Once you’ve determined that embroidery software is compatible with both your computer and your machine (for machine embroidery software), there are still other issues to consider. Doing further investigation on the questions below before you buy will help to insure that you are satisfied with your software once you’ve purchased it.
How are the components grouped for sale?
Take a careful look at how the software is sold.
Some embroidery software is sold as a package, although the package will have several different components.
Several levels may be available, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs. There may or may not be an option to add more advanced features at a later date. Make sure to check this for the embroidery software you are considering. Embroidery software sold through a dealer is more likely to be packaged this way, so the dealer should be able to give you information on your options and their costs.
Other software is made up of several different components that are sold individually or as small groups.
The components may be standalone, meaning that the software doesn’t need any other software in the suite installed for you to use it. Or there may be a basic package, with additional components available. These components will only work if the basic package has been installed on your computer.
Modular software like this has some advantages, especially if you are new to machine embroidery. First of all, you can buy only what you need to begin embroidering. Then as your skills increase, you can add additional components. Secondly, spending comparatively smaller amounts over time is easier on many budgets than spending a large sum all at once.
The biggest potential disadvantage of a modular embroidery software system occurs if you decide to change to another system. If the new software has a base package which must be installed to run any add-ons, you will have to re-buy software that duplicates the functionality of software you already own. The financial impact is smaller if you start with less-expensive software, but doing thoughtful research before you make a purchase will help you choose the right software the first time around.
What are the file limitations?
Most embroidery software packages have file limitations, such as:
Chart size for hand embroidery software.
Design size for machine embroidery software. The design size can be determined by stitch area, or number of stitches.
Designs for either type of software may be limited in the number of colors that they can use.
Make sure that the designs you plan to use work within the file limitations of the embroidery software. For example, if you enjoy stitching designs that have lots of colors, you probably will not want software with a very limited color palette.
What is the embroidery software’s upgrade history?
Almost all computer software goes through upgrades. Embroidery software is no exception, so it is important to know something about the package’s upgrade history. Questions to ask include:
How often is the software upgraded?
Technology changes quickly, so a significant amount of change can occur over the space of just a couple of years. These changes can make it difficult to use older software, so make sure that the software is updated often enough to be usable.
When was the last upgrade?
If the software hasn’t been updated for awhile it may mean that it is no longer being supported. You may have a harder time getting help if you run into problems installing or operating the software. You could also have compatibility problems using the software with newer operating systems.
What did the upgrade cost?
Some software designers will provide minor updates for free, but charge for upgrades, which generally have more substantial changes to the software.
What was the upgrade procedure?
Some common options include downloading and installing the upgrade, purchasing a CD or DVD with the new software so that you can install it, or purchasing an entirely new package.
If the upgrades require purchasing a new package, are you given a discount as the owner of a previous version?
Can you use files created in an older version in the upgraded version of the software?
Transferability and multi-computer use issues:
Most modern embroidery software is limited to use on a single computer, but you may have more than one computer or you may find yourself needing to get a new one. What happens to your ability to use the software in these situations?
Is there a means to use the software on more than one computer, or you have to buy a separate license for every computer you want to use it on?
Is it possible to transfer the embroidery software to a new computer if you need or want to? If so, what is the transfer procedure?
Security and registration process:
To prevent piracy, all embroidery software has some means of determining that you have the right to use it. Be sure to check how the software verifies your right to use it, and make sure that you are comfortable with the method used.
What method does the embroidery software that you are considering use? Options include:
a registration code
online verification each time you open the software
a dongle
How do you restore this verification if you lose it or it becomes corrupted? Is there an additional charge for this?