What is Embird software?

Embird – Editing and Managing Design Software

Embird is a basic stand alone managing and editing program. You may download a fully functional copy of Embird and use it for 30 days or 100 uses (whichever comes first) to try it. You can also download Studio for a free trial. The trial version of Studio is fully functional with one exception, you cannot save designs, but it is nice to be able to download and try Studio to see if it is something that will suit your needs.

There are several plug-ins available for Embird that can be purchased independently and added to the program at any time.

Embird was originally a program for commercial machine owners who could not afford the extremely expensive commercial software packages. Word spread via the internet into the home embroidery market at the speed of light about this new program and home embroiderers and commercial embroiders alike started realizing the value of Embird and what it could do that other programs could not do. What followed from that were many, many mail lists extorting the wonderful things Embird could do and of course many tutorials on what we could do with Embird from various users of Embird.

As time went on, the basic Embird program expanded to include alphabets (presently 39 alphabets), Iconizer, Sfumato Stitch (which is a form of picture stitch), Font Engine and then finally, the much-waited for and much appreciated Studio (or as it is now, Digitizing tools) and the Embird cross stitch program. With all these additions to the basic program, it really does all the same things a higher priced software package will do but without the nuisance factor of a dongle. It currently works with all PC’s (including PC’s with a as well as Mac computers if in virtual PC mode.

What are some of the features of Embird that make it so wonderful?

• Iconizer is a plug in (it is included with Embird but is a separate purchase at a very reasonable price to activate it) that really has to be one of the best features of Embird. With Iconizer you can view any design or graphic on your computer (including zipped designs or graphics) as an icon or thumbnail graphic of the design in Windows Explorer and with a right click on the icon, a screen pops-up with all the information on the design such as size, number of stitches, amount of colours, etc.
• Font Engine is a plug-in that allows you to digitize letters and designs from true type, open type and dingbat fonts. You can digitize these fonts through either Embird or Studio and be very, very creative with what you digitize.
• The Embird alphabets are pre-digitized alphabets that sew out beautifully at both large and small sizes and include the basic fonts, both script and non-script and even include a Jewish alphabet and a redwork alphabet in their available alphabets. Each of these alphabets is very reasonably priced at $15.00 per alphabet and even lower at resellers of the Embird program. There are currently 39 alphabets available.
• The digitizing programs include Studio, Sfumato Stitch and Cross Stitch, which will allow you to digitize your own designs in a variety of styles and formats. There is, of course, the ability to bring parts of designs from one program into another to create very unique designs.

Even though quite a few embroiderers still own the software for their machines, you will find that they also own Embird because it complements their machine software and allows you a greater creativity in machine embroidery as it does so many things, does it very well and it is reasonably priced for the many features contained within the software and its various plug-in modules.

The most compelling feature of Embird is it’s ease of use but if that wasn’t enough to entice you to try Embird, the entire package is reasonably pricesd, there are constant free updates and when there are upgrades, they are also reasonably priced. You will not break the bank purchasing Embird software and will be so glad you did! And, yes, I am a very happy Embird user and educator but am not affiliated with Embird in any way except to use and teach the program.

If you wish more information on Embird or to download a trial copy of Embird, you can download the current version of Embird as well as a manual and tutorials from the Embird download page.

Once you have Embird and are ready to begin learning how you can use it to its greatest advantage, be sure to view some of the Flying Needle Machine Embroidery tutorials or browse through our Embird Products page for plug-ins and alphabets that extend the ways you can use your Embird software.