Best Free Embroidery Digitizing Software You Need to Try

Types of Free Embroidery Software

Before exploring some specific software, let’s examine the different categories of embroidery software available for free. Understanding these categories will help you select the right tools depending on your needs, from design editing to font management.

Embrilliance Thumbnailer Software

Embrilliance thumbnailer software lets you view embroidery designs as thumbnails in your file explorer, making it easier to organize and select designs without opening them in a full editing program.

File Converters

File converters help you to change embroidery files into various formats compatible with different embroidery machines. For example, if you have a design in.PES format but need it in.DST for your machine, a file converter will do the job.

Editing Software

Editing software helps you make modifications to an existing design. You can resize, change colors, or edit stitch types without altering the core design.

Font Programs

Font programs are specifically designed for working with embroidery fonts. They allow you to create monograms, add text to designs, and change fonts to fit your creative vision.

Free Embroidery Digitizing Software

These programs allow you to create designs from scratch or convert an image into a format readable by an embroidery machine. Some free options provide basic digitizing features, while others offer advanced capabilities, making them suitable for both beginners and experts.

Which is the Best Free Embroidery Software?

Now, let's take a closer look at some of the top free embroidery digitizing software available. Each option has unique features, also we’ll look at the pros and cons to help you make the right informed decision.

Inkscape and Ink/Stitch

Inkscape is an open-source vector graphics editor with a powerful embroidery extension called Ink/Stitch. It's ideal for those who want to digitize designs using vector graphics.

Pros:

• Free and open-source.
  
  

• Offers vector-based design tools.
  
  

• Supports a wide range of file formats.

Cons:

• challenging for novices to learn.
  
  

• It requires the installation of both Inkscape and Ink/Stitch extensions.

A diverse range of Inkscape's vector design features allows for highly customizable embroidery designs, but it may take some time to fully grasp its full potential.

Dime Embroidery Toolshed

Dime offers a free version of its embroidery software that is simple and easy to use. It provides both design and file conversion features.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface.
  
  

• Good for basic editing and converting.

Cons:

• Limited advanced features.

2Stitch Organizer

This software is best for organizing your embroidery files and allows for file conversions and editing but there are some pros and cons of 2 stitch organizers. 

Pros:

• Best for organizing large collections.
  
  

• Supports various file formats.

Cons:

• Limited digitizing capabilities.

SophieSew Embroidery Digitizing Software

SophieSew is a free embroidery digitizing tool aimed at hobbyists and those who want to experiment with embroidery designs.

Pros:

• Intuitive and easy to use.
  
  

• Allows for stitch editing.

Cons:

• Lacks advanced features found in paid software.

Embrilliance Express 

Embrilliance Express is a free version of the popular Embrilliance software that supports adding and editing text in designs.

Pros:

• Good for adding monograms and text.
  
  

• Simple and user-friendly.

Cons:

• But limited to text-related features.

My Editor

My Editor is a free embroidery editing software that supports many file formats. It allows for resizing, adjusting, and previewing designs before embroidering.

Pros:

• This is great for basic editing.
  
  

• Supports multiple file formats.

Cons:

• Limited digitizing features.

Bernina Artlink 8

Bernina Artlink 8 software from Bernina gives both free and paid versions. The free version provides basic editing and viewing functions.

Pros:

• Easy to use for beginners.
  
  

• Supports a range of file formats.

Cons:

• Limited features in the free version.

Premier+ 2 Embroidery Software

Premier+ 2 offers a free trial for users looking to experiment with embroidery design creation and editing.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface.
  
  

• It is also good for beginners.

Cons:

• Limited advanced features.

EOS

EOS offers a trial version for free that includes a variety of embroidery design tools, great for those looking for advanced features without any cost.

Pros:

• Offers both free and premium versions.

Cons:

• Limited features in the free version.

Wilcom TrueSizer

Wilcom TrueSizer allows you to resize and convert embroidery files.

Pros:

• Easy resizing and file conversion.

Cons:

• Not a full-featured digitizing software.

Brother Embroidery Software (BES)

BES from Brother is ideal for adding text and making minor edits.

Pros:

• Good for text and monogramming.

Cons:

• Limited editing features.

Hatch

Hatch provides a free version with basic tools for beginners.

Pros:

• User-friendly.

Cons:

• Advanced features require a paid version.

Embird

Embird is known for its editing and conversion capabilities.

Pros:

Supports multiple file formats.

Cons:

Limited free features.

StitchBuddy

StitchBuddy is an excellent tool for Mac users, offering basic embroidery editing capabilities. It supports multiple embroidery file formats and allows users to edit, resize, and preview designs.

Pros:

• Supports various file formats
  
  

• Mac-friendly

Cons:

• Limited features compared to premium software.
  
  

• Lacks comprehensive digitizing tools.

Embroidermodder 2

A free, open-source embroidery software tool designed for creating and editing designs with advanced features such as a 3D preview of designs.

Pros:

• Free and open-source.
  
  

• Advanced features for customization.

Cons:

• Outdated interface.
  
  

• Limited support community.

Here’s a comparison chart of the mentioned software, based on ease of use, available features, and suitability for beginners

Is There Any Free Digitizing App?

Yes StitchBuddy and Embroidermodder 2 offer mobile-friendly versions for those looking for a free embroidery digitizing app. These apps are best for managing and editing designs on the go.

Free Digitizing App for Android & iPhone

For Android users, Embroidery Viewer is a great option. iPhone users can explore StitchBuddy to manage and edit embroidery files on their phones.

While free embroidery digitizing software can be helpful, it often comes with limitations such as restricted features, difficult learning curves, or a lack of professional support. If you don’t have the time to learn software or simply want professional-quality results without the hassle, True Digitizing is here for you.

We provide custom embroidery digitized designs at very affordable prices in the USA. So say goodbye to juggling between free, paid, cheap, or expensive embroidery software and say hello to True Digitizing. Whether you need chenille, 3D puff, applique, or any other custom embroidery designs, we’ve got you covered. With our fast turnaround time and expert digitizers, you’ll always get designs ready to stitch with precision.

What are you waiting for? Place your order today with True Digitizing and experience the difference.

How to Adjust Embroidery Machine Speed for Different Fabrics?

Once you’ve created or edited your design using the software, adjusting the speed of your embroidery machine is important for different fabric types. Denser fabrics like denim can handle higher speeds, while delicate fabrics such as silk require slower speeds for precision stitching. The general rule is that the denser the fabric, the higher the speed your machine can run without compromising on quality.