The Best Embroidery Software for Home Use

Find the best option to edit your designs.

In today’s post, we are going to look at five of the most popular editing programs for embroidery. Some of them have been developed by manufacturers, others are independent. We’ve made sure to include free and paid options.

If you are new to machine embroidery, keep reading. Our list can also be helpful for those who want to upgrade their embroidery design skills. We hope you find our selection inspiring!

On this article:

Bernina Artlink 7 Embroidery Software
Bernina Embroidery Software 8
Brother PED – Basic
Buzz Xplore Embroidery Design Management Software
Embrilliance Essentials Embroidery Machine Software

Bernina Artlink 7 Embroidery Software

• This program is available for free. You can download it from Bernina’s website. 
• Bernina, a hardware manufacturer, created Artlink 7. Therefore, it fits the needs of Bernina machines best.
• The tool allows you to customize thread colors easily. This feature will help you obtain more realistic previews.
• You can print out your embroidery designs in their original size. This way, you’ll get a better idea of how do they look.
• The program features a hoop selection function. By indicating the hoop that you are using, you’ll achieve more precise results.
• With the Slow Redraw feature, you can display the stitching sequence of your design on your screen. This way, you can make corrections before you stitch it out.

Bernina Embroidery Software 8

• This software is not free, but you can download a 30-day trial from Bernina’s website.
• It incorporates a feature called Photo Stitch. This tool can automatically turn photos into digitized embroidery designs.
• The software includes a multi-hooping functionality. You can automatically place hoops to cover the entire embroidery design.
• You can load your embroidery designs into an integrated design library. This way, you can keep track of all your creative possibilities.
• It’s possible to turn your flat designs into 3D patterns. You can also give them a spherical look.
• Even though the functionalities of the program are quite advanced and professional, the user interface is intuitive and beginner-friendly.

Brother PED – Basic

• You can download this handy embroidery software from Brother’s website. 
• PED – Basic supports three different frame sizes. It’s your responsibility to make sure that you use the right size for your machine.
• One of the most significant downsides of PED – Basic is that it’s only available for Windows. If you are a Mac or Linux user, you won’t be able to install the program.
• This software allows you to print design previews. You can use these assets as placing templates.
• PED – Basic comes with a library of built-in designs. You can also import models from your embroidery library. You can’t create patterns with this software.
• The user interface is straightforward. If you are familiar with software like Brother Canvas Workspace, you’ll be comfortable using PED – Basic.

Buzz Xplore Embroidery Design Management Software

• This software is not free: you have to pay for the single-user license. Luckily, you can download a free 21-day trial version on the official website. That link is also the place to go if you want to buy the software.
• The single-user license includes a basic version of the software: Buzz Edit Lite. You can use this tool for basic design editing.
• You can use this program to write USB drives for all the embroidery machines with a USB flash drive port.
• The program allows you to create graphic snapshots of your embroidery designs. The 3D effect of these images is realistic and beautiful. You can also print your designs on the real size and add sewing information.
• There is no need to keep a separate embroidery library. The program works directly on the files that you have on your computer.
• The software is made for Windows, but you can also use it with Mac. Follow the steps that the Buzztools team recommends on their official website. If this is your case, we strongly support the formal advice: download a free 21-day trial before you make a purchase.

Embrilliance Essentials Embroidery Machine Software

• This software is not free, but it is worth trying. You can download a free trial version, but you won’t be able to save out your designs until you upgrade to the paid version.
• You can use this software with both Windows and Mac devices. It can also transfer data to an embroidery flash drive and a floppy disk. If you don’t know what floppy disks are, you are, for sure, a young embroidery fan. Congrats on your new hobby!
• Embrilliance Essentials supports cutting and scanning systems. If you are a multitasking crafter, this program is an exciting option for you. It’s possible to save applique elements as cutting files for devices like Brother Scan and Cut or Silhouette.
• You can buy the installation package on Amazon. It’s essential to notice that this version of the program comes in an installation disk. If you didn’t know what a floppy disk was, this must sound exotic to you. Make sure that your device can read the drive before you purchase it.
• For downloads, you must visit the official website.
• You can add embroidered lettering in multi-line, monogram, and circle modes. It’s also possible to create spirals and large word art compositions.
• You can play with Moddies, unique embroidery designs. These files calculate their stitches while you manipulate them in the software.