What is embroidery digitization?

Tag : Embroidery Thread

Digitizing is the process that converts your image file into aworkable embroidery file. The common misconception in the industryby the end customer is that their artwork is already digitized(unless it has been digitized for embroidery). In the age of the PCthe word digitizing has come to mean many things. It is the hopesof this article to clear up what digitizing means to the embroideryfield.

Modern day embroidery is done by stitching machines that must havea proper embroidery format to complete the task. Many types offormats are accepted by embroidery digitization artist. There aretherefore to many to mention within this article but for the sakeof explaining we can narrow this down into two groups: Bitmap &Vector art types.

Bitmap Artwork is very common through out the Internet. The definition of bitmapis: "The method of storing information that maps an imagepixel, bit by bit". This can be a bit confusing. Bitmap imageare simply 10-1000's of pixels (dots) used to create an image(digital cameras typically use a bitmap format). With the use ofpixels there are limitations. Size & resolutions being one ofthe major drawbacks. When working with websites, graphics are oftenmade for one size and one size only. Bitmaps work great for thisand are typically smaller in byte size then any other form ofartwork which can be used on websites. However it is not commonplace to use bitmaps in print work as they cannot be resized withany efficiency. Jpeg is a common format for bitmap artwork.

Vector Artwork is a much more recent technology. The definition of vector artworkis: "Artwork that uses a mathematical language to describecolor, shape, and placement information of the individualcomponents of an image". This is confusing as well, but fairlysimple to understand. Vector uses math to create its images.Therefore it can resized to any sizes (smaller or larger) withoutlosing its quality. This makes vector the perfect medium for printwork as one original piece of artwork can be used for businesscards as well as billboards. EPS is a common format for vectorartwork.

Vector artwork is much more preferred in the embroidery image as itcan typically be imported into the digitizers software. This is notto say bitmap cannot be accepted or that the digitizers job is doneonce receiving vector artwork. All artwork whether bitmap or vectormust be manually converted into a stitch file. A stitch fileactually contains the stitch patterns and thread colors for the sewout. You see an image must be manually worked up to threads. Thisprocess is called digitizing. This is why you will often see a onetime price for artwork digitization. It is suggested you have yourdigitization done by the same company you will be getting your contract embroidery done at.
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About the Author:

Matthew Hurst of Nu Emage contract embroidery


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