PEmbroider vs SewArt

PEmbroider is a Java library for generating computational embroidery designs in Processing. Its drawing functions handle lines, shapes, and typography, while shape tools support overlap, cropping, merging, and a range of embroidery fills. Designs can start from SVG files or black-and-white PNG and GIF images. The library generates DST, EXP, JEF, PEC, PES, VP3, and XXX files for consumer CNC embroidery machines. It also exports PDF, SVG, TSV, and GCODE for other 2D output devices, including CNC routers and AxiDraw pen plotters. A modified Traveling Salesperson Problem solver creates shorter paths intended to reduce embroidery time and material use. PEmbroider can visualize files it generates, but cannot load or preview existing embroidery files. It integrates with Processing and can be installed through its Contribution Manager or from a ZIP library. The instructions require Processing 4.0a6 or later, with a separate download for Processing 3 users. It is free under GPLv3 and ACSL 1.4 and was developed during Endless March 2020 at Carnegie Mellon University's Frank-Ratchye STUDIO for Creative Inquiry.

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.