PEmbroider vs StitchConsole

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.

StitchConsole is a browser-based studio for creating and editing embroidery designs. Its free plan includes run, satin, and fill stitch tools, editable pen and Bezier paths, underlay, pull compensation, density controls, and object auto-splitting. The image converter turns artwork into editable stitch objects; the first ten conversions are free, and images are read in the browser. It opens around thirty embroidery machine formats and exports DST, PES, JEF, EXP, VP3, PEC, XXX, U01, TBF, and PMV. Users can inspect stitch simulation, measurements, colour lists, and stitch counts before export. The free plan allows unlimited designs, with ten designs synced at a time and ten image conversions. Pro costs $19 a month and adds lettering, appliqué, motif fill and run, program split, unlimited auto-digitize, AI Assist, optimisers, bulk export, and an unlimited cloud library. The app runs in a browser on Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS without an installer or plugin. Auto-digitizing works best with flat artwork; gradients and photographs do not convert well.