02/14/2012 01:36 PM
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emccd
Posts: 2
Joined: 02/14/2012
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I have a MacBookPro; my old PC died, and no data could be retrieved, so now I am trying to find embroidery software to replace the Embird that I had previously. The Embird software dated from 2003; so I almost feel I am starting over, and I would like to know if anyone can advise me about their experiences with embroidery software on a Mac. Thank you.
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02/14/2012 03:33 PM
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GraceB
Posts: 161
Joined: 02/13/2012
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emccd, I'm completely new to these forums, so I'd like to introduce myself. I've owned a Janome Memory Craft 4000 for about 17 years. But I just purchased the 350E, which I will pick up on Thursday. I have absolutely no machine embroidery experience, so I think I will probably be spending a lot of time here.
Sorry, I can't answer your question, but am curious to see any replies that you receive. I've been downloading some designs, and have been using my Windows laptop. However, I would really prefer to use my iMac desktop and would love to be able to download designs on that computer. You know, once you go Mac, you won't go back, lol.
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Brother Dreammaker XE, Janome 350E, Baby Lock Elizabeth, Janome 1110DX serger, MC 4000 (retired)
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02/14/2012 03:52 PM
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emccd
Posts: 2
Joined: 02/14/2012
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GraceB; I've checked out convert it mac, Embrilliance, and StitchBuddy, but from the explanations they give, I'm not sure if convert it would do everything, that is, download the design, change it to JEF, send it to the smart card, to make it usable in my machine. If it does that, then I don't think I would need Embriliiance, and there is a great difference in price. StitchBuddy offers a free demo download, but had mixed reviews, ---having used Embird, maybe I'm just hung up on the EM. Thanks for your reply, good luck, I hope someone helps us both.
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02/14/2012 07:16 PM
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GraceB
Posts: 161
Joined: 02/13/2012
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I was talking to my husband this evening. He said that you can have two distinct operating systems on a Mac....the Mac OS, and a Windows OS. You'll need a software package called VMWARE Fusion, and it will aid you in putting a Windows operating system onto your Mac. I believe it costs about $80. And, you'll also need Windows XP or Windows 7 to install onto your new computer. Then you can work with your embroidery within the Windows operating system.
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Brother Dreammaker XE, Janome 350E, Baby Lock Elizabeth, Janome 1110DX serger, MC 4000 (retired)
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02/15/2012 01:07 AM
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late4game
Posts: 9
Joined: 02/05/2012
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I have the same issue. Although an expert seamstress, I am completely new to embroidery. I knew Janome wasn't compatible to Mac, but since more and more people are moving to Macintosh, I wonder if they will ever offer both. I know they say it's expensive, but expert computer people are experts for a reason. I don't want to add a windows system to my Mac. If I wanted a PC, I would have bought one. I'm stubborn, so I may not be doing as much embroidery as I would like.
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02/15/2012 04:14 AM
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digimad
Posts: 3679
Joined: 08/30/2007
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Late4game, I think you'll find the 'I wont use a Windows OS' and the 'Macs are the only way to go' no longer really applies. Ever since 1997 when Apple and Microsoft went into partnership and the transition to an Intel Core duo platform its been an empty arguement.
Apple still uses its own OS, still controls their software, something Microsoft tried but was accused of unfair tactics, the transition to Intel duo core has meant Apple Macs can now run Windows operating systems in virtual machine mode which uses less ram, less system resources, and lets you enjoy the best of both worlds.
I use a Windows machine, I'm not a fan of Apples and their prices, but then again I don't purchase the low end of the Windows range of PCs, as the components arent robust enough, and Apple still hasnt produced a range that would give me the system resources I want, if they do at a price that compares favourably in the future then I might consider one. However it would only be to run several virtual machines in a single tower.
Computer experts like all experts hold that expertise in a narrow field, and with the ability to run virtual machines on a single platform, I don't see software authors producing hybrid cross platform programs for a long time. Join the Horizon 12000 yahoo group and ask Jim Stutsman for his experience of running windows on Apple Macs, he swears by it, and would happily encourage everyone to do the same. I know he would love to see others follow suit, Trevor Conquergood, another digitiser does the same, he also believes he has the best of both worlds. I just continue with my high end windows work station to run all my embroidery digitising software. My next computer will be set up to run several virtual machines each with its own operating system so I can have Apples and IBM compats all under one roof.
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digimad
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02/15/2012 09:38 AM
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GraceB
Posts: 161
Joined: 02/13/2012
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My husband is the computer techie in the family, and runs several Apple machines that have been partitioned with Windows operating systems. I have Outlook for Mac, and Windows Office for Mac, installed on my new iMac and, believe it or not, they function better than their counterparts did on my old PC.
For right now, I'm going to use my Windows laptop to download designs, as I haven't purchased any software yet. But, I think I would rather work on my large desktop screen when I do purchase a software product, so I'm going to have him install the Windows option on my iMac.
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Brother Dreammaker XE, Janome 350E, Baby Lock Elizabeth, Janome 1110DX serger, MC 4000 (retired)
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02/15/2012 10:27 AM
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mattes
Posts: 104
Joined: 04/03/2010
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To download JEFs and transfer them to a Janome embroidery machine (you didn't mention yours), no additional software is needed as all: It can by done by the Mac OS X Finder, simply by copying the JEF files to the right location after the USB stick / ATA card was attached.
Converting other embroidery formats to JEF can be achieved with all the programs you mentioned, I'd suggest to check out their demos: Although some are quite limited, they allow you to get an impression of the programs philosophy and handling... Unfortunately all three aren't replacements for Embird when it come to digitizing.
Mattes
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StitchBuddy - Embroidery on Mac, iPhone and iPad
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05/24/2012 12:38 AM
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late4game
Posts: 9
Joined: 02/05/2012
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Here it is, over three months since I got my 12000. I have done mostly sewing, but finally jumped into the embroidery. Since I didn't want to run windows on my Mac, I did some research and found a program called Stitch Buddy (stitchbuddy.com) The developer is in Germany and has been most helpful. The program was written for Mac users and he will give you many free tries before you decide if you want to purchase or not. The price is very reasonable. I purchased it as well as some embroidery designs, and I'm happy to report that I can embroider those designs using my Mac. The limitations will be with the HorizonLink, however. Right now, I'm not advanced enough to use that, and perhaps by the time I am, he will have figured it out, or Janome will produce software compatible w/ Mac. Right now, I'm happy with it.
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05/24/2012 02:11 AM
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CherylAnn
Posts: 2418
Joined: 05/27/2007
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I am a MacBook Pro owner and have run virtual machines on it since day 1. I have switched from VMWare Fusions to Parallels 7 on the advise of my computer techie at Future Shop. I love it. I also just downloaded the free antivirus from Micosoft. I do very little on the internet in Windows - only if I absolutely have to to do an update in Digitizer or the sewing machine. If I can I download using Safari and then search the file out when I'm in Windows 7 to do the updates. If you don't mind spending a couple hundred dollars the program to run Windows 7 and Windows 7, I don't think you have anything to fear.
I also purchase StutchBuddy from Mattes and it is also great. Now I can see what all my .jef files look like in "Finder" in a nice sized picture without opening anything. Now I just have to convince him to update it to include the 12000 .jpx format too. I like to see the pictures. If I wasn't so lazy, I would see what more Stitch Buddy does besides let me see what I have for a design. I will in time. I have Digitizer MBX so tend to use that as I know it already.
Cheryl
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Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada
HMC12000, Horizon 7700QCP, 4120 QDC, Jem Platinum 760, CoverPro 1000, HuskyLock 936, Xpression Felting Machine, DigitizerMBX v.4.0
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05/24/2012 10:20 AM
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mattes
Posts: 104
Joined: 04/03/2010
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Originally posted by: late4gameSince I didn't want to run windows on my Mac, I did some research and found a program called Stitch Buddy (stitchbuddy.com)
I hope you don't mind a minor correction: Unfortunately the .com domain was already taken when I set up the website, so StitchBuddy's address is http://www.stitchbuddy.de ...
@CherylAnn: Maybe I'll learn the .JPX internals some day in future, currently I simply lack the knowledge of their structure to read these files with StitchBuddy. In the meantime you're encouraged to try out its features beyond previewing 
Mattes
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StitchBuddy - Embroidery on Mac, iPhone and iPad
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05/25/2012 12:32 AM
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rjs007
Posts: 4
Joined: 05/24/2012
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You can go for Embrilliance Essentials Which is Embroidery software for Mac OS
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05/25/2012 02:30 PM
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CherylAnn
Posts: 2418
Joined: 05/27/2007
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Thanks Mattes, I know you will get there with the .jpx, I just thought I'd give you a challenge. As if we don't all have enough of those.
Cheryl
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Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada
HMC12000, Horizon 7700QCP, 4120 QDC, Jem Platinum 760, CoverPro 1000, HuskyLock 936, Xpression Felting Machine, DigitizerMBX v.4.0
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05/30/2012 11:54 AM
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my2lovies
Posts: 62
Joined: 10/12/2007
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I too use parallels. I just purchased Floriani software. I hesitated to purchase since they do not make it for a MAC, with Parallels it is fine. My laptop is a MAC, but my desktops are not. I still contemplate getting a separate Windows laptop just for sewing/embroidery...but I am not sure I want to go this route? So far though, not a problem...I am assuming it might be quicker on a windows machine because 2 operating systems will not be running...and sometimes I would like the convenience of a desktop...and a larger screen!
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Boston Area USA, MC11000
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06/10/2012 05:55 PM
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twob4him
Posts: 13
Joined: 02/15/2010
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Hello all,
I am really upset. I have 100's of embroidery files being held "hostage" in a file on my new Mac. You see we switched from a PC to Mac in March and since then I have not been able to transfer my embroidery files to/from my computer and sewing machine. I really can't understand how Janome can get away with not making software that is compatible for Mac??? You all talk about buying and installing software to run Windows. First this is an additional expense which may compromise my Mac and how it currently operates and second, it is so complicated that it boggles my mind. I am not exactly computer savvy enough to figure out all of these requirements. Sooo frustrating and Janome seems like they couldn't care less about it when I wrote them.
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06/11/2012 11:33 AM
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mattes
Posts: 104
Joined: 04/03/2010
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Although I can understand your frustration, please read this thread carefully: We are NOT talking about software to run Windows: Embrilliance Essentials and StitchBuddy are native Mac applications, running without Windows (the first is also available for Windows, the latter for iPads).
Additionally, as I mentioned, designs can be transferred from your Mac to a Janome embroidery machine without ANY additional software, neither for Mac nor for Windows. The exact procedure is depending on your machine type. So just let us know what Janome machine you have, and we can tell you the location on the ATA card / USB stick you have to copy files to...
HTH, Mattes
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StitchBuddy - Embroidery on Mac, iPhone and iPad
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10/28/2012 06:41 PM
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puppetlady13
Posts: 1
Joined: 10/28/2012
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I just join this forum today. I have a Janome 11000 and I purchased a Mac last March. I had Windows 7 installed on my Mac thinking this would solve my problem. I had a Tec from Staples come out yesterday and tried to get my computer compatible with no luck. I want to to load the designs on a USB stick. I have a Janome stick that I bought from the dealer. I went to the Embroidery Library and down loaded their free design hoping it would be on the stick. Hit shows it on the computer, but when I put the stick into the sewing machine it doesn't show up. I went to the Embrilliance web sight. This looks like a good program. Has anyone used it?
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10/29/2012 03:06 AM
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mattes
Posts: 104
Joined: 04/03/2010
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As mentioned before: you don't need any additional software to transfer designs to your Janome 11000: After the USB stick was formatted by the embroidery machine (!) it will contain an "EMB" folder including a second folder "EMBF". Make sure the downloaded design is in JEF format, e. g. unzip the download file if necessary. Drag&drop the JEF file into the EMBF folder (or others on the same hierarchy level), and the Janome will recognize it.
Of course additional Mac software might be helpful to organize / print / modify or even create designs, but it is not required to transfer existing embroidery files to Janome machines...
Mattes
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StitchBuddy - Embroidery on Mac, iPhone and iPad
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