I just got my machine and I'm looking for software I can start manually punching (digitizing?). I'm a designer by trade and well versed with the standard graphics apps (illustrator, photoshop).

I'd like an application which could bring the image or outline up on the screen and I could digitize over this image. Perhaps they all do this and I'm just not familiar enough with the process.

Wilcom Wilcom Wilcom ... That is the program of choice for me and a lot of other digitizers I have found. The small letttering is almost always better than any other softwares. it is not cheap though, like most that are good. Paying for it without knowledge of how to digitize may or may not be a good move. The learning curve is very sharp. It takes dedication and time to be become a proficient digitizer. If you feel you will be able to commit, I suggest looking into it. I have a much older version than is currently available but it serves my needs and i have been running a business with it for almost 5 years. I believe the newest version will run near 25 thousand dollars. i got my version when it was already 3 years old for about 6 thousand. Mine is 6.0 version and 9.0 or maybe even 9.1 .. they added a few features and more lettering but again, my version serves me and my company well.

Nadine

25k for wilcomm software, Dont you think its tooo costly an option for a software like thing.

yes, it is very pricey ILU. that is why i bought mine used and a bit behind the times so to speak. when i got my 6.0 version a version 8 was available. now they are up to version 9.1 i believe. i am sure there have been improvements but i can't see paying that much (i'd be out about $1300.00 to upgrade! what i have works for me so far. you really should look into some demos. i learned watching a person and was guided every day for 3.5 years to be able to run my own business. sometimes making your living restricts you from learning something new like this art. the learning curve is pretty tough i thought. i happened to be her bookeeper so i got paid to learn. once you do find a software you like it is difficult (for me anyway) to use another.

OK, I Think I would find an alternative or should try some demo versions till I get good results and earn a lot for me to afford the software.

I use Tajima by Pulse software and I too am a designer ,but the other way around digitizer/designer. I use Corel products rather than Adobe due to it working hand in hand with my Digitizing software. Alot of the screen printing companies that I work with use it as well. It just flows with eveything. As far as digitzing pretty much any digitizing software that allows you to punch will let you import your art to work from. I'm not sure that there is any one software better than the other. I just stuck with what I learned on or what was around at the time. I would recommend trainging seminars and reading, but the best way to learn is to watch other peoples designs sew. These are just my opinions though and everything cost money too...

OK great EMbrv, I liked your idea regarding watching the people sewing .
Any reason why you dont like adobe ? I think they give the best designs and quality with lot of ease.

I slightly disagree with you on this.
I have used corel and adobe both and i must say that corel is very user friendly where as in adobe i nee to keep using the help option to find what i'm looking for. I do find it but only after going through the help.

Raj, Everyone have their own likes and dislikes, im sure i have seen a thread somewhere that has a poll, read that thread for more comments.

Talker

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...My recomendations


[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] is really recomended for digitizing jobs. Hahaha. $1.50 for the quality as the $3.5 companies!!
Saves me lot of time for minimum cost. I'm proud to be one of its 1900+ customers.

Raj, Everyone have their own likes and dislikes, im sure i have seen a thread somewhere that has a poll, read that thread for more comments.

Talker

__________________
...My recomendations


[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] is really recomended for digitizing jobs. Hahaha. $1.50 for the quality as the $3.5 companies!!
Saves me lot of time for minimum cost. I'm proud to be one of its 1900+ customers.