Selecting embroidery design software for you can be a lengthy process.  Finding the right software my require you to research for months at a time in order to locate the ideal product.  Keep in mind also that you get what you pay for.  The cheapest embroidery software may be great up front; however that cheap software can also cost you big bucks in your production.  If you don’t invest in quality embroidery software upfront, you may pay the price later.  The type of embroidery software that is essential for a startup is one that has a great reputation.  Visit trade shows and ask around to see what the industry says about potential embroidery software companies.  Make sure that you asked about the support that each software offers, because if you go down you want to be able to call someone you can depend on to walk you through or solve any issues that may come up in a timely manner.

When looking for embroidery software a good thing to do is to ask about is the software’s ability to fix a design if something goes wrong.  Don’t be afraid to ask for a demonstration.  Sometimes when editing or digitizing designs mistakes are made and you want to be able to fix any problem quickly and get on with production.  Find software that allows you the ability to modify outline files in digitizing so that you can move nodes/ points instead of having to move each stitch.  You also should be able to have full control over the settings; underlay, density, connectors, and push and pull compensation.  Decide what you kind of shop you’re going to be; just sewing, lettering monograms, editing or digitizing.  If you are thinking about outsourcing digitizing and sewing in-house, you may need software that will just allow you to add lettering to existing designs.  If you are considering editing, you will need powerful software that will allow you to modify designs if you need to in order to produce great quality embroidery to meet your demand.  If you want to start digitizing you will need at least entry level digitizing embroidery software that will enable you to start with the simple jobs then work your way up to more advanced software that will allow you to be more creative.  Always look at the best software first and work your way down.  Find out, why is this software the best?  What does this software offer that the others don’t?  What kind of small letters does this software produce? 

One of the most important things to consider too, is what kind of support does this software offer?  How about training?  Is the training comprehensible? Is the training affordable? 

Machine connection is another important part of finding the right software for you.  If you are a start up find out if your sewing machine is compatible with the new software you are about to purchase.  There may already be embroidery software that comes with your sewing machine.  Find out the quality of that software.  It may not be good enough to meet the needs of a growing business as far as allowing you to complete jobs in minimal time to speed production.  Is it is taking you hours to modify a simple design? Maybe that design can be modified in minutes with the proper embroidery software. If you are experiencing this now, you may want to rethink what kind of embroidery software you need in your shop.  If you have sewing machine 8 to 10 years old and you are considering purchasing new embroidery software, make sure you asked the sales rep is that software compatible with your old sewing machine.  I’m sure you are familiar with trying to read in something that was created on a newer version of software.  You can’t read it, however you can read something on the new software that was created in the older software.  You may need to purchase additional devices in order to connect directly to your sewing machine. 

Let’s not forget about the right computer for your new embroidery software or even if you are updating your software for the latest version.  The new embroidery software of today is extremely graphically intense and some of the integrated graphics cards are not recommended.  Find out what the PC specifications are recommended by the software company. This will help you avoid some of the nightmares you have heard about.  Proper communication is very important.  It is a great idea to talk to as many software companies as possible to insure you don’t miss anything important.  Remember, you are just gathering information in order to make an educated decision based on the facts about what is best for your shop.