Embroidery digitization

Digitizing is the process that changes an image file into a workable embroidery file. Today embroidery is done by stitching machines that must have a proper embroidery format to complete the task. Many types of formats are available. These can be classified into two groups: Bitmap art & Vector art types.

 

Bitmap Artwork is very common through out the Internet. The definition of bitmap is: "The method of storing information that maps an image pixel, bit by bit". Bitmap image are simply pixels or dots used to create an image. Bitmaps are very good for websites. However, they are not very useful in print work as they cannot be resized with efficiency. Jpeg is a common format for bitmap artwork.

 

Vector Artwork is a much more recent technology. The definition of vector artwork is: "Artwork that uses a mathematical language to describe color, shape, and placement information of the individual components of an image". Vector uses math to create its images. Therefore it can resize an image and can make it smaller or longer without losing its quality. This makes vector the perfect medium for print work as a single original design of artwork can be used for business cards as well as for billboards. EPS is a common format for vector artwork.

 

Vector artwork is preferred in the embroidery image as it can be imported into the digitizers software very easily. All images - bitmap or vector -must be manually converted into a stitch file. A stitch file actually contains the stitch patterns and thread colors for the sewing. This process is called digitizing.