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Member since 6/3/06
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Posted on: 8/27/08 10:01 PM ET
Hi,
I'm looking for opinions on Bernina and Embird software. I have a Bernina 630E, and Bernina software is really expensive. Should I save up to get Bernina brand software, or does Embird digitizing suite fairly compare? As far as ease of use, stitching quality (density? I'm new to embroidery...), and capability? Any opinions you have are welcome...
  
Member since 1/22/06
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Posted on: 8/28/08 6:50 AM ET
I have Embird, and have used it for 5 years now and haven't found anything I want to do, that it won't do. The support you get from the Embird folks alone is worth it.
Any digitizing software will have a learning curve, but I find Embird easy to use. I bought a CD by Carolyn Keber(through Secrets of) and that along with the info on the Embird website was all I've used.
Why not read through some of the info on the Embird site and download the free trial version. There are several Yahoo Groups that are great resources as well.
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Formerly sew*itch
  
Member since 4/8/02
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Posted on: 8/28/08 8:25 AM ET
I also have Embird and really like it but I have a Janome embroidery machine. Great value for the money. I would suggest downloading Embird for the free trial. There are some issues since you have a Bernina and the ART format. I think Embird converts from ART but not to the ART format. Not sure how all that works but something you'll need to investigate. Maybe some other Bernina owners will chime in.
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Member since 8/24/02
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Posted on: 8/28/08 9:41 AM ET
I agree with Peggy that you might have some problems with the .ART format. I looked into it but that was several years ago. I have a Artista 170.
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Member since 6/3/06
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Posted on: 8/28/08 10:33 AM ET
Thanks for votes of confidence with Embird! And the comments about the CD. I think there is something called a "magic box" for Bernina that lets me convert different formats, and I'll check Embird's suggestions on that, too...

So... does anyone out there really love Bernina's embroidery software?
  
Member since 11/26/06
Posts: 90
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Posted on: 8/28/08 8:01 PM ET
quathy - The 630 uses the .exp format, if that is any consolation. I have Designer Plus V5 (and a 630), and it accepts most (if not all?) of the embroidery formats. I haven't used Embird so I cannot compare the two. I thoroughly enjoy the Bernina software and have found that it can do anything I want it to do but I am a weekend embroiderer (never enough time!). I think you need to find a person who has both programs to have the right information. I'm sure the question has been posed somewhere on the web...

Good luck!

ETA - There are many tasks that you can do on the machine, you may want to check that you are not duplicating your 'tool box'. I know that I prefer to edit on my computer screen and not in front of the machine.
-- Edited on 8/28/08 8:04 PM --
  
Member since 12/6/03
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Posted on: 8/28/08 8:21 PM ET
In reply to quathy
Bernina's digitizer is made by Wicom that also makes Janome's digitizer which I have. They are basically alike. I really like mine, use it a lot, but I got it years ago dirt cheap when they were first pushing the 300e and it was new. I have bought the upgrades at a deal bc I already had the program.
No question it is a superb digitizing system, but I think Embird would suit your needs at a much more reasonable price. For those sewers who are buying new Janome 11000, or top of the line Berninas and it is offered cheap, or free as part of the package---jump on it!!!
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Member since 8/3/06
Posts: 29
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Posted on: 9/7/08 3:35 AM ET
Hi Ody I also think about buying the Janome Digitizer software for my Bernina and Jmy anome. Please could you tell me if the software have "ready made borders" or ends for monogramming like the artiosta V5 ? Could you easy add two borders ?
Thanks for reply
  
Member since 1/22/06
Posts: 1183
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Posted on: 9/7/08 8:59 AM ET
Embird can read but not write the ART format. Most Bernina machines can use EXP format which Embird can read and write.
Bernina hasn't release a license to other software makers to allow them to write to the ART format,at least not to my knowledge.
Some dealer will insist that you have to use the Bernina software and only the Bernina software. It you want to use the ART this is true. What most of them won't or don't tell you is that you can use other formats and most any software can write to EXP format.
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Formerly sew*itch
  
Member since 12/3/06
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Posted on: 9/7/08 12:42 PM ET
In reply to Big Dog
Well said.
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