ALL ABOUT DIGITIZING

Embroidery digitization is the art of converting artwork or designs into digital files that embroidery machines can read. Digitizers use embroidery digitizing software to create embroidery design files that are used for machine embroidery. This process allows precise and accurate reproduction of intricate designs on various materials.

There is a process to digitizing:

**Design preparation: The design or artwork to be digitized is prepared by cleaning up the image, adjusting colors if necessary, and selecting appropriate embroidery fonts if a text is involved.

**Digitizing software: An embroidery digitizing program is used to create the embroidery file. This software allows the digitizer to map out the design, define stitch types, and specify details like stitch direction, density, and underlay.

**Stitch types: Digitizers use various stitch types, such as satin stitches, fill stitches, running stitches, and more. These stitch types are selected based on the desired effect, texture, and intricacy.

**Manual or automatic digitizing: The digitizing process can be performed manually by a skilled digitizer who assigns stitch points, or it can be done using automatic digitizing features available in some software. Manual digitizing often yields better results for complex designs and fine details.

**Embroidery file format: Once the design is digitized, it’s saved in an embroidery file format compatible with the specific embroidery machine we use, the Melco EMT16.  

**Testing and production. Before running the design on an embroidery machine, testing the digitized file on a sample fabric or material is recommended to ensure the design stitches correctly and produces the desired result. Once validated, the digitized design can be loaded onto an embroidery machine for production.