Top 10 Best Embroidery Software: Reviews & Buyers Guide

After investing in a high-quality embroidery machine, I was like I can now take my creativity to the next level. Soon I realized it is not possible until I have access to efficient and useful embroidery software. I found many free programs on the internet, but most of them were no to little use. In this review, we are going a review top 10 extremely useful embroidery software that are available on the market right now. Let us first have a look at the comparison table below.

Top 10 Best Embroidery Software

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Best Embroidery Software Reviews

Finding the best embroidery software was not easy for me because numerous options on the market confused me. I looked upon multiple factors, such as which machines it is suitable for, which file formats it supports, which operating system it is well-suited for, and many others.

I realized when someone else has to buy embroidery software, he/ she might go through the same mental chaos I went through. If they are not aware, they might put their money in the wrong software. So, I decided to help them by reviewing top embroidery software programs available today.

After investing around a month and exploring the features and usefulness of 26 embroidery software, I selected the best 10 of 2020. The basis of my evaluation was their features, compatibility with embroidery machines and operating systems, brands, price, suitability for many users, and others.

Do you know how to use embroidery machines? Using embroidery software is easier than that. Let’s explore our best embroidery software for 2020:

Best Overall – Embrilliance Essentials, Embroidery Software [Mac & PC]

My first pick, Embrilliance Essentials Embroidery Software, is also Amazon’s best choice. No matter if you are a beginner or an advanced user, if you are into embroidery, you will need some basic stuff. Embrilliance Essentials provides more than that.

The best thing is that it works on both PC and Mac, irrespective of the version. With its text tools, you can easily add letters to the design. I found its text formatting a useful feature as it allows lettering in Monogram, Circle, and Multi-Line modes.

Grab it on Amazon!

When you wish to make the maximum use of your creativity, Embrilliance Essentials Embroidery Machine Software will not only support you but will also help you boost your skills.

Value for Money – Amazing Designs Letter It! Software for Embroidery Machine

The next one, Amazing Designs Letter It, is also the best value for money embroidery software. You can guess from its name that it is best for lettering. Want to watch this software in action? Click here!

Many software programs allow users to enhance their creations with the lettering feature, but Amazing Designs lets you do it in style. No matter if you wish to give life to your creativity or imagination, its Circle Text, Vertical Text, and Path Text layouts will help.

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If most of your embroidery tasks involve lettering, you can go for Amazing Designs Letter It! Software. It is also less expensive in comparison to high-end software.

Best Advanced Pick – Amazing Designs Digitize N Stitch  Embroidery Digitizing Software

Amazing Designs Digitize N Stitch Software is a high-quality software with features suitable for advanced uses. Despite many innovative features, it is easy to understand and use.

This program uses simple clip arts to create applique, cross-stitch, and embroidery designs automatically. This auto-digitized software also allows creating customized, beautiful embroidery designs with ease.

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Amazing Designs Digitize N Stitch Software can handle complex designs also. Both novice and advanced users love it because it provides value to all. One thing is sure it brings out the creativity of users in a better way.

Best Embroidery Digitizing Software for Beginners – Embrilliance Stitch Artist Level 1, Digitizing Embroidery Software [Mac & PC]

If beginners try their hands on an advanced embroidery software, they won’t understand even the basics. That’s why there is Embrilliance Stitch Artist Level 1, Digitizing Embroidery Software. It has everything beginners need.

The manufacturers have made sure that users do not face difficulty in learning to digitize. It allows easy creation of stitches and that too, without spending a fortune on expensive, complicated, and time-consuming tools.

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If you’re looking for a starting-level software to get elementary knowledge, go for Embrilliance Stitch Artist Level 1, Digitizing Embroidery Software. It also prepares you for the next levels.

Best for Monogramming – Brother ELS Monogramming, Lettering, Embroidery Software

If you think Brother only makes high-quality embroidery machines note that it also excels in providing the best embroidery software programs.

Brother ELS Monogramming, Lettering, Embroidery Software has 20 inbuilt fonts (pre-digitized), and it allows users to create five different types of monograms. You’ll also find 40+ decorative monogram frames, 14 fill patterns (decorative), and three inbuilt text styles.

It is attuned with all Windows PCs running on at least Windows XP. There is no need to download it from the internet as the company provides the installation media in the form of a CD. Though you’ll require the internet for activating the license.

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Brother ELS Monogramming Lettering Embroidery Software allows beginners to develop their skills and professionals to take their creativity to the next level.

Best Versatile Embroidery Software – BuzzEdit v3 Editor [Embroidery Designs]

The next in my list is the third version of Embroidery Design Editor from BuzzEdit. It is attuned to every version after Windows XP. With this, you get six programs in one software. Yes, the company is helping a lot of users with a single software.

It gives you access to all the elementary-level digitizing and customizing tools. It means you can not only add, move, or delete stitches but also digitize objects for further editing. I found its applique function more useful than many other programs because it allows finishing a design in just a single step.

I also found no reason to avoid its Continuous Border Wizard as it allows users to make perfectly aligned continuous borders every time.

Grab it on Amazon!

BuzzEdit has grown from simple stitch editing software to a versatile and useful tool that creates customized embroideries. If you have to do a lot of things with a single software, it is the one you should go for.

Best Monogramming Software for Beginners – Amazing Designs Monogram It! Monogramming Software [Stand Alone]

You can’t deny that some useful embroidery software programs for beginners are from Amazing Designs. ‘Monogram It!’ Is one of them. It does not have all the features, but it also doesn’t miss any basics.

If you want that monograms created by you are unique, its 24 special monogramming fonts will let you create unique ones. Moreover, its Draw Bar feature allows watching the formation of your monogram.

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When you do not have much experience with an embroidery tool, but want to excel with monogramming tasks, go for Amazing Designs Monogram It! Monogramming Software.

Best for Monogramming [All Popular Brands] – Brother Initial Stitch Software [Embroidery, Lettering, and Monogramming]

The products from Brother can’t keep themselves away from ‘Top 10’ lists. Brother Initial Stitch Software [Embroidery, Lettering, and Monogramming] is harmonious with several embroidery machines from renowned brands.

I won’t say it is the best for professionals, but home users are going to find value in it. Whether you are working with a 4” x 4” or 5” x 7” hoop size, it’ll let you design relevant monograms in minutes.

There are inbuilt fonts (25), decorative frames (27), and monogram fonts (5). Yes, so that your creative ideas never end.

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If you’re new to embroidery, you can invest in this software. Initially, you might say it is not the easiest to use. However, your views will change after a few uses.

Most Affordable – Embrilliance Thumbnailer Embroidery Software [Mac & PC]

Searching for value for money products is a common phenomenon. Some products provide even more value than one can expect in a specific price range. Embrilliance Thumbnailer Embroidery Software [Mac & PC] is one such product.

Whether you are using a Windows PC or MacBook, it makes sure that your embroidery patterns appear on your screen as they will appear on your project. An advantage it has over others is that it allows viewing the details of embroidery files without opening them in specific embroidery software.

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If you wish to enjoy premium benefits without spending much, go for Embrilliance Thumbnailer Embroidery Software.

Best Card Writer – Brother PED-Basic Embroidery Card Writer

My last pick is Brother PED-Basic Embroidery Card Writer. It lets you transfer your design files (pes) to any Brother embroidery design memory card and then to a Brother machine having an inbuilt embroidery card slot.

It allows saving embroidery designs suitable for different hoop sizes, such as 4” x 4”, 5” x 7”, and 6” x 10”. It’ll work on IBM PCs or computers with Windows 98/ ME/ 2000/ XP/ Windows Vista/ Windows 7 as the Operating System.

For complete technical specifications, I suggest going through its User Manual.

Grab it on Amazon!

When you have to transfer designs from your computer to your Brother embroidery machine, go for Brother PED-Basic Embroidery Card Writer.

Best Embroidery Software Brands

Brands, along with features, add value to embroidery software programs. Here are a few brands that make the best embroidery software:

Embrilliance

Embrilliance is a famous embroidery software brand. The name behind this brand is Brian Baillie. Embrilliance makes easy-to-use and affordable embroidery software programs for professionals and hobbyists. The best thing is that its software runs on both Mac and Windows. The best one for buying in 2020 is Embrilliance Essentials, Embroidery Software [Mac & PC].

Amazing Designs

Amazing Designs is providing high-quality embroidery software since 1996. All its embroidery designs are professionally digitized to make sure users get excellent results every time. With its exclusive line of products, it gives users a lot of choices. The biggest hit of 2020 is Amazing Designs Letter It!.

Brother

Some most advanced and best sewing and embroidery machines are from Brother. Some people can’t believe that it is also one of the trusted brands of embroidery software. Like its machines, its software also provides value and excellent results to users. Brother ELS Monogramming Lettering Embroidery Software is the favorite Brother embroidery software nowadays.

Buzz Tools

Buzz Tools is an American company and was started by Lisa Laufer in 1997. Software solutions from this company provide many unique features to enhance the creativity of users. Embroidery software from this brand starts with names like BuzzEdit, BuzzWord, and BuzzSize. Their most-appraised offering is BuzzEdit v3 Editor [Embroidery Designs].

Singer

When it comes to offering a complete embroidery solution, Singer replicates Brother or vice versa. It not only manufactures the best embroidery machines and dress form but also helps users learn and develop embroidery skills by selling embroidery software. The best one from this brand is Singer Futura PhotoStitch Software for XL-400.

Wilcom

Wilcom is providing high-quality and innovative embroidery solutions since 1979. The company started with the aim to automate the embroidery industry and simplify the way embroidered goods are created and produced. It has succeeded, and today, many users feel that some best embroidery software is from Wilcom.

Wilcom Hatch Embroidery Software is their best offering. You can watch videos on YouTube to learn to digitize with this software. Here is an example – Wilcom Hatch: Beginner Digitizing with Auto Tools.

Janome

Janome is amongst those few big brands that offer embroidery machines, sewing machines, serger machines, and software solutions. People can easily trust embroidery software from a renowned brand. Most programs from this Japanese brand are compatible with macOS and Windows. The best Janome embroidery software nowadays is Janome Artistic V7.0 Embroidery Software.

Floriani

The brand Floriani makes many types of software for digitizing and embroidery. Late Walter Floriani Sr. started this brand, and today his grandchildren are continuing the good work. The objective of this brand is to simplify the embroidery experience of every user. The best software from this brand is FLORIANI Total Control-U Embroidery Software.

Best Embroidery Software Buying Guide

Things to Consider when buying an embroidery software

To get the best embroidery software, you should focus on, at least, the following features:

OS Compatibility

Compatibility with the operating system is the first thing you should check. Some work on Windows, some on Mac, and most work on both. If you have a Windows computer, go for the one compatible with Windows. If you own a Mac, go for the one compatible with macOS.

Formats

The second important thing to consider is the supported file formats. Here you should ensure two things:

1. Whether your embroidery machine will read the designs created with the software
2. Whether the software will read the pre-existing designs of your embroidery machine

Primary Functions

If you’re expecting your embroidery software to repair your sewing machine, it won’t. But it can precisely create, edit, and resize embroidery designs. Go for the software that allows lettering and monogramming. If your purpose for buying software is monogramming, make sure the software packages you select have essential text patterns like Circle Text, Spiral Text, and others.

Budget

You may come across low-priced and high-priced embroidery software. Every person can’t invest in highly-priced software, nor every person will find value in inexpensive software. The best way is to identify your spending capacity and then search for the best one.

Free vs. Paid Embroidery Software

While researching online, you may come across many free embroidery software. Some people start feeling why to put money in paid software when a free one is available. They probably don’t know about the advantages the paid version has.

Here are a few pluses of paid software (embroidery) over the free one:

Limited Period

Most free versions are accessible for a limited time, usually 30 days. When this period is over, it asks users to buy the license. The real problem arises when you are working on a project, and the free period expires. Your artwork is still unfinished, and you can’t do anything about it.

Limited Features

In addition to limited time, free version software offers access to limited features. In most cases, users do not require free features. And they should buy the license to access the necessary features.

Detailed Instructions

Most free versions miss detailed instructions. When you don’t have comprehensive instructions, you either won’t understand the functions of that software or learning even the basics will take a lot of time.

Customer Support

Embroidery software users can sometimes face technical or other issues. Most of them are minor and usually resolved by assistance from a customer support executive. The free versions do not provide dedicated customer support, leaving users in distress.

Note: People involved in commercial projects should go for paid embroidery software.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Embroidery Software?

Embroidery software is a program that allows adding different designs to your machine. You can draw objects, lines, letters, digitize pictures, and others with their help. It is useful for hand or machine embroidery. Embroidery software programs belong to the best gifts to sew category.

2. How can I check if the software I want to buy is suitable for my machine?

It is quite easy to find whether the software will work with your machine or not. Open the manual of your embroidery machine and find out which all file formats it supports. Then, check whether the software can read them all.

3. Can I use my software on more than one computer?

There are many embroidery programs you can use on multiple computers. However, some brands limit the usage to only one computer. It is better to check it before making the final purchase.

4. Can I import embroidery designs directly to my machine?

It depends upon your embroidery machine. Some machines allow a direct connection with the computer, whereas some allow importing designs with the help of a USB flash drive. In both cases, ensure the compatibility of file formats.

5. Some embroidery software programs are highly-priced. Why?

Some efficient embroidery software programs in the market are from trustworthy manufacturers of sewing machines. Yes, their primary work is not to make software. They pay developers a hefty amount to not only make software but also add new, innovative, and useful features in them.

You know your requirements best, so purchase an embroidery software that has the required features to meet your needs. Make sure it is within your budget. If your search is about something best not only for home uses but for commercial uses as well, go for Embrilliance Essentials, Embroidery Software [Mac & PC].