The free embroidery programs that really exist
| Software | What it does for free | Its limit |
|---|---|---|
| Ink/Stitch (Inkscape extension) | Full digitizing from vector drawings, all formats, open source | Steep learning curve: learn Inkscape, then Ink/Stitch; no production or quoting features. |
| Wilcom TrueSizer | Open, resize, convert existing files | Creates nothing: no digitizing. |
| Brother MyEditor / PE-Design Lite | Edit PES files: size, rotation, merge | No digitizing, Brother only. |
| Bernina ARTlink | Open, convert, light edits | No digitizing. |
| Embroidery Tool Shed | Convert, resize, utilities | No digitizing from an image. |
| Online AI converters (SewFlow, Embrowser…) | Image to file, often free to preview | Paid or limited download, no fine settings or production. |
| Broderly Discovery | Image to embroidery, text, patch, six formats, quality check, viewer, the whole studio; a few machine files a month | Files per month and design size (30,000 stitches) limited; beyond that, from €9.99 a month. |
The question to ask: how many files a month
If you stitch for yourself, two or three designs a month, free software is enough. Ink/Stitch is excellent if you accept learning Inkscape; Broderly Discovery does the same in five minutes with no learning, with a stitched preview and a quality check. For a few more designs, the Loisir plan (€9.99 a month) keeps the same guided mode with 10 machine files a month. If you sell, the maths differ: a single logo digitized by a contractor costs $15 to $40; the Atelier plan at €19.99 a month pays for itself on the first design.
Beware of “free embroidery software downloads”
Searches for cracked Wilcom or Hatch lead to pirated versions, dubious installers and resold licence keys. Beyond the risk to your computer, these versions have no updates or support, and a badly generated file costs needles and fabric. The programs in the table are legally free.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free embroidery software?
To digitize from a vector drawing while accepting to learn: Ink/Stitch. To digitize an image without learning, with preview and checks: Broderly Discovery. To only open and resize: TrueSizer or MyEditor.
Is there free Brother embroidery software?
MyEditor edits PES but does not digitize. Broderly produces PES with the Brother palette and thumbnail, free for a few files a month.
And on Mac?
Ink/Stitch and Broderly run on Mac. Hatch, Wilcom and PE-Design are Windows only. See embroidery software for Mac.
Go further
The studio is free to draw, open and check designs. Your first machine file takes five minutes.
Updated 2026-09-24.