How to Digitize Embroidery Online for Free

Step 1: Sign Up for Embrowser (Free)

Visit embrowser.com and create a free account. No credit card required, no trial period. The free tier includes all the digitizing tools you need to get started.

Step 2: Prepare Your Artwork

For best results, start with clean, high-contrast artwork. You can use:

• SVG vector files (best quality)
• PNG or JPG images (will need tracing)
• Existing embroidery files (PES, DST, JEF, etc.)
• Draw directly in Embrowser

Simple designs with clear shapes work best when you're learning. As you gain experience, you can tackle more complex artwork.

Step 3: Import or Draw Your Design

Drag and drop your file into Embrowser, or use the drawing tools to create shapes from scratch. If you're importing an image, you can trace it to create vector paths.

Import Options

• Drag & drop SVG, PNG, JPG directly onto the canvas
• Import existing embroidery files to edit
• Use drawing tools for custom shapes
• Trace imported images for vector conversion

Step 4: Apply Stitches

This is where digitizing happens. Select each shape and apply the appropriate stitch type:

Tatami/Fill Stitch

Use for large filled areas. Rows of running stitches create a solid, textured surface. Adjust density (stitches per mm) and angle for different effects.

Satin Stitch

Use for borders, lettering, and narrow columns. Parallel stitches create a smooth, shiny surface. Great for outlines up to about 8mm wide.

Running Stitch

Use for fine details and outlines. A single line of stitches follows a path. Also used for underlay beneath other stitch types.

Step 5: Add Underlay

Underlay stitches go beneath your main design and serve important purposes:

• Stabilizes the fabric before main stitching
• Prevents design from sinking into fabric
• Reduces puckering and distortion
• Creates a foundation for top stitches

Embrowser lets you set underlay options for each shape. For most designs, center walk or edge walk underlay works well.

Step 6: Preview Your Design

Use Embrowser's 3D preview to see how your design will look when stitched. This is crucial for catching problems before you waste thread and fabric:

• Check stitch density (too sparse or too dense?)
• Verify stitch directions look correct
• Ensure colors are in the right order
• Look for gaps or overlaps
• Check overall design appearance

Step 7: Export to Your Machine Format

When you're happy with your design, export it to the format your embroidery machine uses:

• PES - Brother machines
• DST - Tajima machines (also widely compatible)
• JEF - Janome machines
• VP3 - Husqvarna Viking machines
• EXP - Melco machines

Download the file and transfer it to your machine via USB drive, direct connection, or whatever method your machine supports.

Tips for Success

• Start with simple designs and work up to complex ones
• Always do a test stitch on scrap fabric first
• Use appropriate stabilizer for your fabric
• Keep stitch count reasonable for your machine
• Save your work frequently (Embrowser auto-saves to cloud)
• Learn from each design. Note what works and what doesn't

Frequently Asked Questions