Among the things you need to consider when purchasing embroidery software is the software’s compatibility with the computer and sewing machine you are using. Here are a few things to look at to make sure that the embroidery software you are considering will work with your computer system:

Is the software compatible with my computer and operating system?

If you have a fairly new desktop or laptop computer and are looking at the most current version of the embroidery software package, you will probably not run into this issue. (You should check for compatibility anyway to avoid any unpleasant surprises, since software generally cannot be returned.)

If you have an older computer or are considering software for an older machine, you may find that there are compatibility problems. The most important thing to check is that the embroidery software works with your operating system. For example: If your computer has a Windows 2000 operating system, and the embroidery software you are looking at runs on Windows 7 or above, you will probably not be able to run the embroidery software package on your computer.

Nearly all embroidery software is Windows-based.

If you have an Apple computer, you will have to find out if the embroidery software has a version that runs under the Apple operating systems. If not, you may be able to run the embroidery software using one of the Windows emulator programs that are available for Apple computers. In most cases, you will need a Windows operating system installed on your computer as well.

Some embroidery software is available for Apple computers, and this will be clearly stated on the manufacturer’s website or on the software package. However, even if the software runs on Apple computers, you will have to make sure that is also compatible with the rest of your system, just like you would for Windows software.

Does your computer have a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system?

Most newer computers are 64-bit at this point. 64-bit systems can usually run 32-bit programs with few problems, but 32-bit computers cannot handle programs designed for 64-bit systems.

You will need a CPU that is compatible with the software package.

This is another area where you are unlikely to have issues if you have a newer computer. However, if you have an older computer, you’ll have to do further research. For example, if your computer has an Intel Core 2® processor, you probably will have problems running software that requires a Celeron® chip or better, if you are able to run it at all. Unfortunately, the CPU requirement isn’t always listed. If that’s the case, make sure that the software is compatible with your operating system. (If your computer is using operating system listed in the program requirements, the CPU can handle the embroidery software.) You will also need to make sure that you have sufficient RAM to run the program. (Since most embroidery software packages are memory-intensive, you are like to be happier with the software performance if you have more RAM than the stated minimum.)

Make sure that there is enough available space on your hard drive.

You need enough free space on your hard drive to be able to install and run the program, plus extra so that it runs quickly and efficiently. Embroidery software programs are all graphics-based, so their user-created files tend to take up a lot of disk space. You will also probably find yourself saving multiple versions of your designs and the program will probably generate additional files – like the color charts associated with the designs. All of these files take up space. Luckily, disk space is one of the parts of computer hardware you have some control over. If your hard disk space is limited you can save user files to CDs, DVDs or an external drive to open a bit more hard disk space to run your embroidery program.