approval purposes.

Production worksheets provide an option to print

approval sheets with or without garment backdrops.

Choose colors for each product type. The software provides a library of
garments of common brands and styles. Up to three layers of color are
supported for multi-color garments.

To visualize a product
 Open the design and select a colorway.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 299

 Click the Product Visualizer icon. The docker appears.

Optionally toggle
product image on/off

Select a
product folder

Select
product

 Select a category and click a garment or product to select. The product

image is centered in the design window at the default scale.
 Optionally, a Custom option allows you to import custom product
images. These need to be prepared as grayscale images. They need to
be correctly sized.
 Switch to the Settings tab. This lets you color, size, and position the
product in the design window.

If a multi-layer
product image is
selected, customize
colors for each layer

Click to apply
color

 Scale the product image as necessary. Scale should be adjusted

according to actual garment size – XS, S, M, L, XL, or XXL.

C h a p te r 1 2 C ol or way s 300
  Optionally, use the Smart Tape function to measure, say, shoulder
size against the ruler. Adjust the Length field and press Apply to
resize the product image accordingly. Use the Keep proportions
setting as appropriate.

Measure garment to
determine real-world size

Scale product image

as necessary

Alternatively, enter known

dimension and click Apply to
resize product image

 Finally, position the design on the product image. Press Ctrl+A to

select and drag or use arrow keys to nudge.

Position product
image in relation to
design

Alternatively, position
design on product
image

 Alternatively, position the product image in relation to the design. By

default, the center is placed at the design origin. The ‘X’ and ‘Y’ fields
display 0,0.
 Enter values directly into the ‘X’ and ‘Y’ fields to move the image
center to the new location.
 Use the nudge control buttons to move the image incrementally.
 To toggle the product background on/off, click the Show Product
icon.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 301

 To change colors ‘on-the-fly’, use the Product Visualizer droplist and
change fabric colors via the Product Color popout menu.

Change product
color

Related topics...
 Printing design reports
 Product Visualizer Templates

C h a p te r 1 2 C ol or way s 302
 PART IV
MODIFYING DESIGNS
After digitizing a design, you can modify it as a whole, edit individual
objects or even individual stitches.

Combining objects
This section describes how to combine objects and designs by copying
and pasting, duplicating, and inserting techniques. It also describes how
to resequence objects by cut-and-paste, by color, and with the
Color-Object List. Automatic branching of grouped objects is also
covered. See Combining Objects for details.

Transforming objects
This section describes how to position objects, how to lock and group,
align and space objects, as well as how to scale, rotate, skew, and mirror
objects in a design. See Transforming Objects for details.

Productivity techniques
EmbroideryStudio provides input tools for stars and rings and other
preset shapes. There are special tools for cutting holes in objects as well
as filling them. There are also tools for generating outlines based on
existing shapes. In addition, EmbroideryStudio provides powerful tools
for mirroring and reflecting selections or entire designs. See Productivity
Techniques for details.

Reshaping objects
This section describes how to reshape objects with control points, how to
break up objects, how to adjust and add stitch angles, as well as how to
change entry and exit points of objects in a stitching sequence. It also
covers conversion of one embroidery object to another. See Reshaping
Objects for details.

Stitches & machine functions

This section deals with selecting and editing stitches, and converting
selected stitches to objects. It also includes instructions for inserting,
checking, editing and clearing manually-inserted functions. How to edit
stitches and functions using the Stitch List is also covered. It also

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 303

explains manual digitizing techniques. See Stitches & Machine Functions
for details.

Pa r t IV M o d i fy i ng D e s ig n s 304
Chapter 13
Combining Objects

EmbroideryStudio provides various techniques for combining and

sequencing objects. You can add to designs by duplicating and copying
objects. Resequence objects in designs to minimize color changes and
optimize production.

The stitching sequence naturally occurs in the order in which an

embroidery design is digitized or assembled. When converting a graphic
design to an embroidery design, EmbroideryStudio decides the stitching
sequence according to its own internal logic. Either way, you may, for
reasons of aesthetics or production efficiency, want to adjust it.
The Color-Object List displays a sequential list of objects grouped by
object and color. It provides an easy way to group, cut, copy and paste,
and resequence selected objects and color blocks.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 305

Combining objects & designs
Objects can be combined to create composite designs. They can be
inserted from disk, copied and pasted via the MS Windows® clipboard
for, or duplicated within the same design.

Insert designs

Click Standard > Import Embroidery to import embroidery design file into
current design.

EmbroideryStudio lets you insert one design into another. The two (or
more) designs can then be saved as a combined design. When you insert
a design into another, the two color palettes are combined. Colors with
the same RGB values are automatically identified as having the same
thread color. If you want to preserve them as separate colors, you need
to change one or other before importing.

Tip: If you don’t know the origin of a design you are editing, you can
insert it into a blank design file so that it acquires known fabric settings.

To insert designs
1 Open the source design.

C h a p te r 1 3 C o m b i n i n g O b j ec ts 306
2 Optionally, travel to the position in the stitching sequence where you
want to insert the design. Otherwise, the inserted design will be placed
at the end of the stitching sequence.

3 Select Standard > Import Embroidery. File type defaults to the

native ‘all-in-one’ EMB format but any supported embroidery file can
be used.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 307

4 Select the design file to insert, and click Open. The design is inserted
at the current needle position. By default, colors are added to the
palette.

5 Scale and position the inserted design as required. To ensure that all
the objects in the inserted design stay together, group it first.

6 Sequence colors for efficient stitchout.

Note: The Options > General tab provides another setting – ‘Match
to palette’ – which matches inserted design colors to the current
palette.

Related topics...
 Inserting designs with Embroidery Clipart
 Thread color handling for inserted files
 Sequencing embroidery objects

C h a p te r 1 3 C o m b i n i n g O b j ec ts 308
  Transforming Objects

Copy & paste objects

Click Standard > Cut to remove selected objects to the clipboard.

Click Standard > Copy to copy selected objects to the clipboard.

Click Standard > Paste to paste copied objects to a design.

You can copy objects to create multiple, identical objects, or to insert

objects from other designs. Cut-and-paste action changes the stitching
sequence in the design.

To copy and paste objects

 Select the object (or objects) and click Copy or press Ctrl+C. The
selected object is copied to the clipboard.
 Optionally, change Insert Embroidery File options via the Options
> General dialog. By default, when you insert a design, colors are
added to the color palette.

Colors added Colors matched

to palette to palette

 Optionally, change Paste options via the Options > Edit dialog.
 Optionally, travel to the position in the stitching sequence where you
want to insert the object/s. Otherwise, it will be placed at the end of
the stitching sequence.
 Click the Paste icon. The object is pasted according to current
settings.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 309

  Alternatively, use the Paste After Selected command to override
current defaults and paste directly after the selected object in the
stitching sequence.

Override current
Override current settings
default settings

 Alternatively, use the Paste Special flyout to override current paste

position settings. Shortcut keys are available. Make sure there is only
one copy of an object at any one position. If an object is pasted twice
in the same position, it will be stitched twice.

Related topics...
 Paste & duplicate options
 Thread color handling for inserted files
 Sequencing embroidery objects
 Transforming Objects

Duplicate & clone objects

Use Select > Select Object to select and clone objects.

Objects can be duplicated rather than copied. When duplicated, the

object is not copied to the clipboard. This preserves the current contents
of the clipboard. They can also be ‘cloned’.

To duplicate or clone objects

 Select an object or objects.
 Optionally, travel to the point in the stitching sequence where you
want to place the duplicate. Otherwise, the duplicate object will be
included at the end of the stitching sequence.

C h a p te r 1 3 C o m b i n i n g O b j ec ts 310
  It is handy to be able to ‘quick clone’ objects. Select the object and,
holding down the right mouse button, drag to a new position. Hold
down Ctrl to constrain movements horizontally or vertically.

Drag-and-drop

Right-click object Object duplicated

 Optionally, select Edit > Duplicate or press Ctrl+D to keeping

duplicating the last cloned object. This means you can step-repeat
duplicate objects.
 Optionally, press Ctrl+Shift+D to duplicate with a preset offset.
Adjust this setting via the Options > Edit dialog.

Set duplicate
offsets

Tip: Clone objects to another window by the same method. To

temporarily deactivate automatic scrolling, hold down the Shift key
while dragging. Use the Window > New Tab Group commands to
view multiple design tabs at the same time.

Related topics...
 Paste & duplicate options
 Travel through designs
 Set up multiple views

Nest objects
EmbroideryStudio lets you ‘nest’ one object inside another at an exact
point of the stitching sequence. This feature is useful with motifs and

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 311

 other designs where long connectors may be generated. It also helps
reduce overall numbers of objects, minimizing trims and tie-offs.

To nest objects
1 Travel through the object until the needle position marker is positioned
where you want to insert the new object.

Travel to insertion
point and paste object

2 Either digitize the new object or copy and paste. The object is ‘nested’
inside the stitching sequence. All required functions are automatically
added.
3 Use arrow keys to fine-tune placement of the new object.

Related topics...
 Paste & duplicate options

Grouping & locking objects

EmbroideryStudio lets you group objects together for group
modifications. Ungroup whenever you need to work with the component
objects. You can also lock objects to prevent them from being moved or
modified by accident.

Group & ungroup objects

Use Arrange > Group to group selected objects.

C h a p te r 1 3 C o m b i n i n g O b j ec ts 312
 Use Arrange > Ungroup to ungroup selected objects.

Group objects, or an entire design, to keep them together for moving,

scaling and transforming actions. With grouped objects you can also
apply global changes, saving time and ensuring consistency. When you
have finished making changes to a group, you can ungroup and work with
the component objects.

To group or ungroup objects

 Select objects and click the Group icon or press Ctrl+G.
Selected objects are combined. This group can be selected, moved,
resized and transformed as a single object.

Select, move, resize, or

transform grouped objects
as single object

 To ungroup, select and click Ungroup or press Ctrl+U.

Objects ungrouped
and deselected

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 313

 Tip: The Color-Object List provides an easy way to select objects in
designs and access their properties. Use it to group, lock, and hide
objects.

Click to open
or close node

Group/ungroup
objects

Related topics...
 Select objects with selection tools
 Sequence with the Color-Object List

Lock & unlock objects

Use Arrange > Lock to lock selected objects.

Use Arrange > Unlock All to unlock all locked objects in a design.

Lock objects to prevent them from being moved or modified by accident.

For example, locking backdrop images holds them in place as you
digitize, transform or reshape the embroidery objects near them.

To lock or unlock objects

 Select objects and click the Lock icon or press K.
Selection handles disappear, indicating that the object can no longer
be selected or modified.
 To unlock objects, click the Unlock All icon or press Shift+K.

C h a p te r 1 3 C o m b i n i n g O b j ec ts 314
 Tip: The Color-Object List provides an easy way to select objects in
designs and access their properties. Use it to group, lock, and hide
objects.

Click to open
or close node

Lock/unlock
objects

Related topics...
 Select objects with selection tools
 Sequence with the Color-Object List

Select objects within groups

Use Select > Select Object to select individual objects as well as groups or
ranges of objects.

EmbroideryStudio provides a method for selecting individual objects

within object groupings. This is handy if you want to make changes
‘on-the-fly’ without first having to ungroup and then regroup objects.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 315

To select objects within groups
 Click the Select Object icon or press 0.

Entire design
grouped

 Use Alt+Click to select a single object within a group.

 Use Ctrl or Shift keys in combination with Alt to select multiple
objects or a range of objects within a group.

Individual objects
selected within a
group

 Use Alt+Drag to select by ‘selection marquee’.

 Use Alt+Polygon/Polyline to isolate objects as you select.
 Within the Color-Object List, use the same techniques to:
 Select a single object/color within a group (Alt+Click).
 Add/remove a single object/color within a group (Alt+Ctrl+Click).
 Select a range of objects/colors within a group (Alt+Shift+Click).

C h a p te r 1 3 C o m b i n i n g O b j ec ts 316
 Note: Once an object (or more) is selected, all properties, stitching
and otherwise, can be changed ‘inside’ the group without the need to
ungroup/regroup.

Related topics...
 Select objects with selection tools

Selecting objects by color or stitch type

You can select embroidery objects of the same color or stitch type with a
single command.

Select objects by color

You can select embroidery objects of the same color with a single
command.

To select objects by color

 Select Edit > Select by Color.

Choose color
blocks

 Select color blocks from the list and click OK. All objects using the
selected colors are selected in the design.

Related topics...
 View selected color blocks

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 317

  Sequence with the Color-Object List

Select objects by stitch type

You can select embroidery objects of the same stitch type with a single
command.

To select objects by stitch type

1 Select Edit > Select by Stitch Type. The Select by Stitch Type
dialog opens.

Select stitch
type

2 Select a stitch type from the list.

 To select a range of stitch types, hold down Shift as you click.
 To select multiple stitch types, hold down Ctrl as you click.
3 Click OK. Objects using the selected stitch types are selected in the
design.

Related topics...
 Select objects by color

Sequencing embroidery objects

The embroidery objects comprising a design form a ‘stitching sequence’.
It is good practice to analyze and plan design shapes and stitching
sequence in advance. Shapes need to be clearly defined to make them
easy to embroider. The best shapes have relatively constant width, with

C h a p te r 1 3 C o m b i n i n g O b j ec ts 318
 smooth edges, no sharp turns and no small, protruding details. Details
should always be stitched last.

If you are digitizing manually in Wilcom Workspace, objects are

stitched in the order in which they were created. If you have converted a
design directly from CorelDRAW Graphics to Wilcom Workspace,
EmbroideryStudio uses automatic sequencing to determine the stitching
sequence. You can always manually adjust the sequence to improve the
stitchout – e.g. to minimize color changes.

Tip: Entry and exit points should also be checked when resequencing
objects in a design. See also Adjust entry/exit points. See also Minimizing
connectors.

Sequence by cut-and-paste

Click Standard > Cut to cut a selected object or objects and place them on
the clipboard.

Click Standard > Paste to paste copied objects in the design.

You can resequence objects by cutting an object from the design and
pasting it back at a different point in the sequence. This does not change
its physical location.

To sequence objects by cut-and-paste

1 Select the object (or objects) to resequence.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 319

2 Click the Cut icon. The selected object is removed to the clipboard.

Completed design – Object cut to

center stitched first clipboard

3 Travel to the point in the stitching sequence where you want to paste
the object. You can place it between other objects or ‘nest’ it within
another object.
4 Click the Paste icon. The object is pasted according to current
settings.

Cursor inserted at Object pasted

end of design

 Alternatively, use the Paste After Selected command to override

current defaults and paste directly after the selected object in the
stitching sequence.

Override current
Override current settings
default settings

Note: Make sure there is only one copy of an object at any one
position.
If an object is pasted twice in the same position, it will be stitched
twice.

Related topics...
 Viewing stitching sequence
 Nest objects

C h a p te r 1 3 C o m b i n i n g O b j ec ts 320
  Paste & duplicate options

Sequence with the Color-Object List

Use Docker > Color-Object List to resequence objects.

The Color-Object List provides an easy way to select objects in designs

and access their properties.

To sequence with the Color-Object List

1 Click the Color-Object List icon.

Click-and-drag object to
new position

2 Select the color block or object to resequence.

 To select a range of items, hold down Shift as you click.
 To select multiple items, hold down Ctrl as you click.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 321

 3 Click-and-drag selected objects to reposition them.

Drop object into

new position

Tip: You can also use the Color-Object List to group, lock, and hide
objects.

Related topics...
 Grouping & locking objects
 Copy & paste objects
 Adjust entry/exit points
 Minimizing connectors

Sequence selected objects

Use Sequence > Back 1 Object to move a selection back one object in the
stitching sequence.

Use Sequence > Forward 1 Object to move a selection forward one object
in the stitching sequence.

Use Sequence > Back 1 Color to move a selection back one color in the
stitching sequence.

Use Sequence > Forward 1 Color to move a selection forward one color in
the stitching sequence.

Use Sequence > Move to Start to move a selection to start of stitching

sequence.

Use Sequence > Move to End to move a selection to end of stitching

sequence.

The Sequence toolbar provides a convenient means for sequencing

selected objects. Use it in conjunction with the Color-Object List.

C h a p te r 1 3 C o m b i n i n g O b j ec ts 322
 Alternatively, use the popup menu Sequence option to resequence
objects ‘on-the-fly’. The same options can be accessed from the
Color-Object List popup menu.

Sequence selected
objects via the toolbar
or popup menu

Tip: Entry and exit points should also be checked when you are
resequencing objects in a design.

Related topics...
 Adjust entry/exit points
 Minimizing connectors

Auto-sequence entire designs

The Optimize Color Changes feature improves the quality and
efficiency of the stitchout by minimizing the number of color changes and
trims. All existing overlaps are preserved by the operation. Grouped
objects are not ungrouped but different colored objects are optimally
sequenced regardless of grouping.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 323

To auto-sequence an entire design
 Open or create a design and select objects to resequence.

 Select Arrange > Sequence > Optimize Color Changes or use the
popup menu in the Color-Object List.

 Click OK to confirm. The system analyzes all selected objects and

calculates optimal color changes and trims.

Tip: The Undo command will reverse the effect of any sequencing
changes.

C h a p te r 1 3 C o m b i n i n g O b j ec ts 324
 Related topics...
 Adjust entry/exit points
 Minimizing connectors

Sequence by color

Use Sequence > Sequence by Color to resequence all blocks of like color.

The Sequence by Color feature lets you resequence all objects in a

design by color. This technique resequences all color blocks of the same
color.

To sequence by color
 Select the objects to resequence or press Ctrl+A to select the entire
design.
 Click the Sequence by Color icon or select Arrange > Sequence >
By Color. The Sequence by Color dialog opens listing colors in the
selected objects.

Select color
block

Use buttons to
resequence

 Select a color and click Move Up or Move Down to change its position
in the sequence.

Note: If you need to sequence separate color blocks, use the

Color-Object List.

Sequence by selection order

Use Sequence > Sequence by Selects to resequence objects in the order

selected.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 325

You can resequence objects by selecting them in the required stitching
order.

To sequence objects by selection order

 Select the first object you want to resequence.

Select objects
in order to be
stitched

 Holding down Ctrl, select subsequent objects. Select each object in

the order you want it to stitch out. Do this directly on-screen or via the
Color-Object List.
 With objects still selected, select Arrange > Sequence > By Selects
or click the Sequence by Selects icon. The objects are resequenced
in the selection order.

Objects
resequenced in
order selected

C h a p te r 1 3 C o m b i n i n g O b j ec ts 326
 Tip: Entry and exit points should also be checked when you are
resequencing objects in a design.

Related topics...
 Adjust entry/exit points
 Minimizing connectors

Sequence by number

Use Docker > Color-Object List to resequence objects.

You can resequence objects numerically in the Color-Object List. Use it

to move an object to a position between consecutive members of a color
block. This technique is used primarily with designs containing many
objects where precise object sequencing is important.

To sequence objects by number

1 Click the Color-Object List icon.
2 Right-click an object in the list.
3 Select Sequence > By Number from the popup menu. The
Sequence by Number dialog opens.

Enter number of
target object

Sequence
selected object
by number

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 327

4 Enter the number of the object before which you want to position your
selected object.

Note: If you prefer to position the selected object after a selected

number – e.g. to make it the last object in the list – select After
Position.
5 Click OK. The selected object will be placed in the new position and all
other objects resequenced accordingly.

C h a p te r 1 3 C o m b i n i n g O b j ec ts 328
Chapter 14
Transforming Objects

Change position, size and orientation of objects by moving, scaling and

transforming them. Modify objects directly on screen or via their object
properties. Mirror objects or entire designs. Create design ‘wreathes’ or
borders. Create design arrays for efficient stitchout.

Note: The scalability and stitching quality of a design ultimately depend

on its original source – Native Design, Imported Outlines,
Processed Stitches, or Imported Stitches. Only EMB designs contain
the complete set of design information required for 100% perfect scaling
and transformation. See also Embroidery file formats.

Arranging objects
Position objects using the mouse to drag and drop, or ‘nudge’ them with
arrow keys. Alternatively, specify X:Y coordinates in the Property bar.
EmbroideryStudio also provides tools to align objects relative to each
other, or distribute them evenly within the design.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 329

Position objects
The simplest way to move an object is to drag-and-drop to a new
position.

To position objects
 Select the objects to move and click-and-drag to a new position.

Use cross-hair cursor

to center object

 For more accurate positioning, use the arrow keys to ‘nudge’ selected
objects.

Tip: With no objects selected, using arrow keys will travel through the
design.
 For even more accurate positioning, enter X:Y coordinates in the
Property Bar. The selection is centered over the coordinates you set.

Enter exact
coordinates

Tip: Zoom in to make small adjustments. The distance the object

moves depends on the current zoom factor.

Related topics...
 Select objects with selection tools

Align objects

Use Arrange > Align Left to left-align selected objects.

Use Arrange > Align Centers Vertically to align the centers of selected
objects vertically.

Use Arrange > Align Right to right-align selected objects.

C h a p te r 14 Tra n s fo r m i n g O b j e c t s 330
 Use Arrange > Align Top to top-align selected objects.

Use Arrange > Align Centers Horizontally to align the centers of selected
objects horizontally.

Use Arrange > Align Bottom to bottom-align selected objects.

Use Arrange > Align Centers to align selected objects through their
centers.

You can align selected objects to the left, right, top, bottom or center of
a specified object.

To align objects
 Select the objects you want to align.
 Select the object you want to align with.
 Click an alignment tool or select Arrange > Align > ...

Align center

Align left
2 1

3
Align bottom

Note: Objects are aligned with the last selected object. When all
objects are selected using Ctrl+A or a selection marquee, they are
aligned with the last object in the sequence.

Related topics...
 Select objects with selection tools

Distribute objects evenly

Use Arrange > Space Evenly Across to distribute selected objects evenly
across the screen.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 331

 Use Arrange > Space Evenly Down to distribute selected objects evenly
down the screen.

You can automatically distribute selected objects with even spacing

between them, both vertically or horizontally.

To distribute objects evenly

 Select the objects you want to distribute.
 Click a spacing tool or select Arrange > Space Evenly > ...

Note: The tools all become enabled when three or more objects are
selected.

Related topics...
 Select objects with selection tools

Scaling objects
You can scale objects by dragging selection handles, specifying exact
dimensions in the Property bar, or by setting a distance between
reference points on the design. As an object is scaled, the stitch count
changes to preserve the current spacing.

Note: Only EMB designs contain the complete set of design information
for 100% perfect scaling and transformation.

C h a p te r 14 Tra n s fo r m i n g O b j e c t s 332
Scale objects interactively
You can change height and width of an object, or scale it proportionally
using selection handles. Scale objects individually, or select multiple
objects and scale them together. Use the tooltips as a guide.

To scale objects interactively

 Select the objects to scale.

Scale proportionally Scale freely in both Ctrl + drag

Drag
directions

 To scale height and width proportionally, use a corner handle.

Tip: By default, objects scale proportionally. To scale freely in vertical

and horizontal planes, hold down Ctrl as you drag.
 To change the height or width, use the center handles.

Drag

Scale
vertically Scale
horizontally

Drag

 To scale proportionally around an anchor point, hold down Shift as you

drag.

Shift + drag

Scale horizontally in Shift + drag

both directions Scale proportionally
about center

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 333

Scale objects numerically
You can scale artwork, selected objects or a whole design by means of
object properties. With design files (EMB), this allows stitches to be
regenerated while preserving the original stitch density. An exact size
may not be achieved due to pull compensation being added to stitches
after scaling operations.

Caution: If you scale a machine file by more than ±10%, however,

changes to stitch density will affect the design quality.

To scale objects numerically

1 Select the objects or design to scale.
2 In the Property Bar, either:
 Enter an exact height and width, or
 Enter the new height and width as a percentage of current
dimensions.

Enter dimensions as exact

values or as a percentage

Lock aspect
ratio toggle

Tip: Toggle Lock Aspect Ratio to preserve aspect ratio.

3 Press Enter to apply.

Vase scaled Shadow scaled

Width: 120% Height: 140% Width: 140% Height: 120%

Note: After scaling, the new object size is reset to 100%.

Related topics...
 Embroidery file formats

C h a p te r 14 Tra n s fo r m i n g O b j e c t s 334
Scale objects by reference line

Use Transform > Transform by Reference Line Numerically to transform

selected objects using a combination of reference points and numeric
values.

You can scale an object or design by marking reference points and

specifying a line length.

To scale an object by reference line

1 Select the objects or design to scale.
2 Select Edit > Transform > Transform by Reference Line
Numerically.
You are prompted to enter start and end points. You will have already
decided which two points in the object or design will form the
reference line.

Click to mark the

reference points

3 Click to mark the reference points. Press Ctrl to constrain the angle of
the axis to 15° increments.
4 Alternatively, press Enter twice to use the default reference line. The
Transform by Reference Line dialog opens.

Specify
Select Resize size
to checkbox

5 Select the Resize to checkbox, and enter the required distance

between reference points.
6 Click OK.

Make objects the same size

Click Arrange > Make Same Width to scale an object or design to the same
width as a reference object.

Click Arrange > Make Same Height to scale an object or design to the same
height as a reference object.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 335

 Click Arrange > Make Same Width and Height to scale an object or design
to the same size as a reference object.

You can scale objects to the same size as a reference object. Resize
height or width or both.

To make objects the same size

1 Select the objects to resize.
2 Select the object that is the size you require.
3 Click a sizing tool or select Arrange > Make Same Size > ...

Make same
width

Make same
3 1
height

2
Make same width
and height

Note: Objects are resized with reference to the last object selected. If
all objects are selected by using Ctrl+A or a selection marquee, they
are resized with reference to the last object in the sequence.

C h a p te r 14 Tra n s fo r m i n g O b j e c t s 336
Rotating objects
You can rotate objects directly on screen or by setting an exact rotation
angle.

Rotate objects interactively

When you select an object, selection handles display at its extremities.
When you click the object again, the handles change to rotation handles.
Use the tooltips as a guide.

To rotate objects interactively

1 Select the objects to rotate.
2 Click a second time. Rotation handles appear at the corners and an
anchor point at the center.

Rotation handle

Anchor point
Click second
time Skew handle

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 337

 3 Optionally, drag the anchor point to any position.

Anchor point
repositioned

Drag corner point to rotate Drag corner point to rotate

about the anchor point about the anchor point

4 Click-and-drag a rotation handle in either direction.

Rotate objects numerically

Click Transform > Rotate Right 15° to rotate selected objects by 15° in a
clockwise direction.

Click Transform > Rotate Left 15° to rotate selected objects by 15° in a
counter-clockwise direction.

Use Transform > Rotate to rotate selected objects by an exact amount

(in degrees).

You can rotate selected objects in 15° increments or by entering an exact

value using the Transform toolbar.

To rotate an object numerically

 Select objects to rotate.
 To rotate in 15° increments, click one of the Rotate 15° icons.

 To rotate by an exact amount, enter an exact angle in the Rotate field

and press Enter.

C h a p te r 14 Tra n s fo r m i n g O b j e c t s 338
Rotate objects by reference line

Use Transform > Transform by Reference Line Freely to rotate selected

objects with the aid of reference points alone.

The Transform by Reference Line Freely tool lets you rotate selected
objects with the aid of reference points alone. This technique is useful if
you want to duplicate and rotate objects around an anchor point – e.g.
the petals of a flower.

To rotate an object by reference line

1 Select objects to rotate.
2 Select Edit > Transform > Transform by Reference Line Freely.
3 Follow the prompt line:
 Click the first reference point. This becomes the anchor point for the
rotation.
 Click a second reference point. An outline attaches to the pointer.

Move the pointer

 Optionally, press Ctrl to constrain the angle of the axis to 15°

increments.
 Click the anchor point. The pointer then aligns itself with the second
reference point.
 Click a guide point for the required rotation position. Use
coordinates on the Status bar for exact alignment.

Rotate objects by reference line and angle

Use Transform > Transform by Reference Line Numerically to transform

selected objects using a combination of reference points and numeric
values.

The Transform tool provides another method for transforming selected

objects using a combination of reference points and numeric values. This
provides a very accurate technique for rotating selected objects.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 339

 To rotate objects by reference line and angle
1 Select the objects to rotate.
2 Decide which two points in the object or design will form the reference
line. This should be a significant line – e.g. one which must be
perfectly horizontal or vertical in the final design.
3 Select Edit > Transform > Transform by Reference Line
Numerically.

Enter absolute rotation

Select angle in degrees
Rotate to

4 Select the Rotate to checkbox, and enter the rotation angle of the
reference line. For example, to rotate the image so it aligns with the
horizontal axis, enter a value of 0°. The Angle field accepts angles
from 0 to ±180 degrees.

Select rotation angle – Digitize reference line – align Reference line set to angle
e.g. 0° with base of object specified in dialog

5 Click OK.
6 Click to mark the start and end points of the reference line.
Press Ctrl to constrain the angle of the axis to 15° increments.
Alternatively, press Enter twice to use a horizontal reference line by
default.

Skewing objects

Use Transform > Skew to skew selected objects by an exact amount

(in degrees).

C h a p te r 14 Tra n s fo r m i n g O b j e c t s 340
 You can skew objects directly on screen or by setting an exact skew
angle.

To skew objects
1 Select the objects to skew.
2 Click the object a second time. Skew handles are diamond-shaped and
appear at the center-top and bottom of the object.

Rotation handle

Anchor point
Click second
time Skew handle

3 Drag handles left or right.

Drag skew handle

left or right

Tip: Alternatively, to skew by an exact amount, enter an exact angle

in the Skew field on the Transform toolbar and press Enter.

Mirroring objects
Fashion and textile designs often use copied and mirrored design
elements. In EmbroideryStudio you can mirror objects horizontally or
vertically by means of the Transform toolbar. You can also mirror around
a defined axis using a reference line.

Tip: The Mirror Merge tools allow you to duplicate and transform
selected embroidery objects, as well as merge them into a single object.
This feature is often used in making fashion or textile designs. See
Mirroring & reflecting selections for details.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 341

Flip objects horizontally & vertically

Click Transform > Mirror Horizontal to flip selected objects in the horizontal
plane.

Click Transform > Mirror Vertical to flip selected objects in the vertical
plane.

You can mirror selected objects horizontally or vertically using the Mirror
tools. Select objects to mirror and click a Mirror icon. For productivity,
shortcut keys are available for mirror operations.

Mirrored Starting
horizontally object

Mirrored in both Mirrored

axes vertically

Related topics...
 Create multiple reflections

Mirror objects around an axis

Use Transform > Mirror by Reference Line to mirror objects around a

defined axis using a reference line.

Use Mirror by Reference Line to mirror objects around a reference line.

To mirror objects around an axis

 Select the objects to mirror.

C h a p te r 14 Tra n s fo r m i n g O b j e c t s 342
 Select the Mirror by Reference Line icon or select Edit >
Transform > Mirror by Reference Line.

Starting
object

Mirrored

 Click to mark two reference points of the mirror axis.

 Press Ctrl to constrain the angle of the axis to 15° increments.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 343

Chapter 15
Productivity Techniques

Specialized features help to save digitizing time. EmbroideryStudio

provides input tools for stars and rings and other preset shapes. Add
decorative borders from a Borders library. EmbroideryStudio provides
special tools for cutting holes in objects as well as filling them. There are
also tools for generating outlines based on existing shapes.

In addition, EmbroideryStudio provides powerful tools for mirroring and

reflecting selections or entire designs for the creation of decorative
wreaths or borders. The same toolset can be used to create perfectly
symmetrical objects or designs. Alternatively, create arrays of designs,
such as badges, automatically resequenced for faster stitchout.

Adding preset shapes

EmbroideryStudio provides a number of productivity tools for quickly
creating predefined shapes for use as borders and design objects, both

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 344

 embroidered and vector. These tools can be particularly useful for logo
design and embroidered badge work.

Add design borders

Use Toolbox > Add Borders to add borders to designs (or selected objects)
with or without lettering.

Add decorative borders such as rectangles, ovals, and shields to designs

or selected objects using the Borders library.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 345

 To add decorative borders to designs
1 Open a design and click the Add Borders icon.

Select border

Adjust border
width

Tip: By selecting individual objects, you can add borders to these

rather than the entire design.
2 Select a border and adjust Border Width as required. The default is
3.00 mm.
3 Click OK.
4 Edit borders in the normal way – change thread color, adjust border
size, etc.

Tip: By default, borders scale proportionally. To resize proportionally

around a central anchor point, hold down Shift as you drag. To scale
freely in vertical and horizontal planes, hold down Ctrl as you drag.

Digitize stars & rings

Use Traditional Digitizing > Star to digitize star shapes filled with Zigzag
stitching.

Use Traditional Digitizing > Ring to digitize circle and oval-shaped rings.

C h a p te r 15 P ro du c tiv ity Tech n iq u e s 346

The Traditional Digitizing toolbar provides special time-saving tools for
creating embroidered rings and stars or ‘French dots’.

Stars
Digitize circles and ovals which use turning zigzag stitches to create a
‘Star’ or ‘French dot’ using the Star tool.

To digitize stars, click to mark the center and click again to set the radius.
This point becomes the entry point. To create an oval star, mark a second
radius point, then press Enter.

2 Reference point

1
Center

Rings
Create rings by digitizing circles and ovals within each other using the
Ring tool. Use different combinations of inner and outer boundary
shapes to create different effects.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 347

 To digitize rings, digitize the inner boundary of the ring first either as a
circle or an oval. Digitize the outer boundary of the ring in the same way
and press Enter.

4 Reference point

2 Reference point

3
1 Center Reference
point

You can digitize rings with a variety of fill stitch types. Contour stitch is
well suited to rings, as it runs stitches around the ring in a spiral pattern.

Related topics...
 Reshaping stars & rings

Digitize basic shapes

Use Graphics Digitizing > Basic Shapes to digitize basic shapes. Press
<Ctrl> to maintain aspect ratio. Press <Shift> to center at the first point.

The Graphics Digitizing toolbar provides a dedicated Basic Shapes

tool which allows you to quickly create design objects from a library of
preset shapes. These can be created as vector objects, or you can apply
the full range of outline and fill stitch types. These can be useful when
creating logo designs or embroidered badges. Available shapes are

C h a p te r 15 P ro du c tiv ity Tech n iq u e s 348

 exactly the same as for preset borders. Use Ctrl and Shift keys, alone or
in combination, to maintain aspect ratio and center point.

Click to insert

Related topics...
 Reshaping embroidery objects

Adding & filling holes

EmbroideryStudio provides special tools for cutting holes in objects as
well as filling them.

Add & remove holes

Use Graphics Digitizing > Hole > Add Holes to cut holes in filled objects.

Use Graphics Digitizing > Hole > Remove Holes to remove holes from
selected objects.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 349

With EmbroideryStudio you can cut holes in selected closed objects with
a single stitch angle using the Add Holes tool. The complementary
Remove Holes tool allows you to remove unwanted holes in closed
objects.

To add or remove holes

 Select the object to modify.
 Click the Add Holes icon. Reference points display around the object
outline.
 Digitize additional boundaries for the object. Press Enter after each
boundary.

 Press Enter.
 Optionally, add turning stitch angles to the object.

Note: To remove all internal boundaries from a closed object, select it

and click Remove Holes.

Related topics...
 Add holes to free-form shapes
 Removing underlying stitching
 Adjusting stitch angles

C h a p te r 15 P ro du c tiv ity Tech n iq u e s 350

Fill holes

Use Graphics Digitizing > Hole > Fill Holes to fill holes formed by existing
boundaries, without having to re-digitize the shape – choose to fill the hole
exactly or offset it.

Create new objects with the Fill Holes feature. This lets you fill holes
formed by existing boundaries, without having to re-digitize the shape.

To fill holes
1 Select a source object and click the Fill Holes icon.

Enter required
underlap

2 Enter an underlap value.

Source object Underlap: 0.00 Underlap: -1.00 Underlap: 1.00

 To cover holes exactly, accept the default value of 0.00.

 To leave a gap between the filled holes and the original object, enter
a negative underlap – e.g. -1.00.
 To overlap the filled holes and the original object, enter a positive
underlap – e.g. 1.00.
3 Click OK. All newly created objects are filled with the current fill stitch
settings, stitch angle and thread color. Each new object is an

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 351

 independent object and is placed immediately after the source object
in the stitch sequence.

Generating outlines & offsets

EmbroideryStudio provides tools for quickly generating outlines and filled
areas based on existing boundaries. The Outlines & Offsets feature
creates outlines and offset objects from closed objects with both fixed
and variable spacings.

Simple offsets

Use Toolbox > Simple Offsets to create simple outlines for any filled
embroidery or closed vector object.

When available, the Simple Offsets feature allows you to quickly create
outline stitching around selected objects or entire designs with a variety
of outline styles.

To create outlines and borders

1 Select a source object/s and click the Simple Offsets icon.

Choose offset
object type

C h a p te r 15 P ro du c tiv ity Tech n iq u e s 352

 2 Adjust the settings as required:

Option Function
Spacing Set an outline offset in mm. This may be zero or even a
negative value.
Number of Specify multiple outlines – up to 99.
offsets
Object type Choice of outline object types: Run, Triple Run or Column C.
Offsets for Option to exclude or include outlines for any holes in the
holes selected object.

3 Click OK to apply settings. The design outline is stitched in the current

palette color using current properties. Change settings as required.

Tip: You can use Simple Offsets to

create outlines around entire designs,
including lettering.

Create outlines & offsets

Use Toolbox > Outlines & Offsets to create outlines and offsets of any type
for any filled embroidery or closed vector object.

Use the Outlines & Offsets tool to add outline stitching to selected
objects or entire designs with a complete range of outline styles. Any
closed shape can be used, including vector objects, runs, or any filled
shapes.

Outlines
The Outlines & Offsets dialog divides into two panels for outlines and
offsets. Use the outlines panel to generate outlines around single or
multiple selected objects. The droplist includes the full range of outline

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 353

 stitch types. For each selected object, the software generates outlines
and inserts them immediately after in the stitching sequence.

Generate outline
objects around single
or multiple selects

The Overlapping Method determines how outlines will overlap:

Overlap method Details

Individual All generated outlines are full outlines.

Common Intersecting outlines are combined into a single outline.

Trimmed Overlapped portions are trimmed by overlapping objects.

Offsets
The offsets panel allows you to generate single or multiple offsets in any
combination of styles, colors, and spacings. Any closed shapes can be
used, including vector objects, runs, or any filled shapes. You have the
option of preserving source objects.

Use icons to lock

settings in place
Define offset
pattern

Specify number
of patterns

C h a p te r 15 P ro du c tiv ity Tech n iq u e s 354

 Tick Create offsets and define an offset pattern in the Offset
Pattern panel. Each row defines a single offset. For each, specify an
object type – e.g. Run – a spacing in millimeters – e.g. 1mm – and a
color. Remember that each spacing is calculated from the previous
object.

 Use the + buttons to add offsets to a pattern. Use the Lock icons to
lock settings in place.
 Specify pattern repeats in the Number of patterns field. Adjust
spacing between pattern repeats in the Pattern spacing field.

 Tick the Create offsets for holes checkbox as appropriate.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 355

 Use the Overlapping method options to determine offsets for
multiple selections.

 Tick the Join offsets into spiral checkbox to create a continuous

spiral around the source object.

 Select rounded or squared corners as preferred. The squared option

allows you to adjust the angle limit – first select Cut Sharp Corners
and set required angle value.

Squared Squared Squared Rounded

Angle limit: 20° Angle limit: 30°

 Adjust the Approximation setting as required. This controls the

smoothness of the generated object outline – the larger the value, the

C h a p te r 15 P ro du c tiv ity Tech n iq u e s 356

 more approximate the curve. If the value is set to zero, the generated
outline is unsmoothed. This is suitable for use with cutting machines.

Approximation: 0 mm Approximation: 0.3 mm Approximation: 0.6 mm

Note: By default, source objects are preserved. If you choose not to, the
offset object replaces the original in the same position in the stitching
order. Start and end points of the resultant object will be as close as
possible to those of the source object.

Create negative offsets

Use Toolbox > Outlines & Offsets to create outlines and offsets of any type
for any filled embroidery or closed vector object.

The Outlines & Offsets tool allows you to specify both negative and
positive offsets.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 357

To create negative offsets
1 Select a source object/s and click the Outlines & Offsets icon.

Set negative
spacing

Specify number
of patterns

 Tick Create offsets and define a simple offset object in the Offset
Pattern panel.
 Set the required offset in millimeters:
 To center the offset object over the original, enter a value of 0.00.
 To position the offset object outside the original, enter a positive
offset – e.g. 1.00.
 To position the offset object inside the original, enter a negative
offset – e.g. -1.00.

Negative Offset Zero Offset Positive Offset

 If you want multiple offsets, enter a value in the Number of patterns

field.
 Select Pattern spacing and enter the required offset in millimeters.
Offsets are always offset in a positive direction, even if you have

C h a p te r 15 P ro du c tiv ity Tech n iq u e s 358

 entered a negative number. Spacing is calculated from the previous
object, not the source object.

Offset spacing: -1.5mm Offset spacing: 0mm Offset spacing: 1.5mm

Number of patterns: 3 Number of patterns: 3 Number of patterns: 3
Pattern spacing: 3mm Pattern spacing: 1.5mm Pattern spacing: 0mm

Note: As an alternative to the above technique, you can define your

negative offsets entirely as a single offset pattern. Note how you set
up the spacings.

Define offset
pattern

Set number
patterns to 1

Create offsets with open objects

Use Toolbox > Open Offsets to create precise offsets for any open
embroidery or vector object.

Use Toolbox > Outlines & Offsets to create closed offsets for open
embroidery or vector objects.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 359

 The Open Offsets tool allows you to generate parallel offsets from any
open shape. Offset lines are calculated at a specified distance for a
specified number, one side or other side, or both sides.

Define offset
pattern

You can use the Outlines & Offsets tool with open objects to create
closed offsets as shown. Select rounded or squared corners as preferred.
The squared option allows you to adjust the angle limit – first select Cut
Sharp Corners and set required angle value.

Mirroring & reflecting selections

The Mirror Merge tools allow you to duplicate and transform selected
objects, as well as merge them into a single object. Use them to create
wreaths or decorative borders. Or use them to create perfectly

C h a p te r 15 P ro du c tiv ity Tech n iq u e s 360

 symmetrical objects. Color blocks are automatically resequenced to
minimize unnecessary color changes.

Mirror selections horizontally & vertically

Use Mirror Merge > Mirror Copy Horizontal to duplicate and mirror objects
or designs in the horizontal plane.

Use Mirror Merge > Mirror Copy Vertical to duplicate and mirror objects or
designs in the vertical plane.

Use Mirror Merge > Mirror Copy Horizontal & Vertical to duplicate and
mirror objects or designs simultaneously in both planes.

Use the Mirror Copy Horizontal and Vertical tools to duplicate and
mirror selections simultaneously. Simply select objects and click a tool to

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 361

 duplicate and mirror in any plane. Click to mark the reflection point and
press Enter to confirm.

The Mirror Merge tools can also be used, as the name suggests, to
merge mirrored objects into a single object. If duplicates overlap the
original, you are prompted to merge objects. Use this feature to merge
duplicates into a perfectly symmetrical object such as a face or heart.

Source object Object reflected Reflected objects merged

Create multiple reflections

Use Mirror Merge > Reflect to duplicate and mirror objects or designs.

Use the Reflect tool to duplicate and mirror designs simultaneously. Set
any number of rows or columns. The feature is often used in making
fashion or textile designs. The limit for allowable wreath points is 100.

C h a p te r 15 P ro du c tiv ity Tech n iq u e s 362

To create reflected objects
1 Select the object or design.
2 Click the Reflect icon. The associated settings are activated.
3 Move the pointer to position duplicates.

Set precise column and row spacings

Set no. of columns Set no. of rows

Tip: Press Shift to disable Auto-Scroll while using Mirror Merge.

4 Adjust the number of columns and rows required in the settings
toolbar. Tab from field to field to enter values.
5 For more precise positioning, adjust spacing settings. Press Enter to
confirm.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 363

 6 Click to mark the reflection point and press Enter to confirm.

Note: Color blocks are automatically resequenced to minimize

unnecessary color changes.

Related topics...
 Duplicate & clone objects

Create wreaths

Use Mirror Merge > Wreath to duplicate objects around a center point.

Use Mirror Merge > Kaleidoscope to mirror paired objects in a wreath.

C h a p te r 15 P ro du c tiv ity Tech n iq u e s 364

Use the Wreath tool to duplicate objects around a center point. The
Kaleidoscope toggle mirrors the selection as well. Color blocks are
automatically resequenced to minimize unnecessary color changes.

To create wreaths
1 Select the object or design.
2 Click the Wreath icon. The associated settings are activated.
3 Move the pointer. Optionally, click the Kaleidoscope toggle to mirror
duplicates.
4 Enter the number of wreath points. Because objects are mirrored,
Kaleidoscope works best with an even number.

Set precise distance Set precise angle

Click toggle to
mirror duplicates
Enter no. of wreath points

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 365

 5 Move the pointer to position duplicates. Hold down Ctrl to constrain
the reference line to 45° increments.
6 For more precise positioning, adjust Distance and Angle settings.
Tab from field to field to enter values. Press Enter to confirm.

Note: Distance and angle are measured from the center of the source
to the center of the wreath or kaleidoscope.
7 Click to mark the reflection point and press Enter to confirm. The
selection is duplicated and distributed around the center point.

Five-point wreath

Six-point kaleidoscope

Note: If the duplicates overlap the original, you are prompted to

merge objects.

Creating design arrays

Use Mirror Merge > Array to duplicate designs, such as badges,

re-sequencing color blocks for efficient multiple design stitchouts.

Use the Array tool to create multiple copies of designs, such as badges,
spaced in rows and columns for faster stitchouts. Color blocks are
automatically resequenced to minimize unnecessary color changes.

To create design arrays

 Select the object or design.
 Click the Array icon. The associated settings are activated.
 As you move the pointer, duplicate outlines move accordingly. Press
Shift to disable Auto-Scroll while using Mirror Merge.

C h a p te r 15 P ro du c tiv ity Tech n iq u e s 366

 Set the number of columns and rows. Tab from field to field to enter
values.

Set precise column and row spacings

Set no. of columns Set no. of rows

 Move the pointer to position duplicates.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 367

 Click to mark the anchor point or press Enter to confirm.

Color blocks resequenced

to eliminate unnecessary
color changes

 Optionally, for more precise positioning, adjust spacing settings. Press

Enter to confirm.

C h a p te r 15 P ro du c tiv ity Tech n iq u e s 368

Chapter 16
Reshaping Objects

EmbroideryStudio offers a number of techniques for reshaping

embroidery objects, all with the one tool. Sometimes you may need to
cut, split or break up complex or compound objects in order to fine-tune
them. Various tools are available for this purpose. As well as reshaping
object outlines, you can add and adjust stitch angles, a property unique
to embroidery objects. You can also change the entry and exit points of
individual objects which is important if you are digitizing manually or
resequencing embroidery objects.

Reshaping embroidery objects

The reference points you mark when digitizing a shape become its
‘control points’. Most control points can be added, deleted, or moved.
Corner and curve points can be swapped. Some, such as entry and exit
points, cannot be deleted.

Entry point

Exit point

Corner reshape-node

Curve reshape-node

Control handle

Stitch angle points

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 369

View control points

Use Reshape > Reshape Object to reshape selected objects, edit stitch
angles, and adjust entry/exit points.

Use Reshape Views > Show Reshape Nodes to toggle on/off reshape
nodes for selected objects.

Use Reshape Views > Show Bézier Handles to toggle on/off Bézier
handles for selected objects.

Use Reshape Views > Show Stitch Angles to toggle on/off stitch angles for
selected objects.

Use Reshape Views > Show Entry/Exit Points to toggle on/off entry/exit
points for selected objects – respectively, green diamond and red cross
markers.

The Reshape Object tool is important in EmbroideryStudio. Use it

whenever you want to change object shapes. Use it also to edit stitch
angles as well as entry and exit points.

To view control points

 Select an object and click Reshape Object. Control points appear
together with Reshape Views toolbar.

Entry point Corner reshape-node

Curve reshape-node

Stitch angle line

Stitch angle point

Bézier control handle

Exit point

Tip: Most control points can be added, deleted, or moved. Corner and
curve points can be swapped. Entry/exit points, however, cannot be
deleted.

C h a p te r 16 Reshaping Objects 370

  Use the Reshape Views toolbar to selectively display control points.

Show Reshape Nodes Show Bézier Handles Show Stitch Angles Show Entry/Exit

 Show Reshape Nodes: Use hotkey combination Alt+N to toggle.

See Reshape objects with reshape-nodes for details.
 Show Bézier Handles: See Reshape objects with Bézier controls
for details. See also Reshape options.
 Show Stitch Angles: Use hotkey combination Alt+A to toggle.
See Adjusting stitch angles for details.
 Show Entry/Exit: See Adjust entry/exit points for details.
 To view next or previous objects, press Tab or Shift+Tab keys. Any
changes to objects are confirmed.

Shift + Tab Tab

Related topics...
 Reshape objects with reshape-nodes
 Reshape objects with Bézier controls
 Reshape options
 Adjusting stitch angles
 Smoothing curves

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 371

Reshape objects with reshape-nodes

Use Reshape > Reshape Object to reshape selected objects by means of

control points.

Use Reshape Views > Show Reshape Nodes to toggle reshape-node

display when using the Reshape Object tool.

Use View > Show Stitches to toggle embroidery stitching display on or off.

Change object shapes with the Reshape Object tool.

To reshape objects with reshape-nodes

 Select an object and click Reshape Object. Control points appear
together with Reshape Views toolbar.
 Toggle on Show Reshape Nodes and toggle off other icons.
 Optionally, press S to turn off stitch display and turn back on when you
are ready to regenerate stitches.
 Add nodes as required:
 Left-click to add a corner node.
 Right-click to add a curve node.

Right-click

Left-click

 Select reshape-nodes as follows:

 Click a single node.
 Click-and-drag a selection marquee around a group of nodes.

C h a p te r 16 Reshaping Objects 372

  Use Ctrl or Shift keys to select multiple nodes. Left-clicking or
right-clicking in closed shapes reverses the direction of the
selection.

OR

Click to select – hold Drag selection marquee Hold down Shift and right
down Ctrl to select around reshape-nodes or left-click to select range
multiple nodes to select of nodes

 Adjust reshape-node position by dragging along the outline.

Drag
reshape-nodes

Tip: Use the arrow keys to ‘nudge’ selected nodes.

 Press Delete to remove unwanted nodes.

Delete reshape-nodes
and toggle between
corners and curves

 Press Spacebar to toggle between corner and curve nodes.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 373

  Press Esc to cancel changes. Press Esc again to exit Reshape mode.

Note: You can also adjust stitch angles as well as change entry and
exit points.

Related topics...
 Reshape objects with Bézier controls
 Reshape options
 Adjusting stitch angles

Reshape objects with Bézier controls

Use Reshape > Reshape Object to reshape selected objects by means of

control points.

Use Reshape Views > Show Reshape Nodes to toggle reshape-node

display when using the Reshape Object tool.

Use Reshape Views > Show Bézier Handles to toggle Bézier control
handle display when using the Reshape Object tool.

When EmbroideryStudio converts a vector graphic, it preserves nodes

and control points. CorelDRAW® Graphics Suite uses Bézier curves. In
Wilcom Workspace you can work with reshape-nodes or Bézier control
points.

To reshape objects with Bézier controls

1 Select an object and click Reshape Object. Control points appear
together with Reshape Views toolbar.
2 Toggle on Show Reshape Nodes together with Show Bézier
Handles.
3 Reshape objects in one of two ways:
 Drag the control handle to reshape the curve around
reshape-nodes.

Bézier control
handle

Curve point
Drag control handle
to reshape curve

C h a p te r 16 Reshaping Objects 374

  Adjust reshape-node position by dragging along the outline.

Original curve Bézier curve Traditional curve

Note: Generally, bézier node dragging preserves the shape of the

curve more accurately.
4 Release the mouse and/or press Enter to finish. Again depending on
system settings, stitches are generated as soon as the reshape-nodes
are moved or after Enter is pressed.

Tip: Press Spacebar to toggle between corner and curve

reshape-nodes.

Related topics...
 Reshape options

Reshape Column C objects

Use Reshape > Reshape Object to add stitch angles to selected objects.

Reshaping operations for Column C objects are handled a little differently

to other embroidery objects.

Hold down Shift and Alt

keypress combinations to
control Column C reshaping
operations

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 375

  With the Reshape tool activated, drag reshape handles to control
object width.
 Hold down Alt and drag to adjust offsets.
 Hold down Shift and drag to adjust angles.

Related topics...
 Digitizing regular columns
 Set angles & orientation
 Ruler & guide display options

Reshaping stars & rings

For objects created with the Star or Ring tools, reshape using default
control points only.

Reshape star objects

Use Reshape > Reshape Object to reshape circle and star objects.

Change circle/star objects from circles to ovals using the Reshape

Object tool.

C h a p te r 16 Reshaping Objects 376

 To reshape star objects
 Select an object and click Reshape Object. Circle/star objects have
two reshape-nodes (for radius and orientation), a center point (to
reposition), and an entry point.

Entry point

90°

Center point Reshape-node

Stitch angle

 Use reshape nodes to change object radius, orientation, and position.

Click-and-drag Press Enter

reshape-node

Tip: Change the stitch angle of circle objects by moving the entry
point.
 Press Enter.

Tip: To scale a circle without changing it to an oval, select it with the

Select Object tool, and use selection handles.

Related topics...
 Digitize stars & rings

Reshape ring objects

Use Reshape > Reshape Object to reshape ring objects.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 377

You can reshape the inner and outer boundaries of ring objects with the
Reshape Object tool.

To reshape ring objects

 Select an object and click Reshape Object.

Entry point

Center point may Reshape-node

not be visible

 Use reshape nodes to change object radius, orientation, and position.

Click-and-drag
Press Enter
reshape-node

 Use reshape nodes to offset boundaries. Center points are generally

on top of each other to begin with, and may not be visible.

Click-and-drag
center point Press Enter

C h a p te r 16 Reshaping Objects 378

 Related topics...
 Digitize stars & rings

Applying envelopes

Apply Envelope > Bridge Envelope to make objects bulge or arch.

Apply Envelope > Pennant Envelope to make objects compress.

Apply Envelope > Perspective Envelope to make objects stretch.

Apply Envelope > Diamond Envelope to make objects bulge or compress.

Four types of Envelope effect are available – Bridge, Pennant,

Perspective and Diamond. Envelopes are typically applied to lettering
objects, but they can also be applied to other types of embroidery object.

To apply an envelope
1 Select the lettering object you want to distort. To apply an envelope to
several objects, group them first, then apply the envelope.
2 Select Edit > Envelope.

Choose an envelope

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 379

3 Select an envelope type from among the following alternatives:

Bridge Pennant Perspective Diamond

Shaping handles display around the envelope outline.

Bridge reshape
handles

4 Drag handles up or down to shape the object.

 To move two handles in opposite directions, hold the Shift key
down while dragging.

Shift + drag

C h a p te r 16 Reshaping Objects 380

  To move handles in the same direction, hold down the Ctrl key
while dragging.

Ctrl + drag

5 Press Esc to finish.

Related topics...
 Creating special effects with lettering art

Splitting objects
EmbroideryStudio lets you split branched objects – monograms,
appliqués, lettering, etc – into their components. You can even split
manual objects with Process Stitches in order to convert sections to
outline objects.

Break apart composite objects

Use Edit > Break Apart to split composite objects – monograms, appliqués,
lettering, etc – into component objects.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 381

The Break Apart tool allows you to break up composite objects –
monograms, appliqués, lettering, etc. The effect on these objects is
similar to ungrouping.

Note: When saved into earlier versions of the software, monograms,

appliqués, lettering, and blackwork runs may be subjected to the Break
Apart procedure by default.

To break apart a composite object

1 Select the object you want to break apart – e.g. branched object,
appliqué, monogram, lettering, etc.

2 Click the Break Apart icon or select Arrange > Break Apart. The
branched object is split into component objects.

Tip: To modify individual objects – e.g. to change the stitching

sequence of monogram borders – use the Color-Object List to
ungroup and resequence.

Tip: Applying the Break Apart function to a lettering object breaks it

into a logical stitching sequence while maintaining lettering object
characteristics.

Related topics...
 Splitting objects

C h a p te r 16 Reshaping Objects 382

  Breaking apart lettering

Cut shapes manually

Use Edit > Knife to cut objects along a digitized line, preserving stitch
settings and colors in resulting objects.

The Knife tool is used to manually cut filled shapes into smaller
fragments. It has the advantage over Split Object and Divide tools of
allowing you to digitize temporary cut lines. Cut objects are generated
with stitching – parallel or turning – appropriate to their shape. The tool
cuts both filled and ‘fillable’ vector objects as well as embroidery objects.
Run objects can also be cut with the Knife tool.

The Knife tool has two modes of operation:

 With nothing selected, it will cut all objects under the knife.
 With selected objects, it will only cut those within the selection.

To cut shapes manually

1 Select one or more suitable objects for cutting.

Object needs cutting at

this point to avoid
awkward stitch angles

2 Click the Knife tool. The cursor changes to a knife icon.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 383

3 Digitize a cutting line – left-click for corner points, right-click for curve
points – and press Enter.

Source object
separated into two
adjoining objects

4 Manually adjust object overlaps using the Reshape Object tool.

Note: By default EmbroideryStudio orders fragments into a

closest-join sequence that preserves the source object’s entry and exit
points. The Options > Reshape dialog offers other ways of managing
cut fragments.

Adjust Knife tool

behavior

Note: When you select a lettering object to cut, the object is

highlighted with a thick magenta outline. See Converting TrueType
fonts to embroidery for details.

Lettering object
highlighted for
cutting

Related topics...
 Split vector & embroidery objects
 Shaping objects
 Reshape options
 Reshape objects with reshape-nodes

C h a p te r 16 Reshaping Objects 384

Cut shapes automatically

Use Edit > Automatic Knife to automatically slice Complex Fill and
Complex Turning embroidery objects into smaller turning stitch and single
angle objects with automatic overlaps.

The Automatic Knife tool assists semi-automated digitizing of vector

artwork. When objects have clean boundaries, EmbroideryStudio
fragments them automatically and generates good quality stitching in
most cases. It also operates on Complex Fill and Complex Turning
embroidery objects.

To cut shapes automatically

1 Select one or more suitable objects for cutting.

Object needs cutting

at this point to avoid
awkward stitch
angles

2 Click the Automatic Knife icon.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 385

 EmbroideryStudio cuts the selected object automatically, discarding
any unwanted fragments.

Overlaps created
between fragment
objects at junctions

For each source object, EmbroideryStudio:

 Creates turning-stitch objects as well as single-angle objects where
appropriate.
 Creates overlaps at junctions between objects.
 Branches adjoining objects.

Related topics...
 Automatic branching
 Break apart composite objects

Shaping objects
When working with overlapping vector or embroidery objects, you can
merge, trim or split them using the Shaping tools. All ‘shaped’
embroidery objects convert to Complex Fill or Complex Turning. Vector
objects remain as vector objects unless combined with embroidery
objects. You have the option of preserving source objects. You also have
the option of adding overlaps to objects resulting from Flatten or Divide
operations.

Related topics...
 Merge vector & embroidery objects
 Trim vector & embroidery objects

C h a p te r 16 Reshaping Objects 386

  Split vector & embroidery objects
 Preserve original objects

Shaping tools summary table

Source Tool Result Description

Selected objects are combined into a

single object. The resulting object takes the
Weld
properties – stitch color and type, etc – of
the topmost object.

Only areas unique to each selected object

Flatten are retained. All overlapping areas are
removed.

Only areas common to all selected objects

Intersect are retained. All non-overlapping areas are
removed.

Areas where pairs of selected objects

Exclude overlap are removed, starting from the
topmost object.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 387

Source Tool Result Description

The topmost object is retained, but all of the

Front-Back areas overlapping with other selected
objects are removed.

The bottommost object is retained, but all

Back-Front of the areas overlapping with other
selected objects are removed.

The objects are split wherever overlaps

Divide
occur and all hidden areas are removed.

Areas where pairs of selected objects

overlap are removed, starting from the
Combine topmost object. All resulting objects share
the properties – stitch color and type, etc –
of the topmost object.

Merge vector & embroidery objects

Use Shaping > Weld to merge overlapping objects into a single ‘flattened’
object.

Use Shaping > Combine to merge the properties of overlapping objects

and trim overlapping areas.

Merge selected objects using the Weld or Combine tools.

To merge vector and embroidery objects

 Select vector or embroidery objects to shape.

C h a p te r 16 Reshaping Objects 388

 Use Weld to merge overlapping objects into a single ‘flattened’ object.

Weld applied to
petals

 Make symmetrical shapes by digitizing one half, duplicating and

reflecting, then welding the duplicate shapes.

Weld
applied

 Use Combine to convert embroidery objects into multiple objects

sharing the properties – stitch color and type, etc – of the topmost
object.

Combine applied
to petals

If drawing tools are used as the input method, Combine converts

vector objects to a single complex shape.

Combine applied
to petals

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 389

 Tip: Cut objects in half by drawing a line through them and applying
Divide. Apply Combine to create closed objects or Weld to fuse two
objects.

Weld + Run
applied to
resulting objects

Weld + Run +
Divide Combine applied to
applied resulting objects

Trim vector & embroidery objects

Use Shaping > Intersect to trim overlapping areas so that only those
intersected by all selected objects remain.

Use Shaping > Exclude to trim overlapping objects and preserve their
individual properties.

Use Shaping > Front-Back to trim overlapping objects so that only

non-overlapped areas of the topmost object remain.

Use Shaping > Back-Front to trim overlapping objects so that only

non-overlapped areas of the bottommost object remain.

Trim selected objects using the Intersect, Exclude, Front-Back or

Back-Front tools.

To trim vector and embroidery objects

 Select vector or embroidery objects to shape.

C h a p te r 16 Reshaping Objects 390

 Use Intersect to trim overlapping areas so that only those intersected
by all selected objects remain.

Intersect
applied

 Use Exclude to trim overlapping objects and preserve their individual

properties. The result is similar to Combine except that object
properties are not merged.

Exclude applied to
petals

Tip: Use Exclude to cut holes in Complex Fill objects.

 Use Front-Back to trim overlapping objects so that only
non-overlapped areas of the topmost object remain.

Front-Back
applied

 Use Back-Front to trim overlapping objects so that only

non-overlapped areas of the bottommost object remain.

Back-Front
applied

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 391

 Tip: Use the Remove Overlaps feature to maintain shapes but
remove the underlying layer of stitching.

Related topics...
 Removing underlying stitching

Split vector & embroidery objects

Use Shaping > Overlap to adjust the overlaps of objects resulting from
Flatten or Divide shaping operations.

Use Shaping > Flatten to trim all overlaps while retaining the original
objects.

Use Shaping > Divide to split selected objects into separate adjoining
objects wherever they intersect with other selected objects.

Split selected objects using the Flatten or Divide tools. These tools
preserve the outlines of the original shapes. The Overlap setting allows
you to add overlaps to objects resulting from Flatten or Divide shaping
operations.

To split vector and embroidery objects

 Select the vector or embroidery objects to shape.
 Click Flatten to trim all overlaps while retaining the original objects.

Flatten
applied

C h a p te r 16 Reshaping Objects 392

 Click Divide to split selected objects into separate adjoining objects.
All overlapped areas become discrete objects.

Divide applied
(petals only)

 Use the Overlap feature to add overlaps to the objects resulting from
Flatten or Divide shaping operations.

The Overlap range is from 0.00 to 5.00 mm with increments of

0.01 mm. The default overlap is 0.50 mm.

Source objects Flatten: 0.00 mm Flatten: 2.00 mm

The border of a third object in the stitching order is extended where it

touches the other two layers of objects. And so on.

Source objects Flatten: 0.00 mm Flatten: 2.00 mm

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 393

Preserve original objects

Use Shaping > Keep Original Objects to keep the source objects after
shaping.

The Keep Original Objects is a toggle which affects the behavior of all
the other shaping tools. While it is active, all selected source objects of
all shaping operations are preserved. The resultant objects are inserted
after the last source object in the stitching sequence.

C h a p te r 16 Reshaping Objects 394

Chapter 17
Stitches & Machine Functions

EmbroideryStudio automatically generates

stitches from design outlines and properties.
This means you can scale, transform, and
reshape native designs without compromising
stitch density or quality. However,
EmbroideryStudio also lets you edit individual
stitches. You may need to do this, for
example, when working with ‘stitch’ files
which do not contain outline data.
Like stitches, machine functions are inserted
automatically whenever you digitize objects
and specify object properties. They are stored with the embroidery object
and updated whenever it is modified. However, EmbroideryStudio also
lets you manually insert machine functions. This flexibility allows you to
adapt designs to almost any machine requirement. See Machine Files for
details.
Occasionally you may need to digitize individual stitches. Use these
sparingly.
You can also use manual stitching together with machine functions to
create boring holes. Holes are cut in the fabric, producing an effect
similar to lace.

Selecting & editing stitches

The Stitch Edit tool lets you select individual stitches or groups of
stitches directly or via the Stitch List.

Caution: When you insert stitches manually, you must maintain them
manually. For this reason, only insert stitches if they cannot be added
automatically.

Select stitches by needle point

Use Stitch > Stitch Edit to select individual stitches for editing.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 395

 Click View > Show Needle Points to show or hide the needle points in a
design.

Select individual stitches in Stitch Edit mode.

To select stitches by needle point

 Click the Stitch Edit icon and zoom into the area you want to edit.
 Click Show Needle Points for easier selection.
 Click a needle point.

Selected Hold down Shift

stitch to select a range
of stitches

 Use keyboard shortcuts to aid selection:

 To select a range, hold down Shift as you select.
 To select multiple stitches, hold down Ctrl as you select.
 Alternatively, drag a selection marquee around stitches.

Stitches
selected

Selection
marquee

 Deselect by either means:

 Press Esc.
 Select Edit > Deselect All.

Tip: While editing stitches, use the Selects On/Off command to

select stitches while traveling.

Related topics...
 Select stitches while traveling

C h a p ter 17 St itch e s & M a ch i n e F u nc ti on s 396

Select stitches with the Stitch List

Use Docker > Stitch List to toggle Stitch List display on and off. Use it to
select individual stitches.

You can view and select individual stitches by means of the Stitch List.

To select stitches with the Stitch List

 Click the Stitch List icon.
The Stitch List opens. It shows stitch position coordinates and
function information – e.g. whether the stitch is a jump. It also shows
the length of every stitch in the design.

Stitch List shows position

coordinates, function information,
and individual stitch lengths

Change Stitch List text and

background colors

 Right-click to access popup menu options. For example, display text in

black by selecting Black Text or in the associated stitch color by
selecting Colored Text.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 397

  Click a stitch to select it. Stitches selected in the Stitch List are also
selected in the design, and vice versa.

Selected
stitches

 Use keyboard shortcuts to aid selection:

 To select a range, hold down Shift as you select.
 To select multiple stitches, hold down Ctrl as you select.

Related topics...
 Filtering stitches & functions

Select stitches while traveling

Use Stitch > Stitch Edit to select individual stitches for editing.

Select Stitch > Selects On/Off to select a range of stitches as you travel
through the design.

Select a range of stitches by traveling by stitch with Selects On/Off

activated. This command adds stitches to the selection as you travel
through the stitching sequence.

To select stitches while traveling

 Click the Stitch Edit icon.
 Zoom into the area you want to edit and click a needle point.

Travel to the
first stitch

 Select Stitch > Selects On/Off or press Q.

C h a p ter 17 St itch e s & M a ch i n e F u nc ti on s 398