You only REALLY need add'l software to digitize your own designs, or to get your designs from computer to emb. machine. But if your machine connects to the computer, or has a port for memory stick, you are good to go . There are many free designs on the internet that you can download..until that day you decide you're ready to create your own. Just be sure you get a machine that has the capability mentioned above. There is a thread here about embroidering and machines--98 pages of good info so far. It might be helpful to read some of the questions & answers there.