Import of Vector Graphics

The Main Menu > Design > Export/Import > Import Vector File function automatically opens a vector graphic file and converts it into an embroidery design. This feature is designed to eliminate the need to manually redraw logos or clipart in Studio if they are already available in a vector format.

Most modern graphic programs support various vector formats and typically allow for exporting graphics into SVG format.

A vector file may contain diverse elements, including raster bitmaps, fonts, shapes, curves, and polygons. However, Studio exclusively imports curves; all other objects are ignored during the process. For optimal results, convert all fonts and shapes into curves within your graphic software before importing the SVG file into Studio.

If the file contains a raster image, Studio will ignore it rather than performing an auto-digitization. Only the vector curves are transformed into embroidery objects.

Note: Not all vector files are suitable for high-quality embroidery conversion. For instance, files created via auto-tracing from scanned images may contain thousands of minute objects instead of clean, solid fills or smooth lines. Such files are generally unsuitable for direct conversion.

Stitching Parameters

Designs imported from vector files typically require manual adjustments to stitching parameters or object layouts to ensure embroidery quality.

Design imported from an SVG vector file before stitch generation.

After importing, select all objects and apply the Generate Stitches command. Studio analyzes the geometry of each object to assign an appropriate fill type. However, the software does not interpret design context in the same way a human digitizer does. For example, it may not recognize a set of objects as lettering and might assign different stitch styles to each character based on individual dimensions. Typically, thin elongated objects are assigned an auto-column fill, while wider objects receive a pattern. Large areas default to a plain fill (tatami), oriented vertically or horizontally based on their shape.

Design with auto-generated stitches. While most objects use auto-column, the letters 'm' and 'r' feature a pattern texture. This occurs because the software applies patterns to wider objects to prevent excessively long stitches. In this example, the white fill of the bird would be better suited to a plain fill rather than an auto-column.

Users may need to refine these fill types manually. In this specific case, the stitch length is near the threshold that triggers a pattern, resulting in inconsistent textures across the lettering. To correct this, select letters 'm' and 'r', open the Parameters window, and disable the pattern option for the auto-column fill. Additionally, for the white fill of the bird, change the mode from auto-column to plain fill within the same window.

Updated parameters applied to the stitches. All letters now utilize consistent satin auto-column stitches without a pattern. The white bird fill has been converted to a plain fill.

Overlays in Vector Graphics and Embroidery

Managing layers and overlays is critical when importing vector files. Embroidery is highly sensitive to layering; in areas with multiple overlaps, stitches are sewn directly over previous layers. If the resulting density is too high, it can negatively impact the final sew-out.

Visually inspect overlapped areas to ensure they do not contain excessive layers. Ideally, the largest portions of a design should consist of a single layer. Where overlaps are necessary, aim for a maximum of two layers, or three layers only when unavoidable.

In this context, "layers" refers to dense cover stitching rather than underlays or connection paths. Underlays consist of loose stitching used to stabilize fabric, and connections are paths used to avoid trims between objects. While technically layers, these do not significantly impact the overall density of the cover stitches.

Visualizing overlays in the imported design.
Left: The white fill (highlighted) extends beneath the black, orange, and blue objects.
Center: The orange and blue objects (highlighted) overlap the white fill and extend beneath the black sections.
Right: Black objects (highlighted) overlap the white fill and small portions of the blue and orange objects.

Conversely, insufficient overlay is also problematic. The natural pull of the thread can cause gaps between objects if the overlay is too small.

Note: If you require the same design for graphic use, you can export designs from Studio back into a vector format using the Main Menu > Design > Export / Import > Export command.