroideryStudio itself.

EmbroideryStudio provides alternate means for sending designs directly

to machine. Depending on your hardware, you can send designs directly
using Stitch Manager, Machine Manager, or Connection Manager.
Machine Manager is described in a separate Supplement.

Tip: The number of available ports limits the number of devices you can
connect. If additional ports are required, you can add them. Multi-port
serial cards can also be used. See a PC technician about your
requirements.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 159

Calibrating the monitor
You need to calibrate your monitor so that designs at 1:1 scale appear at
real size. Do this when you first install EmbroideryStudio or whenever
you change your monitor.

To calibrate the monitor

1 Select Setup > Calibrate Screen.

Measure
height

Measure width

2 Measure the height and width of the dialog box.

3 Enter the measurement in the Width and Height fields.
4 Click OK.

Related topics...
 Viewing Designs

Peripheral device connections

Peripheral devices can be connected to your computer via USB port,
serial port, parallel port, specialized network card, or Ethernet network.
Local area networks (LANs) commonly use Ethernet networks for
machine connection.

Note: For instructions on connecting devices to your computer and

setting up in MS Windows®, see the documentation for the device as well
as your MS Windows® documentation.

USB ports
Most machines now use USB port connection. They appear just like a disk
drive on your PC so there is no need to configure communication
parameters as for serial or parallel port connections. Some machines
such as Janome MB-4 and Barudan are supplied with propriety
connection software. EmbroideryStudio supports connection to these

C h a p te r 7 Ha rd wa re S et tin g s 160
 machines via the Connection Manager option. See Setting up machines
for Connection Manager for details.

Serial ports
PC serial COM ports are male connectors, and can be either 9-pin or
25-pin. They are named COM1, COM2, COM3, etc. You must be able to
identify the ports on your computer. (If in doubt, consult a PC technician.)
When you set up a device that is connected via a serial port, you need to
enter the serial port settings in EmbroideryStudio as part of the setup
procedure. See also Enter serial port settings.
The following table provides standard settings for various devices. They
are a guide only. Settings for the same device may vary according to
manufacturer. Check the documentation supplied with the device before
setting up.

Device Port Baud Hand-shaking Data bits Stop bits Parity

Digitizer COM1 9600 None 8 1 None
Plotter COM2 9600 XOn/XOff 8 1 None
Tape Punch COM2 4800 XOn/XOff 8 1 None
Tape Reader COM2 4800 XOn/XOff 8 1 None
Embroidery COM2 9600 Hardware 8 1 None
Machine

Tip: The number of available ports limits the number of devices you can
connect. If additional ports are required, you can add them. Multi-port
serial cards can also be used. See a PC technician about your
requirements.

Setting up machines for Connection Manager

Newer machines use USB port connection. They appear as a disk drive
on the PC. As such there is no need to set up communication parameters
as for serial or parallel port connections. Some machines such as Janome
MB-4 and Barudan LEM, are supplied with propriety connection software.
To integrate with EmbroideryStudio, the relevant software needs to be
installed on the same machine. Discuss with your machine supplier for
details.

Set up machines

Use Standard > Send to Connection Manager to connect to supported

machines via proprietary machine software.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 161

 EmbroideryStudio supports various machine models. Some can be
connected by cable directly to your PC via USB port. Others require files
to be placed in a specific network location or ‘watching folder’. Older-style
machines do not support direct connection but they do read ATA PC cards
and/or USB memory sticks. Connection Manager provides a method of
connection to machines that appear as removable media or make use of
third-party connection software. Once set up in EmbroideryStudio, a
single click is sufficient to send the design to machine.

To set up a machine
1 Select Setup > Connection Manager Setup. Alternatively, click the
Send to Connection Manager icon on the Standard toolbar. If no
connections currently exist, a message appears.

2 Click Yes or Create to start setting up your connections. The

Connection Settings dialog opens.

Enter unique
Select connection connection
type name

Select file type

required by machine
Set ‘watching
folder’

3 Select the connection type. Choose from:

 Machine folder – e.g. Barudan DFS, HappyLink/LAN, Brother PR
series, etc
 Janome MB-4
 CAMS (rhinestone placement machine).

C h a p te r 7 Ha rd wa re S et tin g s 162
 4 Enter a unique name for the connection. This identifies the
quick-access button on Standard toolbar and appears in the tooltip.
5 Choose an icon to identify the specific connection.

Select an icon
to identify
connection

Specify file format

options

Tick to automatically
rotate designs on
output

6 Select the file type required by the machine. Depending on the chosen
file type, the Options button may become available. This allows you
to set up specific file format options from within Connection
Manager without having to go to the Save As dialog.
7 Enter or browse to a folder location on the network or PC which has
been set up for the specific machine.
For example, if you choose to connect to a Barudan LEM design server,
this allows you to set up a ‘watching folder’ which the server monitors
for design files (U?? format). It then systematically converts to PRJ for
machine communication. When you output a design, Connection
Manager saves it to this folder in the specified format.

Locate or create
machine-specific
folder

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 163

8 Optionally, tick the checkbox to rotate designs by 180º on output for
cap applications. If ticked, all designs sent to that connection will be
automatically rotated.

Tick for cap

applications

9 Click OK when complete. The new connection appears on the

Standard toolbar.

Quick-access button for

machine connection

10 Repeat steps to set up more machine connections. As more machines

are created, more quick-access buttons are added to the Standard
toolbar. Each can be assigned its own identifying color.

Each connection is
assigned a unique
color

All machines connections you define are listed in the Connection

Manager Setup dialog. From here they can be updated or removed
from the system.

Update or remove
as required

C h a p te r 7 Ha rd wa re S et tin g s 164
 Related topics...
 Save & close designs
 Send designs to Connection Manager
 Send bling to CAMS machine

Automatic machine file naming

Connection Manager provides an option for automatic machine file
naming. When enabled, the specified filename format is used for all
machine connections established in Connection Manager.

Where...

Setting Details
Filename format Filenames take the format <prefix><number>.<extension>
Prefix ASCII only, no Unicode characters. No Windows reserved
characters. Length limit 8 characters.
Number Numeric only. This sets the starting number. Range 1–
99,999,999.
Interval Interval is numeric only and sets the number to increment
each time a file is generated – e.g. ‘5’, ‘10’, etc. Range is 1–99.

Note: When enabled, Kiosk also uses this auto-name specification for all
machine files. If not enabled, it uses the kiosk machine file definition.

Related topics...
 Lettering Kiosk

Setting up machines for Stitch Manager

Before sending designs via Stitch Manager, you must first configure the
machine in EmbroideryStudio. Add machines, change existing machine
settings, or delete machines no longer in use. Newer machines use USB

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 165

 connection. EmbroideryStudio supports connection to these machines via
the Connection Manager option.

Set up machines

Use Legacy Features > Hardware Setup to set up a machine connection

with name, port, and protocol.

To set up a machine you need to define a name, the port it is attached

to, and the protocol it uses. For every machine, you need to select the
machine format it supports.

To set up machines
1 Connect the embroidery machine using the instructions that came
with the machine. Carefully note the port settings.
2 Run EmbroideryStudio. The port settings must now be entered in
EmbroideryStudio Hardware Setup.
3 Select Legacy Features > Hardware Setup.

Select Direct Click to add

Machine machine
Connection

Select machine Click to

connection to access
delete machine
settings

4 From the Type list, select Direct Machine Connection.

 To add a new machine, click Create.
 To change the settings of an existing machine, select it, then click
Settings.
The Embroidery Machine Connection dialog opens.

Enter machine
name

Select COM port Click to access

and protocol serial port
settings

C h a p te r 7 Ha rd wa re S et tin g s 166
5 Use the Name and Comment fields to uniquely identify the machine
connection.
6 From the Port list, select the serial (COM) or parallel (LPT) port to
which the machine is connected.
7 From the Protocol list, select the protocol for the connection between
the computer and embroidery machine.
See the documentation supplied with the embroidery machine to
determine the appropriate connection.
8 Click Setup to access the serial port settings.
These settings must be the same as those set on the embroidery
machine, or EmbroideryStudio will not be able to communicate with it.
9 Select Auto Download to directly download designs to the assigned
machine. Deselect it to confirm before sending.
10 In the Machine Type panel, select the compatible machine formats.
To do this, select compatible machine types in the Available list, and
click > to move them to the For this machine list.

Select Machine types

machine type supported by
your machine

Click arrow buttons to swap

machine types between fields

Note: Machine format values can be added or changed if required.

11 Click OK to return to the Hardware Setup dialog.
12 Click Close. All machine connections you define are listed in the
Hardware Setup dialog. From here they can be updated or removed
from the system.

Select Direct
Machine
Connection
Select Update or
machine to remove as
update required

Note: Once machine setup is complete, you can stitch out a design via
Stitch Manager without changing the original design format.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 167

 Related topics...
 Peripheral device connections
 Serial ports
 Send designs to Stitch Manager
 Custom machine formats

Enter serial port settings

Use Legacy Features > Hardware Setup to set up a machine connection

with name, port, and protocol.

PC serial COM ports are male connectors, and can be either 9-pin or
25-pin. They are named COM1, COM2, COM3, etc. When you set up a
digitizer or machine that is connected via a serial port, you need to enter
the serial port settings in EmbroideryStudio.

Note: You must be able to identify the ports on your computer. If in

doubt, consult a PC technician.

To enter serial port settings

1 Select Legacy Features > Hardware Setup.

Select device

Click to access
device settings

2 Select a device from the Type list and select an item in the Name
column, then click Settings. The <Device> Setup dialog opens.

Click Setup

Select serial port

3 In the Connected To panel, select a serial port from the Port list.

C h a p te r 7 Ha rd wa re S et tin g s 168
 4 Click Setup. The Serial Port Setup dialog opens.

Enter port settings

for embroidery
machine or selected
device

5 Enter the Baud rate, Data Bits, Stop Bits and Parity and
Handshaking settings for the device.
6 Click OK.

Note: The port settings must match those of the embroidery machine
or selected device. The type of handshaking must match the type of
cable you are using. Check the communications setup section of the
documentation that came with the device.

Related topics...
 Connecting digitizing tablets
 Serial ports

Doing runtime estimates

EmbroideryStudio provides a Runtime Analyst feature for calculating
estimated running times for embroidery files using specified RPM values
and other runtime parameters. These are used on a design-by-design
basis to determine scheduling, running costs, and payments for
production staff. Output can be used by any third-party software such as
ERP or accounting systems.

Typical usage
Information can be made available to various stakeholders for payroll,
estimations, and scheduling. For instance:
 The designer creates a new design and saves as EMB and/or machine
file such as U11.
 EmbroideryStudio automatically calculates running time.
 Calculated results are saved to CSV file in a designated file location.
 The payroll department accesses the CSV file and calculates pay rates
for the design. For example:
 A payroll clerk may need to find out what the runtime will be for a
given job in order to pay the machine operator.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 169

  A manager may need to provide an accurate runtime estimate for
any given design so the payroll department is able to process
machine operator payments.
 The ERP system accesses the CSV file for estimation and scheduling
purposes.
 Runtime information may be communicated to a machine operator
who needs to know the runtime estimate for a specific job.

Configure machine runtime settings

You can set up multiple named machines for the purposes of runtime
analysis with specific parameters such as ‘fast speed’, ‘slow speed’, ‘trim
time’, ‘color change time’, etc.

To configure machine runtime settings

1 Select Setup > Machine Runtime Setup. Or run the command from
the Design Information > Runtime tab. The Machine Runtime
Setup dialog opens. The dialog lists all machines currently defined for
the purposes of runtime analysis.

Create a new
runtime definition

C h a p te r 7 Ha rd wa re S et tin g s 170
2 Click Create to set up a new runtime definition. The Machine
Runtime Settings dialog opens.

Name the
machine

Specify runtime
parameters

3 Use the Name and Comment fields to uniquely identify the machine
or machine class.
The class may be based on machine model. However different
machines of the same model may be set up for different purposes –
e.g. to run at different speeds. If so, you’ll need to set up different
classes to suit.

Note: Machine types set up here are independent of machines defined

in Connection Manager Setup or Embroidery Machine
Connection dialogs.
4 Create a runtime definition for the machine. Parameters are based on
machine specs, controller feedback, and/or empirical observation:

Option Function
Normal (high) The speed at which the machine normally sews. Normally
speed available from machine specs.
Slow speed The slowest speed at which the machine runs. Normally
available from machine specs.
Slow above The length of stitch above which the machine slows down.
This value is automatically adjusted according to speed
settings, in particular slow speed. Should be available from
the machine specs.
Trim time The time the machine takes to perform a trim. May be
available from machine specs or empirical observation.
Color change Same as for trim time.
time

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 171

 Option Function
Stop time Time spent stopping in order to place fabric, foam, etc. This
is normally determined through empirical observation. The
number of heads on the machine will be a determining factor
– e.g. 16 heads x 6 secs each.
Design start time Time the machine takes to go from stop to normal speed –
e.g. it may stitch a number of slow stitches to start off. May
be available from machine specs or empirical observation.
Design end time Stopping time – the machine may slow down and then travel
to the center of the hoop before actually stopping.

5 Click OK. All machines or machine classes you define are listed in the
Machine Runtime Setup dialog. From here they can be updated or
removed from the system.

Update or remove
as required

Output design information to CSV

Use Docker > Design Information to view and modify design details prior to
design approval or stitchout.

Design information, including runtime estimates and relevant

parameters, can be output to CSV file for later use by third-party
applications. New data is appended to the file.

Estimated running times

Once your machines or machine classes have been defined, estimated
running time for a specific embroidery file is displayed in the Design

C h a p te r 7 Ha rd wa re S et tin g s 172
Information > Runtime tab. This tab lists available machines together
with estimated runtimes for the current design.

Estimated runtime per

machine for current
design

Related topics...
 Runtime tab

Cost of fabric parameters

An Design Area field on the Stitching tab shows the total design area.
It is calculated by multiplying design width and height, not actual stitched
area. This figure is used to estimate the cost of fabric or 3D foam that
can be used in the design.

Total area used to

estimate cost of fabric
or 3D foam

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 173

Export options
Design information can be written whenever the design is saved or
recorded to DesignWorkflow database. An Options > Export tab allows
you to preset these options.

Automatically
record runtime
data to CSV file

Manual export
The File > Export Design Information command allows you to output
current design information and machine runtime settings to CSV file.

Manually output
design information,
including runtime
data

The CSV output file includes the following fields. The first group derives
from the Design Information > Design and Stitching tabs. The
second group derives from Machine Runtime Settings.

Field Description
Date Date and time of exporting properties.
Design data Derived from design tab
File name Name design saved under.
Machine format Machine format of design.
Stitches Total number of stitches in design.
Colors Total number of thread colors in design.
Color changes Total color changes – may or may not coincide with number
of colors.
Stops Number of machine stops in design.
Trims Number of trims in design.
Sequins Number of sequins in design.
Bling Number of individual rhinestones in design.
Height (mm) Height of sewing area - derived from design extents.
Width (mm) Width of sewing area - derived from design extents.

C h a p te r 7 Ha rd wa re S et tin g s 174
Field Description

Stitching data Derived from stitching tab

Total thread (m) Total length of thread used in design.
Design area (mm²) Area covered by design - calculated according to design
extents.
Runtime data Derived from runtime settings tab
Below / Above Number of stitches stitched at slow and high speed
according to ’slow above’ parameter. Combined numbers
should equate to ’Stitches’ value.
Machine Machine as shown on Machine Runtime Setup dialog. If
there are multiple machines defined, a separate line entry
appears for each.
Normal (high) speed Runtime setting as shown on Machine Runtime Settings
(RPM) dialog.
Slow speed (RPM) Ditto
Slow above (mm) Ditto
Trim time (sec) Ditto
Color change time Ditto
(sec)
Stop time (sec) Ditto
Design start time Ditto
(sec)
Design end time Ditto
(sec)
Runtime (min:sec) Calculated runtime of this design according to particular
machine as shown on Design Information > Runtime tab. If
there are multiple machines defined, a separate line entry
appears for each.

Related topics...
 Viewing design information

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 175

 Print runtime estimates
The Production Worksheet prints runtime information. Three fields
pertaining to the information appear under the Blocks tab – ‘Area’, ‘Total
thread’ and ‘Machine runtime’.

Runtime
estimate settings

The Machine runtime checkbox is only available if the feature is

available in the software. If there are no machines set up, checking
‘Machine runtime’ has no effect as there is nothing to print. Total thread
prints the information of the same name in the Design Information
docker. This information is included in both Production Worksheet and
Production Summary.

Related topics...
 Viewing design information
 Customizing design reports
 Printing design reports

Setting up scanners
EmbroideryStudio supports WIA-compatible scanners. Some scanners
will not work with EmbroideryStudio because they require their own
scanner software. If this is the case with your scanner, use your scanner
software for scanning, save the image to your hard drive, then load the
image into EmbroideryStudio.

To set up scanners
1 Connect the scanner using the accompanying instructions.
2 Set it up in MS Windows® using the accompanying instructions and/or
the Microsoft MS Windows® documentation.
3 Start EmbroideryStudio.

C h a p te r 7 Ha rd wa re S et tin g s 176
 4 Select Setup > Scanner Setup. The Select Source dialog opens
displaying a list of scanner drivers loaded on your computer.

Select scanning
driver

5 Select the scanning driver to use, then click Select.

Note: If you have trouble with scanning after re-starting

EmbroideryStudio, there may be a conflict with previously installed
scanner drivers. Re-install EmbroideryStudio and test the scanner. If
the selected scanner driver does not work in EmbroideryStudio, select
another scanner driver from the list. There are usually two installed for
each scanner.

Connecting digitizing tablets

You can use a digitizing tablet and puck with EmbroideryStudio as an
alternative to digitizing directly on-screen. To use a tablet, you place an
enlargement drawing on the active area, and use the puck to mark
reference points.

WACOM Intuos3 digitizing table

featuring 1024 levels of pressure
sensitivity and pen tilt sensitivity.
Can be used with a normal mouse
or lens cursor

Caution: EmbroideryStudio cannot use the MS Windows®-compatible

drivers of some tablets – e.g. GTCO and Calcomp tablets. Earlier versions
of WinTab do not free up the COM port, even when it is not in use. This

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 177

 means EmbroideryStudio is unable to communicate with the digitizing
tablet. Check with the tablet manufacturer to obtain a version of tablet
software which will free the port when not in use. Alternatively, the
software may disable or uninstall WinTab, or use another COM port when
working with EmbroideryStudio.

Set up digitizing tablets

Use Legacy Features > Hardware Setup to set up a machine connection

with name, port, and protocol.

EmbroideryStudio can only support one tablet at a time. The format and
the preferred pointer display mode must be specified.

To set up a digitizing tablet

1 Connect the digitizing tablet and puck using the accompanying
instructions, and run EmbroideryStudio.
2 Select Legacy Features > Hardware Setup.

Select Digitizer

Click to access
digitizer settings

3 From the Type list, select Digitizer.

C h a p te r 7 Ha rd wa re S et tin g s 178
4 Click Settings. The Digitizer Setup dialog opens.

Enter name

Select digitizer
format

Select input
mode

Select COM Click to access

port serial port settings

5 Use the Name and Comment fields to uniquely identify the digitizing
tablet.
6 In the Format panel, select a digitizer format.
Select from standard digitizer formats or select Auto Detect to
automatically match the format to the connected digitizer. Not all
digitizers can be automatically detected by EmbroideryStudio. For
these tablets, you can define a new format or modify existing format
settings.
7 From the Input Mode list, select Point or Stream.
This setting must be the same as the one you specified on the
digitizing tablet:

Mode Function
Point In this mode, the pointer position on screen is only updated
when you click a button on the puck.
Stream In this mode, the pointer position is continuously updated. When
you move the digitizer puck on the tablet, the pointer moves on
screen.

8 From the Port list, select the COM port to which the digitizer is
connected.
Digitizing tablets generally connect to COM1 but can connect to any
available serial COM port.
9 Click Setup to access the serial port settings. These settings must be
the same as those set on the digitizing tablet, or EmbroideryStudio will
not be able to communicate with it.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 179

 Note: If you use Stream mode, you need to set the digitizer to
transmit at 20 data packets per second or less. The baud rate for the
digitizing tablet and serial port must both be set to 9600 baud.

Caution: To avoid loss of data at high speed, it is important to set up

the tablet correctly. If it can only transmit at greater than 20 data
packets per second, reduce the baud rate of the tablet from 9600 baud
to 2400 baud.
10 Click OK then Close.

Related topics...
 Customize digitizing tablet formats
 Serial ports

Customize digitizing tablet formats

If the digitizing tablet format you require is not preset in
EmbroideryStudio, you can create a new format, or modify an existing
format to match the output of your tablet. Before starting, review the
digitizing tablet documentation.

Caution: This functionality is provided for advanced users with

knowledge of the data protocols supported by their digitizing tablet. Only
use it if your digitizing tablet does not work with any existing formats.

To customize a digitizing tablet format

1 Access the Digitizer Setup dialog.

Select Modify existing

digitizer format
format Create new format

2 In the Format panel:

 To modify an existing format, select the format and click Modify.

C h a p te r 7 Ha rd wa re S et tin g s 180
  To define a new format, click Create. The Custom Digitizer Setup
dialog opens.

Enter format
name
Enter format
string for tablet
Enter digitizing
scale

3 In the Format Name field, enter a name for the new or modified
format.
4 In the Format String field, enter the format string your digitizing
tablet outputs.
Obtain this information from the digitizing tablet documentation.
5 In the Scale field, enter the scale at which you are digitizing. For
example, a scale of 3.0 means your on-screen design will be one third
the size you digitize on the tablet.
6 Click OK.

Related topics...
 Set up digitizing tablets

Prepare enlargement drawings

When you digitize with a tablet, you use an enlargement drawing to trace
the shapes and outlines of the design in the same way you use backdrops
on-screen. Before you start, you need to prepare the enlargement
drawing.

To prepare an enlargement drawing

1 Convert the artwork to a technical drawing.
Generally the drawing will be three times larger than the final
embroidery.

Tip: If the drawing is in hard copy, scale it using a transparency

projector or photocopier. If you used a graphics application to create
the artwork, scale it before you print it out.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 181

 2 Modify the drawing to make it suitable for embroidery:
 Define shapes that can be easily filled with stitches.
 Overlap and distort shapes to compensate for push-pull.
 Draw digitizing guidelines – e.g. stitch angle lines.
3 Draw origin and rotation reference points.
These points set the position and orientation of the enlargement
drawing on the digitizing tablet.

Tip: If the drawing is bigger than the digitizing tablet, enter additional
points to help you shift the drawing as you digitize.
4 Write the name and scale of the enlargement drawing for future
reference.

Rotation reference
point

Name flower
Origin
Scale 3:1

Related topics...
 Shift enlargement drawings

Register enlargement drawings

When you place an enlargement drawing on the digitizing tablet, you
need to register it so EmbroideryStudio can interpret the design. To
register an enlargement drawing, enter the scale, and digitize the origin
and rotation points on the tablet. The origin and rotation points should
be marked on the enlargement drawing. If they are not, you need to draw
them in.

C h a p te r 7 Ha rd wa re S et tin g s 182
To register an enlargement drawing
1 Select Setup > Tablet Setup.

Enter drawing
scale

Select Save as
defaults

2 In the Drawing Scale panel, enter the scale of the enlargement

drawing. To calculate the scale, divide the height the enlargement
drawing by the required height of the final embroidery. Enlargement
drawings are generally prepared at a scale of 3.00.
3 Tick the Save as defaults checkbox. This saves the registration
information for this drawing so you do not have to re-register each
time you resume digitizing.
4 Click OK and place the enlargement drawing on the digitizing tablet.
5 Click the origin and rotation points of the drawing with Button 1 of the
digitizing puck. This completes the registration.

Rotation reference
point

flower
Origin
3:1

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 183

Change drawing scales
You can change drawing scale during digitizing. When you change scale,
EmbroideryStudio automatically resizes object outlines and regenerates
the stitches.

To change the drawing scale

1 Select Setup > Tablet Setup.

Enter new
drawing scale
Tick to resize design to
drawing size

2 Enter the new drawing scale. To calculate the scale, divide the height
the enlargement drawing by the required height of the final
embroidery. Enlargement drawings are generally prepared at a scale
of 3.00.
3 Tick the Resize Design to Match Drawing checkbox.
4 Tick the Register Drawing checkbox.
5 Click OK.
6 Digitize the origin and the rotation reference points to re-register at
the new size. The design is resized to the new scale.

Shift enlargement drawings

If the drawing is bigger than the digitizing tablet, you can move it across
the tablet and continue digitizing. To move a drawing you need to draw,
and digitize, two additional reference points.

To shift an enlargement drawing

1 Draw additional reference points on the enlargement drawing.
Position the points so that they will be on the active part of the
digitizing tablet both before and after the move.

Tip: If you are shifting the drawing up or down, draw the additional
reference points horizontally. If you are shifting left or right, draw
them vertically.

C h a p te r 7 Ha rd wa re S et tin g s 184
 2 Select Setup > Tablet Setup.

Deselect
Select

3 Tick the Shift Drawing checkbox.

4 Untick the Register Drawing checkbox and click OK.
5 Click the additional reference points with Button 1 on the digitizing
puck.

6 Move the drawing so that the part you want to digitize next is over the
active area of the digitizing tablet, and click the additional reference
points again. The drawing is re-registered in the new position.

Use digitizing pucks

With a digitizing tablet, you generally use a puck instead of a mouse to
mark reference points.

To use a digitizing puck

 Position the cross-hairs of the puck over a point on the enlargement
drawing then press one of the four buttons.

Mouse or keyb’d
Function Button Description
equivalent
Digitize corner 1 [ Digitize corner reference point when digitizing
point outlines.
Digitize curve 2 ]
Digitize curve reference point when digitizing outlines.
point

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 185

 Mouse or keyb’d
Function Button Description
equivalent
Terminate 3 M • Terminate input omitting last stitch – i.e. the fill is
omitting last terminated on the opposite side as the last input
stitch point.
• Toggle between selected fill stitch type and input
method, and the Run input tool.
Terminate 4 R • Terminate input including last stitch – i.e. the fill is
including last terminated on the same side as the last input point.
stitch • Toggle between selected fill stitch type and input
method, and the Manual input tool.

C h a p te r 7 Ha rd wa re S et tin g s 186
Chapter 8
Machine Formats

Different embroidery machines speak different languages. They have

their own control commands for machine functions. Before you can stitch
a design, it must be in a format which can be understood by the machine.
When you select a machine format, EmbroideryStudio uses it to translate
digitized designs into a specific machine-readable form. If required, you
can customize machine formats to meet specific machine requirements.
1

1
0

01
01

0
01

01 1
01

0
1

10
0 0

10
10

0
10

1
10
01 1

0
01
1 0

Standard machine formats

Different machines require different settings. When you select a machine
format, EmbroideryStudio uses it to translate digitized designs into a
specific machine-readable form. Common formats include Barudan,
Brother, Happy, Marco, Meistergram, Melco, Pfaff, Stellar, Tajima, Toyota,
Ultramatic and ZSK. Typical modifiable values include stitch and jump
length, trim functions and color change functions.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 187

 Note: Not all values described here are available for all machine formats.
See your embroidery machine manual for details.

Stitch & jump length settings

With most machines you can set maximum frame movement, minimum
stitch length to recognize, and automatic jump length.

To set stitch and jump length

1 Open a design.
2 Access the Machine Format Settings > Standard dialog. Only fields
relevant to the selected machine format will appear.

Adjust stitch and

jump settings

3 In the Maximum Stitch field, enter the maximum stitch length to

allow.
The value you enter depends on the tape code used by your machine:
 Binary coding system: 12.7 mm – e.g. Barudan machines
 Ternary coding system: 12.1 mm – e.g. Tajima machines.
4 In the Minimum Stitch field, enter the minimum stitch length to
allow.
This sets the default Small Stitches value. Generally the minimum
stitch length is increased for dense materials and thick threads to
prevent thread breakage.
5 In the Maximum Jump field, enter the maximum jump length to
allow.
This sets the default Auto Jump value. Shorter jump values generally
improve stitch quality and reduce wear on the machine but may
increase stitch-out time.
6 Click Save then Close.

Related topics...
 Embroidery machine formats
 Eliminating small stitches

Trim functions
With some machine formats you can specify how to format and interpret
trim functions. Some machines understand specific trim codes. Others

C h a p ter 8 Machine Formats 188

 interpret multiple jumps as a trim function. Machines without an
automatic trimmer may not know how to interpret trim functions, and
may even shift the design when a trim code is encountered. For these
machines you need to deselect the Output Trims checkbox so that trim
functions are ignored when the design is stitched.

To set trim functions

1 Open a design.
2 Access the Machine Format Settings > Standard dialog. Only fields
relevant to the selected machine format will appear.

Select to output
trim functions
Select trim
function format

3 In the Trim panel, select the Output Trims checkbox to include trim
functions when outputting to the selected machine.
If you deselect the checkbox, trim functions are not removed from the
design but simply ignored during output.
4 Specify the trim format to use:

Option Function
Jumps Use for machines that interpret multiple jumps as trims. Enter
the required number of jumps.
Trim code For machines that interpret explicit trim commands.

5 Click Save then Close.

Related topics...
 Embroidery machine formats

Color-change functions
Machines interpret Color Change functions differently – either as a Needle
Number or Stop function. Basically, the following rules apply:
 Single-needle machines simply stop when a Color Change or Stop
function is encountered.
 Some multi-needle machines default to the next color without
stopping.
 Some multi-needle machines support direct needle addressing.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 189

Stop functions
Stop functions allow the operator to manually change threads. They are
generally used with machines that only have one needle. Stop functions
are sometimes combined with Jump functions to indicate color changes.

Color-change functions
For those machines that support them, Color Change functions tell the
machine to move to the next needle whenever a CC function is
encountered. The machine must have the correct thread colors loaded
according to the production worksheet.

Needle-number functions
For needle addressing machines, each color ‘slot’ on the color palette
corresponds to a needle number. Needle Number functions are
sometimes combined with Jump functions to indicate color changes.

Thread chart

Thread list

Color/needle
sequence

For needle addressing machines, you need to specify how many needles
are on the machine. This tells the machine how often it needs to stop for
the operator to change threads. For example, for a design with 15 colors
to be stitched out on a machine with five needles, it must stop after every
three color changes in order for the operator to change threads.

To set color change functions

1 Open a design.

C h a p ter 8 Machine Formats 190

2 Access the Machine Format Settings > Standard dialog. Only fields
relevant to the selected machine format will appear.

Select method to interpret

color change functions
Enter number of
needles

Select optional
functions as required

3 In the Color Change panel, select a method for interpreting

color-change functions:

Method Converts color-change functions to...

Needle no Needle Number functions
Stops Stop functions
Stop & jump Stop and Jump functions
Needle no & Needle Number and Jump functions
jumps

4 For needle-addressing machines, enter the number of needles on the

machine in the No of Needles field.
5 Optionally, select the Use Group Addressing checkbox.
Some machines can group two heads together so you can stitch a
design using needles from both heads. For example, if a machine has
two heads and nine needles per head, the machine moves the hoop
from the first head under the second head, which allows you to stitch
18 colors without a manual change.

Note: If this is the case, enter the combined number of needles on

the machine in the No of Needles field.
6 Optionally, select the First CC required checkbox.
Some machines require a First CC code to initialize the machine and
bring the head back to the first color change needle position.
7 Optionally, select the Return to Start checkbox.
This returns the needle to the start of design, preparing the machine
for the repeat run.
8 Click Save then Close.

Related topics...
 Embroidery machine formats

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 191

Borer functions
Some embroidery machines are equipped with a borer. The borer often
replaces one of the needles. You need to specify the needle position of
the borer and its offset value. Borers are often ‘knife’ attachments where
the cutting position is offset ±12 mm from the main needle. Before the
machine starts, the frame moves so that the borer is in the correct
position. This extra frame movement compensates for the borer offset.
Some machines automatically adjust for this offset when a Borer In
function is encountered. These machines should have an offset value of
0. Similarly, if you are using a boring needle (instead of a knife), you do
not need an offset value. See your machine manual for details.

To set borer functions

1 Open a design.
2 Access the Machine Format Settings > Standard dialog. Only fields
relevant to the selected machine format will appear.

Enter borer offset

Enter needle
number of borer

3 In the Boring panel, enter the required borer offset.

 If your machine automatically inserts an offset when a Borer In
function is encountered, enter an offset of 0 mm.
 If your machine requires an offset value, enter an offset of
±12.0 mm.
4 Enter the needle number to which the borer is attached.
5 Click Save then Close.

Related topics...
 Embroidery machine formats
 Boring

End-of-design functions
Some machines require an explicit End of Design function code in order
to recognize when the end of the design has been reached. Some
machines do not understand the End of Design function code, requiring
a Stop code instead. For example, Tajima machines recognize the explicit
End of Design function code while Happy machines require a simple
Stop.

C h a p ter 8 Machine Formats 192

 To set end-of-design functions
1 Open a design.
2 Access the Machine Format Settings > Standard dialog. Only fields
relevant to the selected machine format will appear.

Select end-of-design
option

3 In the End of Design panel, select the appropriate option for your
machine:

Option Function
End of design Some machines require an explicit End of Design function
code – e.g. some Tajima machines.
Stop Some machines require a Stop code instead – e.g. Happy
machines.

4 Click Save then Close.

Related topics...
 Embroidery machine formats
 Start/end-of-design sequence

Advanced machine formats

The Advanced tab provides access to additional machine format options.
Again, the available settings depend on the selected machine format. You
can set the color change sequence, insert special codes for start or end
of a design, and enter speed settings. There are also miscellaneous
settings, including whether to change fabric tension during boring, and
whether to rewind tape when stitching is complete. Use the Machine
Format Settings dialog to define values to allow when outputting to a
specific machine format.

Note: Not all values described here are available for all machine formats.
Use these instructions to enter values that apply to your selected format.
Only change Advanced values if you are familiar with the codes used by
your embroidery machine. See your embroidery machine manual for
more information.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 193

Color-change sequence
Some machines cannot interpret color-change functions unless they form
part of a ‘color change sequence’ made up of empty stitches and empty
jumps before and after each color change. Check your machine
requirements to determine whether you need to enter color-change
sequence values.

Color Change Sequence in Stitch List

matches sequence defined in Machine
Format Settings Advanced tab

In the Advanced tab, the Color Change Sequence panel reads from
top to bottom, in the order the codes appear in the sequence. The first
two fields show the number of empty stitches and empty jumps to insert
before the color change. The other fields show the empty jumps and
empty stitches to insert after the function.

Related topics...
 Embroidery machine formats

Start/end-of-design sequence
In addition to an End of Design function, some machines require extra
empty stitches and empty jumps in order to stitch the start and end of a
design. Other machines require a Stop function. Depending on the
machine type, you may also require functions to initialize the machine or
trigger a frame-out after stitching.

Enter number of Empty

Jumps and Stitches to insert
at start of design

Enter number of Empty

Stitches and Jumps to insert
at end of design

C h a p ter 8 Machine Formats 194

 Where available, the Set Needle Number option initializes the machine
and brings the head back to the first color change needle position.

Select to initialize machine

and bring head back to first
needle position

Where available, the Frame Out option triggers the frame to exit after
stitching the design.

Select to trigger
frame to exit after
stitch out

Note: Remember that these fields show the number of extra codes you
want to insert in addition to default settings.

Related topics...
 Embroidery machine formats

Speed options
Some machines can stitch at different speeds. Depending on your
machine, you may then be able to select different speeds to use when
you start stitching or for when the borer is engaged.

Select and adjust

speed options

Where available, the Boring Auto Speed Changes option in the

Advanced tab slows the machine automatically whenever the borer is
engaged. From the Start list, select the preferred starting speed – Fast
or Slow. From the Fast list, select the faster setting on your machine –
Speed 1 or Speed 2. Check your machine manual for details.

Related topics...
 Embroidery machine formats

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 195

 Miscellaneous advanced options
Depending on the machine format, you may also be able to select
whether to reduce the tension on the fabric while boring, and indicate
whether to rewind the tape when stitching is complete.

Where available, set the following as needed:

Option Function
Tension control This option reduces the fabric tension when the borer is
for boring engaged.
Stop before This option stops the machine at the end of the design and
rewind at end rewinds the tape.
Rewind with This option inserts a jump at the end of the design and rewinds
Jump at end the tape.

Related topics...
 Embroidery machine formats

Custom machine formats

EmbroideryStudio provides standard formats for most machines.
However, if your machine is different, you may need to customize the
machine format settings. For example, if you have different models of the
same type of embroidery machine, different functions may require
different values.

Click to create
custom format

Click to create
design format

C h a p ter 8 Machine Formats 196

Creating custom formats
You can create a new machine format based on a standard machine
format, and make it available to all designs.

Enter new
format name

 In the Format Name field, enter a name for the new format – e.g.
Melco-1.
 In the Comment field, enter any information that will help you
identify the machine format – e.g. No Trim.
 Adjust Standard and Advanced machine format settings as needed.

Creating design-specific formats

You can create a custom machine format for use with the current design.
You cannot change the Name or Comment fields. The custom machine
format is automatically named using the original machine format and
design name – e.g. Melco-Design1.

Note: If necessary, you can update the standard machine format itself.
However, you should only do this if the original values are no longer used.

Related topics...
 Embroidery machine formats
 Standard machine formats
 Advanced machine formats

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 197

 PART III
EMBROIDERY DIGITIZING
In EmbroideryStudio, you build designs from basic shapes or ‘embroidery
objects’. These are like ordinary vector objects in that they have certain
defining characteristics or ‘properties’ such as color, size, position, and so
on. They also have properties unique to embroidery such as stitch type
and density.

Stitch types
This section explains how to select stitch types for your various fills,
including how to create Satin fills, Tatami, Motif, and Contour fills, and
how to adjust stitch settings for best results. It also describes how to
create Zigzag and E Stitch fills and borders. See Stitch Types for details.

Digitizing shapes
This section discusses the automatic conversion of vector to embroidery
objects. It also deals with manual digitizing methods, including digitizing
free shapes, simple borders, and complex column shapes. See Digitizing
Shapes for details.

Object properties
This section explains how to change property settings in a design, as well
as how to apply and adjust fabric settings. It also explains how to create
and maintain styles and templates in EmbroideryStudio. See Object
Properties for details.

Colorways
When digitizing, you select colors from the color palette. This contains a
selection of colors which can be tailored to each design or color scheme.
The particular ‘colorway’ represents the actual thread colors in which a
design will be stitched. You can define multiple color schemes and switch
between them. See Colorways for details.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 198