PEmbroider vs Tajima DG

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.

Tajima DG is paid embroidery digitizing software for creating designs for embroidery machines. It is listed for Windows and offered in Master Series, Creator, Composer, and Express grades, with editing functions varying by grade. Master Series provides extensive editing and automatic digitizing; Creator offers basic digitizing, templates, and free design creation; Composer targets name embroidery with more than 200 standard fonts; Express transfers data directly from a PC to an embroidery machine without USB. DG17 adds action symbols, cursor-position display, adjustable backdrop transparency, automatic 3D embroidery processing, and fabric-specific recipes. PulseCloud can store up to 100,000 design files, supports online editing through PulseCloud Designer, and allows mobile access. DG17 connects directly to Tajima, Barudan, Brother, SWF, and ZSK machines, and supports DrawFusion with CorelDRAW. It uses Tajima PXF and other popular embroidery formats. Pricing is on request.