What the converter does
It does not “trace” the image: it digitizes it. The image is first reduced to the chosen number of thread colours, then each colour area becomes an embroidery object with its holes, sharp corners and smoothed curves. Wide areas get a tatami fill with underlay; thin regular pieces become satin columns; lines become running stitches. Areas are ordered so colours follow each other without an area passing in front of one it covers, trims are placed beyond an adjustable distance, and tie stitches frame every colour.
- Drop the image. The studio opens in your browser with the image loaded. An SVG is used as it is (shapes and colours); a bitmap is vectorised at 8 pixels per millimetre.
- Width, colours, detail. Pick the stitched width (5 to 10 cm in one click, or any value), the number of threads, and move the detail slider while watching the shape preview.
- Stitched preview and check. The design shows stitch by stitch, in relief, with a stitch-order simulation. The quality check lists potential problems and fixes the safe ones in one click.
- Export. PES for Brother and Baby Lock, DST for Tajima and commercial machines, JEF for Janome, VP3 for Husqvarna and Pfaff, EXP for Melco and Bernina. The printable run sheet gives thread and needle order.
Which images stitch well
| Image | Result | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Flat-colour logo (2 to 6 solid colours) | Excellent | Largest version available, plain or transparent background. |
| Line drawing, bold lettering | Very good | Lines of at least 1 mm at stitched size; thinner become running stitches. |
| SVG vector drawing | Excellent | Shapes are used exactly; clean unused layers first. |
| Photo, gradients, shadows | Interpretation | Tick “photo or shaded image”, 6 to 8 colours, test on scrap. |
| Text under 5 mm high | Unreadable | Replace with real stitched text: the studio offers it automatically. |
The settings other converters hide
A file that sews cleanly depends on settings you can't see in an on-screen preview: density (row spacing, 0.35 mm by default, adjusted per fabric), underlay (edge run, crossed tatami or zigzag under satins), pull compensation (thread pulls fabric inward: edges are widened accordingly), fill angle, stitch length. Broderly applies per-fabric values (cotton, piqué, jersey, sweatshirt, cap, leather, terry) and lets you change everything per object. A printable density test stitches several densities side by side so you pick the right one on your fabric in one go.
Is it free?
Opening, converting, previewing the stitches in 3D and running the quality check are free and need no account. Without an account, the simple converter (automatic settings) sends the machine file to your e-mail address. Downloading the machine file directly needs a free account (Discovery plan: 3 files a month, designs up to 30,000 stitches); the Loisir plan, at €9.99 a month, gives 10, designs up to 50,000 stitches; shops that produce every day take the Atelier plan at €19.99 a month or €199.99 a year. Atelier can be tried free for 14 days.
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from a digitizing service?
A professional digitizer works by hand and charges $15 to $40 per design with a one-day turnaround. Here the file is ready in five minutes and you keep control of every setting. For a very complex design (a thirty-colour crest, a realistic photo) the human digitizer is still better; for everyday logos, text and patches, the studio is enough.
Can I convert a photo?
Yes, with “photo or shaded image”: edge-preserving smoothing, reduction to 6 to 8 colours, automatic density gradient in shaded areas. The result is a stylised embroidery, not a photo. Test on scrap.
Are my files uploaded?
Not to convert: vectorising, preview and check run in your browser. Only producing the machine file goes through our server, which does not keep the design. See the privacy policy.
What is the maximum size?
Your hoop. The studio knows common hoops (Brother 4×4, 5×7, 8×12; Janome; Tajima up to 45×30 cm) and warns you when the design exceeds the sewing field.
Go further
The studio is free to draw, open and check designs. Your first machine file takes five minutes.
Updated 2026-09-24.