Ink/Stitch vs Ricoma Chroma
Ink/Stitch
inkstitch.orgRicoma Chroma
ricoma.comSide by side
| Figure | Ink/Stitch | Ricoma Chroma |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $66.67/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · Embroidery Design Software | 8.7 (#5) | 7.6 (#19) |
| File formats | It imports and exports embroidery files in formats including DST, EXP, JEF, PEC, PES, VP3, and XXX, and can also export a detailed PDF view. | Chroma accepts AI, EPS, SVG, PNG, and JPG input and exports multiple embroidery formats plus PDF, JPG, and PNG. |
| Purpose | Ink/Stitch is an open-source machine embroidery design platform based on Inkscape and SVG. | Chroma is digitizing software for creating embroidery designs. |
| Security | The Windows download page says free code signing is provided by SignPath.io with a certificate from SignPath Foundation and links to a code signing policy. | Ricoma says payment information is processed securely and that it does not store or have access to credit card details. |
Plans
In their own words
Ink/Stitch
Ink/Stitch is a machine embroidery design platform built around Inkscape and SVG, available as an extension for Linux, macOS, and Windows. It requires Inkscape 1.0.2 or higher and is free to use under GNU GPL version 3.0 or later. Designs can use running, bean, ripple, satin, fill, cutwork, redwork, and tartan stitches, with manual stitch placement also available. Lettering tools support typing with pre-digitized fonts or creating custom fonts. Users can preview an animated stitch-out or a stitch plan, then make a PDF with realistic rendering or line-drawing mode. Thread tools allow installation of palettes from more than 60 manufacturers, creation of custom palettes, and matching design colors to a selected palette. Ink/Stitch imports and exports embroidery formats including DST, EXP, JEF, PEC, PES, VP3, and XXX, and can export a detailed PDF view. It offers appliqué tools, vector import, and stitch simulation, but not auto-digitizing. Brother PEC and PES files cannot save more than 255 color changes.
Ricoma Chroma
Ricoma Chroma has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.