Which Embroidery Software Program Do I need to buy?
 

I purchased a brother PE770 embroidery machine and have tinkered with it a bit. I am however accumulating random files and have no way to organize them. I need a good program that will let me sort them, store them and even keep the thumbnails - additional features would be a plus. What do you embroidery enthusiasts prefer? I don't want to buy something I regret later...

I sure would appreciate a bunch of input before I spend the money :?

how does FREE sound? - you could try Wilcom TrueSizer ... http://www.wilcom.com.au/PRODUCTS.aspx/TrueSizer.aspx

I have the PE770 too. I downloaded a lot of freebies when I got the machine and I did the following.
When I see the file on the computer (picture) I transfer the picture to a word document. I catagorize the pictures, such as flowers, animals., etc. I also divide these again, such as roses, tulips, and if I don't know what flower it is, in a general file, such as misc. flowers. I number all my individual files (1,2,3 etc) and use that number underneath my picture. Also the size and stitch count, etc. When the page is filled up, (I get about 9 picture with info on one page),I print them out and put them into a binder. I like to do that, because sometimes I want to take my picture book with me and I don't always take my computer. I use the same number for each corresponding embroidery file. So, when I want to look for something, I don't have to go through all my files,but only through the catagory I need.
I do back up my files on a USB stick. I can open and see my files with Wilcom (free) and it is a lot clearer than on the PE770. When I want to embroider lets say #52 flower, I transfer the file to a clean (not my back up one) USB stick and put that one in my machine. Now I don't have to try to figure out, if I have the correct one. The PE770 viewer is not great. When I am done, I erase the file from my stick and put on only the ones I want to work with. Hope you can make sense out of my babbeling.

Embird is a fabulous program. You'll be able to sort, organize and view thumbnails easily. AND a bonus, you'll be able to edit a design if you want to. I love this program! Plus, they let you try out the program for 30 days FREE.

Embird is my favorite too especially if you might want to add words to the designs you purchase like people's names etc...

Embird with Iconizer thumbnail viewer added on. You can also buy additional modules as you want them, such as cross stitch and digitizing instead of having to pay for things you don't need. You will also be able to purchase digitized fonts that are done specifically for Embird - they are wonderful. Iconizer thumbnail viewer was a 20.00 add on when I bought Embird in '07 or '08 it may be included now.

I will go check out Embird...

I have 5D but as far as organizing them here is my method and why. I create a folder that says orders_sitesname and download designs there. Each website has their own download folder and the orginal copy always stays there. The reason is if you ever need to get another copy of the design most companies will let you download it more than once but you have to have the name/number of the design. Some companies retire designs and if you don't have the orginal name/number theres no way to retrieve it. After downloaded I unzip files and store into folders according to what they are; like beach, kitchen, holidays with sub folders for each holiday. Then I rename the files as well to show what they are. In 5D it will let me create a picture of each design so I'm currently doing that so that I can print out small pics of each design to look at when I'm trying to create. I don't have as many as alot do but already I have forgotten some of the ones I've downloaded. I have a folder with my name_designs for ones I've created or modified. I hope this helps. There are some free programs out there if you want to check them out. I'll include a link to one that I'd considered before I bought 5D pro. It's a full program, totally free. If you want a copy on cd then its 15. but from what I heard it's worth it because you get a manual for installing and operation on the cd. Good luck. I know someone who has been doing this for 6yrs and when I asked her how she organized she says she's still trying to come up with something she really likes; she's always changing.
http://www.freesierrasoftware.com/st..._universal.asp

If you want to organize your files this is a nice, easy to use, simple filing system. You can add and edit the folders to suit. I use it for storing designs, and since I have Embird Iconizer, my designs show up as thumbnails unless they are still zipped. Oh, and it is FREE!
http://www.spoolsstash.com/

I LOVE my Sew What Pro, especially the SewIconz which lets me see the designs which I save in My Documents; Embroidery Designs; Category such as Animals, Baby, Kids, Sports and so on. Each program is a stand-a-lone so you can just purchase what you need. www.sandscomputing.com