Alphabets are optional plug-in modules for Embird Software. Their price is not included in Embird Software registration fee. If you want to use a plug-in, you must register it first (see also Registration). You can use unregistered plug-ins for testing, but only few Objects (letters or designs) in each plug-in are enabled for this purpose.
When you choose Insert Text command, a dialog box appears. It contains three tabs, which enable you to enter the text, set its properties and specify its layout. Each tab is explained below. Note that in most cases all you have to do is to type in the text and specify its height (size).
Choose plug-in name (alphabet) you want to use in Plug-in box. All Objects (letters, designs) contained in chosen plug-in will be shown in Objects box. Type the text you want to insert into Text box, or double click on Object icon in Objects box. Choose type of connection in Connection type box. There are three types available:
Floating stitches connection type can be also combined with Nearest point option.
Specify width and/or height of text in Size box. You can specify it either absolutely or relatively. Uncheck Keep ratio box if you want to specify the width and height independently.
At this tab, you can also set parameters of text being inserted. This relates to density of cover stitches, type of underlay, pull compensation, start/end offset, broadening, random broadening, fill pattern, auto shortening, gaps among letters etc. See figures below to find out the meaning of particular parameter. You can set either global parameters for whole text or individual parameters for each letter. Choose this option in Use box.
In most cases, you will use global parameters, which are adjusted automatically for various sizes of letters. Only seldom you will have to change these parameters, e.g. in case you want to increase the density of cover stitches when you are embroidering on heavy material etc.
Sometimes it may be neccessary to adjust parameters individually for every letter, e.g. if you want to increase particular gap between two letters, and all other gaps should remain the same. You can edit individual properties at the right side of this tab.
Check the layout of the text being inserted at this tab. You can place the text either on a line, circle or wave - just choose the proper curve in Baseline box. You can specify width and/or height of baseline too. Move the text along the baseline by adjusting Start point value. Place text on the other side of curve if you like, e.g. inside or outside the circle. You can increase or decrease gaps among letters. You can also change the envelope of lettering, either by choosing one from the list or create brand new envelope. When you create lettering (either using Embird alphabet plug-ins, or Font Engine plug-in), please note that there are several points shown on layout area, allowing you the following:
Fig. 1 Properties and Layout
a) Arching of text
b) Random broadening
c) Pull compensation
d) Various types of underlay
e) Auto shortening of stitches in curves
f) Nearest point connections
g) Automatic simplification of serifs on small characters
Fig. 2 Fill Patterns
a) None
b) Fill 1
c) Fill 2
d) Strips
e) Bricks 1
f) Bricks 2
g) Pavement
h) Lines