tigerlily11

I own a Designer I Husqvarna machine--previously used. I didn't receive software with it. Prices on 4D Extra are exorbitant!!! I am looking into Embird software. Has anyone here had experience with it and would be willing to expound on its virtues or vices?--especially in comparison to 4D Extra. Any and all help is appreciated.

Maride

I tried EMbird but found that it wasn't very user friendly. I may have not dedicated enough time to it. I believe there is a free demo version you can try before you jump into it.

Maria

Roben

I've been using Embird since I bought my first embroidery machine a couple of years ago - and when I bought my D1, it was a life saver (I didn't get software either.) At the time I bought it, I thought it was the best value for my $$ - and I still feel the same. There are some great tutorials and Yahoo groups for users to help as well.

The basic package will allow you to transfer designs to a floppy or USB for the Designer 1 (shv format), change design colors, take designs apart and re-arrange them, combine designs - all the good stuff :D For lettering you would need to use a pre-digitized alphabet; making lettering designs from true type fonts requires the purchase of Font Engine for Embird. Definitely look at the Iconizer plug in; it only costs $20 but it is worth its weight in gold (it lets you open any folder on your computer and see previews of the actual designs instead of just a format icon.)

I had my Mom using it to transfer designs for her machine, and she got the hang of it pretty quickly. Download the demo version and give it a try!

(If you want to order it, you can get a bit of a price break and some free designs from http://www.secretsof.com)

tigerlily11

Roben, That was a REALLY good reply. Thank you. You have no idea what a Godsend that answer is and the events of the last few days leading up to my question on this forum. I thought as much, but wanted more info and input from actual users. Thanks again.

sewnsewer2

I have Embird too and font engine and iconizer. My only problem is my pc (or me) because my iconizer won't work on this vista. I'm sure it isn't the software tho.

You can see how your design will stitch out with the sew simulator which I use all the time!!

Oh, and if you have a problem, email them, they answer you and help you very quickly too.

tuesy

I have had Embird since I got my first ME machine. Over time, I added all the plug in's except cross stitch.
You can buy just the pieces/plug in's as you want them or can afford them.

If you're wanting to learn to digitize later on, studio is very easy to learn and there are many yahoo groups out there to help you.

tigerlily11

Tuesy, One of the things that really appeals to me about Embird is the ability to buy piece by piece. It definitely makes it more affordable and financially "user friendly". Thanks all for contributing to my decision-making process. It has been very helpful.

ScubaK

I have to second what Roben said.
I think it is a great value for the money.
There are a couple of Yahoo groups that are fantastic at helping you get started with EMBird...
Also, they explain how to install it to your computer, inclucing Iconizer, if you are running Vista.
I haven't had any problems with it!
Kirsten

tigerlily11

KD24, Do you have to run Vista before you can utilize EMbird? I don't personally perfer Vista. I still like its predecessor-Windows XP.