Can someone help me understand the software that is needed for my, new/soon to be received, machine? I know I need something to download from my computer, but I don't know what.

TIA
Dorian

Anybody? Yoo hoo!!

Perhaps more info is needed? I have Viking machines, and purchased the 5D Embroidery software that allows me to edit, digitize, etc. There are many different software programs that do so many different things, board members may not know exactly what it is that you need for your new Brother. By the way, CONGRATULATIONS on your new machine...I hope you really like it. I might offer Embroidery Library as a source for machine embroidery designs. They have some really nice ones. Hope this helps.

I have this machine, don't use any special software. There are sites that you can download patterns for the machine, some are free.
Do a search for embroidery patterns on here.

I don't need any special software, to download from the internet? Huh, I thought I did.

Not that I know of. You download patterns/designs onto your computer, use a usb type connection to the sewing machine, upload up to a certain number and sew the design. I have the Project Runway machine, it allows up to 12 downloaded patterns/designs to use at a time, you get to delete them off of the sewing machine memory after use, they should still be on your computer if you downloaded off the net though.
The laptop I use is a Windows 7.

What does Brother PED-Basic do?

What do you download to? A memory stick?

I have a basic Brother SE -350. I download free ( or purchsed) emb designs from the internet to my computer ( they usually come as a ZIP file). After downloading , I then extract the file. When I am ready to use a design, I use PED-BASIC to upload the design to my memory card. The SE-350 does not have a usb connection. I then insert the card into my Brother SE -350 and I"m ready to embroider.

Pedesign is good to help manage them but not necessary. You can add words etc and make small changes. More if you get predesign 7? I don't know if they have 8 out yet or not. ( I have 7)

Most machines have USB ports now so either a USB or a cord to your computer can be used. Depending on your set up.

There is a number of places to get free and or inexpensive designs. My favorite being www.emblibrary.com

I own a brother and a Babylock, They both use the same Format PES. When you go to a web site to download a design just make a folder for your embroidery on your computer, down load your design to that folder. Then when you want to use it you can down load to your CD, disc or memory stick, whatever your machine uses.
Also when you down load your design from a lot of sites you can print out a thread and design chart.