Editing tools include all the operations that allow you to change an embroidery file or design that someone else has created. Many embroidery machines now include some basic editing features, so if you own one of these machines, you will see some overlap between the machine and the software, but even the most basic software is likely to have more editing capability than the machine does. Editing features that are useful in an embroidery software package include:
Options for re-coloring sections of designs, including blended thread options for cross stitch software. You can always stitch designs out using any colors you chose, but for complex designs, being able to see the effects of the color changes before stitching them out can be very helpful. A color change option can also let you see various color combinations before you commit to them in stitches.
A merge function allows you to join multiple designs to create a new design.
Rotating and mirroring functions.
The ability to remove unwanted areas of stitching.
Importing of reference graphics such as backgrounds or garment templates.
Thread catalogs for various thread manufacturers and the ability to create custom catalogs so that you can match colors in the design to threads in your collection.
A text option for personalizing designs. This may be included in the basic editing package or a separate add-on. Some software expands on this idea with a monogram option, which may be included in the text feature or as a separate component.
A stitch library that allows you to change a design’s fill or outline.
Pattern libraries, while not essential, are useful additions to both hand and machine embroidery software packages. They make it easy to add additional details to your embroidery design. Both editing and digitizing components can include pattern libraries.
In cross stitch software, the ability to import existing charts.
In machine embroidery software:
The ability to convert to multiple machine embroidery formats. This option allows you to use designs that are not available in your machine’s format, but make sure the software converts to a format your machine can use.
Support for all the hoops your machine can use. This includes options for multi-position hoops if you machine can use them.
A way to enlarge or decrease design size. The standard recommendation is to avoid increasing or decreasing a machine embroidery design’s size by more than 20%, even if the software allows for more, but this tool can be invaluable when you need a design to fit a specific place, or need to adjust its density.
A density control option. This allows you to change the amount of thread coverage in a design so that it is more compatible with the fabric on which it is being stitched.
A splitting dialog to aid in separating and invisibly re-joining fill designs that are too big for your machine’s hoops, or to repeat a design in order to create a continuous border.
Stand-alone monogram, applique and lettering embroidery software usually is editing software that gives you a limited set of designs, fonts and templates that can be combined to make your own creations, much like rubber stamps or cutting machine files. It usually doesn’t have all the features listed above, but only the ones needed to manipulate the designs included in the software. It can be a comparatively inexpensive way to start exploring your embroidery machine. This type of software can also be useful if you are only interested in doing a specific type of embroidery or do it very regularly, for example if you have a personalization business. Make sure that you like enough of the designs to justify the expense. Some of these packages also offer add-on packs, which can only be used with the software they’re an add-on for.