Thread Catalog
The thread catalog is a digital database within the embroidery software that contains exact color specifications, names, and identification codes for various physical thread brands. Instead of working with generic colors (such as "Red" or "Blue"), a thread catalog allows for the assignment of specific brand-name threads to a design.
Using accurate thread colors is essential for precise embroidery work. Because embroidery machines do not "see" color - they only interpret color-change commands - the thread catalog ensures that the on-screen preview closely matches the physical thread loaded onto the machine.
Embird includes a Thread Catalog tool featuring pre-defined color palettes from numerous manufacturers.
When working with a design using generic colors, Embird can utilize these catalogs to identify the nearest match based on the available threads from a preferred brand.
The Thread Catalog tool opens in a dedicated window containing a list of threads and various management controls.
Using the Thread Catalog
- To select the color for any object in the design, use the table (A).
- To manage a group of preferred (marked) threads, use column (K) and the controls (F).
- To select the primary catalog for exporting and printing project documentation, use the combo box (D).
The controls are defined as follows:
A
Table of threads from the catalog selected in combo box (D). The order of the threads depends on the sorting criterion selected either in the context menu (H) or by clicking the corresponding column header in row (C).
B
Selected item. Click any row in table (A) to select a color from the catalog. The selected color is displayed in box (G).
C
Column content: color swatch, thread code, thread name, and selection status. Clicking the header cell of any column sorts the threads by the criteria represented by that column (e.g., color match, number, name, or tagged status). These criteria are also available via the pop-up button (H). Double-clicking the column header cell toggles the sort order between ascending and descending.
D
Catalog filter - allows the display of all catalogs or a specific selection. Table (A) populates with threads from the catalog chosen here. If the Thread Catalog window was opened to select a primary catalog for export or print functions, the primary catalog is the one selected in this field.
E
Search field for entering a thread name or code, accompanied by buttons to locate the next or previous match.
F
Controls for marking selected threads, including an option to display only marked threads. This is useful for restricting the view to the thread inventory currently in your possession.
G
Preview field for the color selected in table (A). If the window was opened to change an object's color, the original color is also displayed to assist in finding a suitable match. In this scenario, it is recommended to sort table (A) by color match.
H
Access button for the pop-up menu. This menu provides options for thread pattern rendering (3D or flat) and sorting preferences.
I
Cancel and Apply buttons.
K
The final column allows for marking preferred threads. Clicking cells in this column toggles the mark for individual threads. Holding the Shift key allows for marking multiple threads simultaneously, while holding the Ctrl key allows for unmarking multiple threads with a single click.
