Embrowser vs SewArt

Embrowser is a browser-based editor for turning photos, logos, and text into machine embroidery designs. Its drawing tools cover paths, nodes, freehand work, shape operations, and a knife tool; text can follow curved paths. Image tracing converts photos into editable paths and stitches, and a 3D preview lets you inspect a design before stitching. The Free plan includes two image auto-traces per week. Embrowser imports SVG and image files, and exports PES, DST, JEF, VP3, EXP, and U01 embroidery files. The maker says it works with machines that read those formats, covering most home and commercial machines. It runs in a browser without installation but needs an internet connection; the maker says it works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and tablets. Desktop and laptop browsers suit editing best, tablets suit viewing and simple changes, and phones are too small for the editor. Free costs nothing; Hobby costs $9.99 a month or $99.90 a year.

SewArt converts raster and vector images into embroidery file formats for machine sewing. It accepts BMP, PNG, JPG, GIF, SVG, WMF and EMF files, and can produce PES, DST, JEF, EXP, HUS, VIP, VP3 and XXX files. Digitizing tools include automatic and manual methods, pattern fills, stitch-angle choices and a manual satin-fill stitch tool. Artwork preparation options include color reduction, smoothing, color merging and speckle removal. The free 30-day demo is for evaluation, but saved converted files are limited to at most three colors. A SewArt license costs $75 as a one-time purchase, with no additional update fees; the CD option costs $93, paid once and ships only in the US. Windows downloads are offered in 32-bit and 64-bit versions. A Mac download is available but requires Windows emulation software. The maker says output can be converted by SewWhat-Pro or other embroidery editors into additional formats compatible with most home and commercial machines.