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Each embroidery machine
speaks a different language known as a "format." And, just as not all
thoughts, concepts, or ideas can be translated into every written or
spoken language, not all designs can be translated into every format.
Different formats have different limitations, and sometimes the failure
to translate or convert a design into a particular format is based on a
combination of factors, such as the design's size, stitch count, and
number of color changes.
Designs that are more complex in nature, with large size, high stitch
count, and numerous color changes, are oftentimes not available in PCS
or HUS formats. Those formats are pretty old, and limited to the amount
of data that they can hold. Designs that have more than 12 color changes
are not available in the SEW format, although there's an easy way around
that limitation
here. Extremely complex designs (large jacket backs and murals such
as
The Last Supper,
Out of Africa,
Out of Asia, etc.) are only available in the DST and EXP formats.
If we see a strange error message or failure while translating and
converting, we will not offer that format. Sometimes we do not know the
reason for the failure or error message. If a design is not available in
your machine's format today, it is unlikely that it will be available in
your machine's format in the future.
If a design is not available in your format, check to see if your
machine can read a different format. If you use a Viking or Pfaff
machine, it's possible that the DST or VIP formats will work for you. If
you use a Brother machine, it's possible that the DST format will work. Try before you buy. Download a free design in
the alternate format to ensure compatibility with your machine.
If you absolutely love a complex design and it isn't available in your
usual format, remember that there is always -- always -- a
way around a format's limitation. Sometimes it will require a little
extra effort, such as splitting a design by stitch count and converting
the smaller, less complex pieces to your machine's format. Sometimes it
requires more-than-a-little effort, such as splitting a design by size,
converting those smaller pieces to your machine's format, and stitching
the design while rehooping the fabric. It may require you to order
special software, or to work with a design editor (such as Marian Ecker
at
www.MurphysDesigns.com), but any embroidery design can be stitched
on any machine. Where there's a will, there's a way!
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