SVG to PES: digitize your image

Step by step

1. Open Auto Digitize

   In Studio, choose Auto Digitize and upload your artwork.

2. Compare the trace

   Review the SVG silhouette and details. Adjust the available controls and inspect suggestions.

3. Choose stitches and colors

   Review each important object, set its stitch type, and check the thread colors. Use Create design when the trace is ready.

4. Export PES

   Export PES directly on the free plan. Preview the sewing sequence, check the hoop and test the result on your intended material.

Prepare the SVG artwork

An SVG provides vector shapes, but those shapes still need stitch types, density and sewing order. Stitchist can use supported vector geometry; text, gradients and unusual effects may need preparation or a raster fallback.

Keep the SVG self-contained. Check that its text and appearance survive opening it in another viewer; convert text to paths in the source editor if the font is unavailable.

Start with the final design size in mind. A highlight that is visible on a screen can be too small to reproduce with thread at a tiny embroidery size.

Review the trace before creating

Check the silhouette, holes, outlines and small facial details against your reference. Adjust the tracing controls where available. Work through the wizard's suggestions, then inspect individual objects and choose fill, satin, running or off as appropriate. Review colors before using Create design.

Satin suits column-like details; broad regions usually need fill. Tiny disconnected shapes may need to be enlarged, simplified or redrawn. Detection is not the same as a satisfactory stitch-out.

Create, preview and export PES

Export PES directly on the free plan.

Check that your model accepts PES version 6, then check the design dimensions against its embroidery area. A machine can reject a supported extension when the version or hoop is unsuitable.

Thread colors can be carried in PES. Missing colors in the source cannot be recovered by changing the extension.

When to edit by hand

Flat logos with distinct colors are a practical starting point. Photographs, very small lettering and shaded artwork often require deliberate simplification or manual drawing. Use node editing and stitch controls to improve the result instead of repeatedly tracing an unsuitable source.

Keep your editable project as well as the machine file. A later resize is easier to evaluate when the original objects and stitch settings are available.

Common questions