Hi,
I am new to Embroidery but not to vector graphics. I have worked with Corel Draw since the 5th version.
My question is:-what level of digitizing software do I need to start in Embroidery. The basic levels are good for text and hand digitizing. The next level usually has some added features, more text and designs. The top level of these programs usually comes with Auto Digitizing and the ability to import and work with vectors. Very useful with my Corel Draw knowledge. I read though that Auto Digitizing is sometimes not so good and also a lazy way out. Better to learn the hand digitizing way.
Can I make designs for customers with Embroidery programs??
What do you think??

Earl.....

I use pulse dg/ml artist plus xi....i believe it is the mid range level. It has steil,run,text,satin,complex fill,star,cross stitch(never used) and column tools. It can convert from one type to another(i think the next level down you cannot do this,time saver). It does have the auto-trace feature(to automatically digitize a vector) which i dont ever use, to me it seems better to do it by hand. It all really depends on how much you want to spend really. As for designing, i would just do that in corel. I use photoshop then import the artwork into pulse.