Brother NX800 Owner's Manual

Instruction Manual

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: REGULATIONS

Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) Declaration of Conformity

(For USA Only)

Responsible Party: Brother International Corporation

100 Somerset Corporate Boulevard Bridgewater, NJ 08807-0911 USA

declares that the product

Product Name: Brother USB Writer Model Number: PE-Design

complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. – Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. – Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. – Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer or local sales

distributor could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Canadian Department of Communications Compliance Statement

(For Canada Only)

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Radio Interference

(Other than USA and Canada)

This machine complies with EN55022 (CISPR Publication 22) /Class B.

Congratulations on choosing our product!

Thank you very much for purchasing our product. To obtain the best performance from this unit and to ensure safe and correct operation, please read this Instruction Manual carefully, and then keep it in a safe place together with your warranty.

Please read before using this product

For designing beautiful embroidery designs

• This system allows you to create a wide variety of embroidery designs and supports a wider range of sewing attribute settings (thread density, sewing pitch, etc.). However, the final result will depend on your particular sewing machine model. We recommend that you make a trial sewing sample with your sewing data before sewing on the final material.

For safe operation

• Avoid dropping a needle, a piece of wire or other metallic objects into the unit or into the card slot.

• Do not store anything on the unit.

For a longer service life

• When storing the unit, avoid direct sunlight and high humidity locations. Do not store the unit close to a heater, iron or other hot objects.

• Do not spill water or other liquids on the unit or cards.

• Do not drop or hit the unit.

For repairs or adjustments

• In the event that a malfunction occurs or adjustment is required, please consult your nearest service center.

Notice

Neither this Instruction Manual nor the Installation Guide explains how to use your computer under Windows

. Please refer to the Windows® manuals.

Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Other product names mentioned in the Instruction Manual and Installation Guide may be trademarks of registered trademarks of their respective companies and are hereby acknowledged.

Important

Using this unit for unauthorized copying of material from embroidery cards, newspapers and magazines for commercial purpose is an infringement of copyrights which is punishable by law.

Caution

The software included with this product is protected by copyright laws. This software can be used or copied only in accordance with the copyright laws.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

This product is intended for household use.

For additional product information and updates, visit our web site at: http://www.brother.com/ or http://solutions.brother.com/

Turn Any Design Into Original Embroidery With PE-DESIGN

This software provides digitizing and

editing capabilities, allowing you the

creative freedom to design original

embroidery. Easily turn illustrations,

photos and lettering into custom

embroidery designs.

Improved User Interface for Better Operability

● The Ribbon is an area in each application window that displays related commands.

● The Application button displays a menu containing commands for the most important file operations,

such as Save.

● Realistic View allows you to edit the embroidery pattern while viewing a realistic image of the

embroidery.

● The Color/Sewing Attributes/Text Attributes pane provides easy access to even the more detailed

settings.

● The Sewing Order pane allows you to monitor the sewing order of the patterns.

● Floating, Docking and Auto Hide allow you to display only the panes and dialog boxes containing the

information that you need.

● Stitch Simulator provides quick access to a simulation of the embroidering.

New Stitching Features for More Expressive Embroidery

■ Stem Stitch and Candlewicking Stitch (☞p. 293, p. 298)

■ Floral Pattern

■ Mirror Copy

(☞p. 47)

(☞p. 53)

■ Offset Line

(☞p. 49)

■ Circle Copy

(☞p. 53)

Enhanced Lettering Features

■ 100 built-in fonts (☞p. 310)

■ Name Drop feature (☞p. 107)

Easily create a number of similar embroidery designs by simply replacing text, such as a name, arranged within the pattern.

■ Outline sewing (☞p. 101)

Easily add an outline around letters.

Key PE-DESIGN Functions That Allow You To Create Beautiful Embroidery Designs

■ Print and Stitch

(☞p. 142)

■ Automatically convert images to embroidery designs (☞p. 118)

■ Blending

(☞p. 44)

Various Tools for Maximizing Your Creativity

■ Design Center

(☞p. 183)

The outline of an image can be extracted to manually create an embroidery pattern. The shapes of lines and regions can be edited, and the stitches and colors of even minute areas can be specified.

■ Programmable Stitch Creator

(☞p. 229)

■ Design Database

(☞p. 211)

View design images of the embroidery data being managed. In addition, searches and format conversions can be performed.

■ Font Creator

(☞p. 245)

Simply changing the stitch in a pattern can give it a completely different feel. Stitch patterns can be designed to create dramatic embroidery.

Original fonts can be created. Save hand-written characters to embroider lettering designs in your own handwriting.

Link Function Meets Small Business Needs

Embroidery designs can be sent from the computer to be embroidered on multiple embroidery machines. From the computer, you can select which embroidery machine will sew which embroidery design, and the data can be transferred to the machine. While the design is being embroidered, the status of each machine can be monitored from the computer.

a Note:

The Link function is designed specifically for our compatible embroidery machines. Refer to the Operation Manual for the embroidery machine to determine if it is compatible with this function.

New Features of PE-DESIGN NEXT

■ The name of each application is abbreviated as shown below.

LE: Layout & Editing DC: Design Center

FC: Font Creator PSC: Programmable Stitch Creator

DB: Design Database

■ Enhanced Functions for Creating Stitching Variations

● The stitching variations available for line sewing (Line sew type) has been increased. LE (☞p. 298)

- Stem stitch

- Candlewicking stitch

● The Create Floral Pattern command has been added. This command can be used to create floral

patterns by drawing spirals based on the selected shape. LE (

● The Mirror Copy and Circle Copy commands have been added. These commands create patterns using horizontal/vertical mirror copies (Mirror Copy) or copies of the selected pattern arranged on a circle (Circle Copy). LE (

● The Create Offset Lines command has been added. This command allows any number of offset lines to be drawn inside or outside of a pattern. LE (

● The Decorative Pattern command has been added. With this command, a pattern that surrounds a selected object can easily be added. LE (

● The Import from Vector Image command has been added. With this command, a data file in the vector format (WMF) can simply be converted to embroidery data. LE (

● The Offset attribute has been added for motif stitch patterns. By using the Offset attribute to change the reference position for arranging patterns, many more variations of the motif stitch can be created. LE (

☞p. 297, p. 307)

● The default size for creating patterns with Motif Stitch and Prog. Fill Stitch can be specified. This allows

a pattern to be created while considering the size. PSC (

● A motif stitch in line sewing can be set so that motifs are not sewn twice, even when the start and end points are moved. LE (

● By combining outlines and shapes, embossing/engraving effects can easily be created. LE (

● Functions in the Image to Stitch Wizard have been improved. LE

- Mask settings and the image size and position can be changed when Auto Punch or Cross Stitch

are selected in the wizard. (

- A stitching frame along the outline of the mask selected in the wizard can be outputted. (☞p. 121,

p. 133)

- The stitch angle can be specified when Photo Stitch 2 is selected. (

● The Template function was added. By simply replacing text in previously designed embroidery templates, customized embroidery designs can be created. LE (

☞p. 53)

☞p. 49)

☞p. 54)

☞p. 300)

☞p. 120, p. 130)

☞p. 47)

☞p. 79)

☞p. 243)

☞p. 59)

☞p. 129)

☞p. 113)

■ Improved User Interface Is Easier To Use

● A ribbon has been incorporated into the advanced user interface. The ribbon allows users to easily find

the necessary functions and enables more intuitive operation. (LE,DC,FC,PSC) (

☞p. 19, p. 278)

New Features of PE-DESIGN NEXT

Ctrl

● Editing is possible in Realistic View. The pattern can be edited while being displayed as a realistic image of the actual embroidery (Realistic View). LE (

● Stitch Simulator has been improved. LE (

- A stitch simulation can be viewed at any time while the pattern is being edited.

- The stitch simulation can also be viewed while the pattern is displayed in Realistic View.

- The embroidering progress, such as how the colors appear, can easily be seen.

- The window can be scrolled while stitching is being simulated.

- The simulation commands can be switched between a compact view and a more detailed view.

● The Sewing Order pane has been improved. The pane is arranged in an easy-to-use vertical layout and can be docked at the side of the window. LE (

● A Pan tool has been added. You can scroll through the pattern by simply dragging the Design Page. (LE,DC,FC) (

● The Zoom commands have been improved.

- A Zoom slider has been added to the status bar. LE (

- Right-click with the Zoom In tool to zoom out. LE (☞p. 69)

● Functions for editing thread colors have been improved.

- Thread colors can easily be selected from the list of colors used in the current design at the bottom

of the Color pane. LE (

- Thread colors of stitch data can be changed with the Select tool. LE (☞p. 66)

● Basic editing operations have been improved.

- A duplicate of a pattern can easily be created at a specified location. A duplicate of a pattern can be

created by holding down the key and dragging a pattern selected with the Select tool. (LE,DC,FC,PSC) (

- The functions for rotating have been improved. When a pattern is selected, a rotation handle appears.

(LE,DC,FC,PSC) (

- The pattern outline is drawn while the pattern is being resized, moved or rotated. LE (☞p. 52)

● Buttons for selecting the next or previous character have been added to Font Creator. FC (

● More settings for changing the appearance of the application have been added to the Options dialog

box. (

☞p. 273)

- Customize: Commands can be added to or removed from the Quick Access Toolbar in the title bar.

In addition, shortcut keys can be changed. (LE,DC,FC,PSC)

- DST Settings: By specifying the number of jumps for thread trimming under DST Import Setting, the

information for thread trimming locations can also be converted correctly when DST files are imported.

- Screen Calibration: By correctly specifying the Screen Calibration setting, designs can be displayed

adjusted to the actual size with a zoom ratio of 100%. LE

☞p. 69)

☞p. 57)

☞p. 34)

☞p. 52)

☞p. 70)

☞p. 71)

☞p. 19)

☞p. 20)

☞p. 256)

■ Enhanced Lettering Functions

● Font/character variations have been increased. LE (☞p. 310)

- The number of built-in fonts has been increased to 100 fonts.

- The number of symbols and accented characters has been increased.

● Line sewing can also be specified for built-in fonts. LE (

☞p. 101)

New Features of PE-DESIGN NEXT

● The user interface for selecting the font has been improved. LE (☞p. 93)

- A history of fonts that have been selected appears in the Font selector.

- If text is selected when the Font selector is clicked, the selected text appears as the sample for each

font.

● The positions for connection points between letters within the same text (end point of one letter and the start point of the next letter) can be specified. Select the setting for creating stitching that reduces the number of times the thread must be trimmed (Closest), the setting for creating stitching so that the thread can easily be cut by hand (Farther), or the setting for creating stitching for a better overall quality of the text (Default). LE (

● The Name Drop function was added to be used with text. With the Name Drop feature, you can easily create a number of similar embroidery patterns, for example, for uniforms, by replacing only the name in the pattern. LE (

● The user interface for entering and editing text has been improved. LE

- Simply select a Text tool and click in the Design Page to directly enter text into it. (☞p. 92)

- While text is selected, either the entire text or individual characters can be edited using the Select tool.

(

☞p. 97)

- The arc shapes available under Transform in the Text Attributes tab can easily be modified.

(

☞p. 91)

- Using simple dragging operations, character attributes, such as kerning and character size, can be

modified for individual characters in text with the Transform attribute applied. (

● The Convert to Block command was added for text. This allows text patterns to be converted to manual punching block patterns, so that the shape of characters can be customized. LE (

☞p. 111)

☞p. 100)

☞p. 95)

☞p. 99)

■ Enhanced Features for Collaborating With Our Embroidery Machines

● The functions for transferring data to embroidery machines have been enhanced. (LE,DB) (☞p. 174,

p. 217)

- Various methods are available for transferring data to embroidery machines: using USB media, a card

writer or the Link function in addition to connecting directly to an embroidery machine via a USB cable.

- The Link function allows data to be transferred from the application to an embroidery machine

connected to the computer. Data can easily be transferred from the computer to the embroidery machine. (*Availability depends on the embroidery machine model.) (

● More embroidery frame sizes are available from the Design Settings dialog box.

- Split embroidery designs for embroidering with the jumbo frame (360 × 360 mm) can easily be

created. (*Availability depends on the embroidery machine model.) LE (

- New types of embroidery frames (360 × 200 mm frame, round frames, jumbo frame, wide cap frame,

etc.) are available from the Hoop Size selector on the Design Page tab of the Design Settings dialog box. (*Availability depends on the embroidery machine model.) (LE,DC,DB) (

- Any size hoop can be added to the Hoop Size selector on the Design Page tab of the Design

Settings dialog box. LE (

● A jump stitch thread trimming setting has been added. With this, detailed settings can be specified for switching on/off thread trimming at jump stitches between objects of the same color. (*Availability depends on the embroidery machine model.) LE (

● Images of embroidery designs can be printed in Catalog Style or Instruction Guide style. DB (☞p. 226)

☞p. 86)

☞p. 75, p. 270)

☞p. 177)

☞p. 166)

☞p. 85)

New Features of PE-DESIGN NEXT

Transferring Designs to the Embroidery Machine

The procedure for transferring an embroidery design to the machine differs depending on the embroidery machine.

Check your machine’s specifications, and then select the appropriate transfer method.

This software supports four different methods for transferring data.

For embroidery machines compatible with embroidery cards

Use an original card.

(☞ p. 174)

For embroidery machines compatible with USB media

Use commercially available USB media.

(☞ p. 175)

For embroidery machines that can be connected to a computer using a USB cable

Transfer the embroidery design with the USB cable.

(☞ p. 176)

For our embroidery machines compatible with the Link function

Use the Link function to transfer embroidery designs to the embroidery machine that was included with the machine.

(☞ p. 177)

b Memo:

• In order to use the Link function to transfer embroidery designs to an embroidery machine, a machine compatible with the Link function must be running in Link mode.

• In order to save embroidery designs in the memory of an embroidery machine, the machine must be running in normal mode.

Table of Contents

New Features of PE-DESIGN

NEXT.................................................9

Table of Contents ..........................13

How To Use Manuals.....................15

Support/Service.............................16

Online Registration..........................................16

Checking for the Latest Version of the

Program ..........................................................17

Starting Up/Exiting

Applications...................................18

Starting Up Application....................................18

Exiting Applications .........................................18

Understanding Windows ..............19

Layout & Editing Window ................................19

Specifying Basic Software Settings................. 22

Getting Started...............................23

Tutorial 1: Getting Started ...............................24

Basic Layout & Editing

Operations......................................31

Tutorial 2: Drawing shapes to create an

embroidery design...........................................32

Drawing Shapes.............................................. 39

Editing Embroidery Designs............................50

Applying Sewing Attributes to Lines and

Regions ...........................................................56

Reshaping Embroidery Patterns .....................62

Editing a Stitch Pattern....................................66

Checking Embroidery Patterns .......................69

Opening/Importing Embroidery Designs .........77

Saving and Printing .........................................81

Specifying the Design Page Size and

Color................................................................85

Changing Application Settings ........................88

Creating Embroidery Patterns

Containing Text .............................89

Tutorial 3: Entering text ...................................90

Advanced Operations for Entering Text ..........92

Tutorial 4: Monograms...................................103

Advanced Operations for Entering

Monograms....................................................106

Tutorial 5-1: Using Name Drop......................107

Tutorial 5-2: Creating Name Drop .................109

Name Drop Feature (Replacing Text) ...........111

Tutorial 5-3: Using Templates .......................113

Template Feature ..........................................115

Creating Embroidery Patterns

Using Images ...............................117

Stitch Wizard: Automatically Converting an

Image to an Embroidery Design....................118

Tutorial 6-1: Auto Punch................................119

Auto Punch Features.....................................121

Tutorial 6-2: Photo Stitch 1............................122

Photo Stitch 1 Features.................................125

Tutorial 6-3: Photo Stitch 2............................127

Photo Stitch 2 Features.................................129

Tutorial 6-4: Cross Stitch...............................130

Cross Stitch Features....................................132

Advanced Stitch Wizard Operations..............134

Importing Image Data....................................137

Changing the Image Settings ........................140

Tutorial 7: Print and Stitch .............................142

Operations for Specific

Applications.................................147

Manually Creating Professional-Level

Embroidery Patterns (Manual Punching).......148

Tutorial 8: Manual Punching..........................149

Tutorial 9: Creating Appliqués .......................153

Tutorial 10-1: Creating Split Embroidery

Designs..........................................................155

Tutorial 10-2: Creating Design for

Multi-Position Hoops......................................161

Tutorial 10-3: Embroidering With the Jumbo

Frame ............................................................166

Specifying/Saving Custom Sewing

Attributes .......................................................170

Table of Contents

Transferring Data ........................ 173

Transferring Embroidery Designs to

Machines .......................................................174

Using the Link Function to Embroider From

the Computer.................................................177

Design Center.............................. 183

Basic Design Center Operations ...................184

Design Center Window..................................193

Original Image Stage.....................................194

Line Image Stage ..........................................196

Figure Handle Stage......................................198

Sew Setting Stage .........................................203

Design Database ......................... 211

Design Database Window .............................212

Starting Up Design Database ........................213

Organizing Embroidery Designs....................214

Opening Embroidery Designs........................216

Transferring Embroidery Designs to

Machines .......................................................217

Searching for an Embroidery Design.............222

Converting Embroidery Design Files to

Different Formats...........................................223

Checking Embroidery Designs ......................224

Outputting a Catalog of Embroidery

Designs..........................................................226

Editing the Points of a Font Character

Pattern .......................................................... 260

Checking the Created Font Patterns ............ 261

Saving Font Character Patterns ................... 263

Changing the Settings .................................. 264

Supplement ................................. 267

Enlarging/Reducing Stitch Patterns .............. 268

Sewing Direction........................................... 268

Sewing Order................................................ 269

Sewing Wide Areas ...................................... 269

Jump Stitch and Jump Stitch Trimming ........ 270

Fonts Suitable for Embroidering ................... 271

Converting Characters (Japanese, Chinese,

Korean, etc) to Embroidery Patterns ............ 272

Changing the Appearance of the Application

(Options) ....................................................... 273

Troubleshooting ............................................ 276

Menus/Tools and Reference ...... 277

Layout & Editing............................................ 278

Design Center............................................... 284

Design Database .......................................... 287

Programmable Stitch Creator ....................... 289

Font Creator.................................................. 291

Sewing attributes .......................................... 293

Font List ........................................................ 310

Programmable Stitch Creator .... 229

Basic Programmable Stitch Creator

Operations .....................................................230

Creating Fill/Stamp Stitch Pattern .................231

Editing a Pattern in Fill/Stamp Mode .............235

Creating Motif Stitch Pattern..........................237

Editing a pattern in Motif Mode......................240

Programmable Stitch Creator Window ..........241

Opening a Template ......................................242

Preview window.............................................243

Saving Patterns .............................................243

Changing the Settings ...................................244

Font Creator ................................ 245

Basic Font Creator Operations......................246

Font Creator Window.....................................253

Opening a File ...............................................255

Selecting a Character and Preparing the

Template........................................................256

Creating a Font Character Pattern ................258

Index............................................. 314

How To Use Manuals

The following manuals are included with this software.

Installation Guide

This guide contains instruction about the preparations necessary to begin using the software. Follow the instructions provided in this guide to complete the preparation and installation of the software.

Instruction Manual

This manual contains instruction on how to use the PE-DESIGN software.

First, read “Starting Up/Exiting Application”, “Understanding Windows” and “Specifying Basic Software Settings” to gain a general understanding of the basic software applications.

Next, read “Getting Started”. This chapter provides procedures for creating embroidery patterns as examples for performing basic Layout & Editing operations and transferring patterns to the embroidery machine. Follow the procedures to create actual embroidery patterns.

The chapters dedicated to each application provide descriptions of the useful functions and the various settings. Each descriptive title allows you to easily find the information that you need. In the chapters containing tutorials, follow the procedures to practice the various operations. Afterward, read the detailed descriptions.

Additional information is provided in the following chapters. Read the appropriate chapter when necessary.

Support/Service: Provides warranty information for this product in addition to the procedure for updating the software.

Supplement: Provides function introductions, details on the settings available in the Options dialog box and troubleshooting procedures in addition to tips and precautions to maximize the use of this software.

Menus/Tools and Reference: Provides lists of sew types, sewing attributes and fonts in addition to the various commands.

The procedures in this manual are written for use in Windows 7

system other than Windows 7

, the procedures and appearance of the windows may differ slightly.

. If this software is used on an operating

■ Opening the Instruction Manual (PDF format)

This manual is provided in a PDF format on the enclosed CD-ROM. The Instruction Manual is also installed during software installation.

Click All Programs, then PE-DESIGN NEXT, then Instruction Manual.

Otherwise, with any application other than Design Database, click , then Instruction Manual.

With Design Database, click Help, then Instruction Manual.

b Memo:

• Adobe® Reader® is required for viewing and printing the PDF version of the Instruction Manual.

• If Adobe Systems Incorporated Web site (http://www.adobe.com/).

Reader® is not on your computer, it must be installed. It can be downloaded from the Adobe

Support/Service

Contact Technical Support if you have a problem. Please check the company web site (http://www.brother.com/) to find the Technical Support in your area. To view the FAQ and information for software updates, visit the Brother Solutions Center at (http://solutions.brother.com/).

a Note:

• Have the information ready before contacting Technical Support.

• Make sure your computer's operating system is current with all updates.

• Have the make and model of your computer and Windows Installation Guide for system requirements.)

• Information on error messages that appear. This information will help expedite your questions more quickly.

• Make sure PE-DESIGN NEXT is current with any updates.

Online Registration

If you wish to be contacted about upgrades and provided with important information such as future product developments and improvements, you can register your product online by following a simple registration procedure. Click in Layout & Editing, then Online Registration to start up the installed Web browser and open the online registration page on our Web site. The online registration page on the Web site appears when the following address is entered in the Address bar of the Web browser. http://www.brother.com/registration/

Operating System. (Refer to the

b Memo:

Online registration may not be available in some areas.

Support/Service

Checking for the Latest Version of the Program

Click in Layout & Editing, then Check for Updates. The software is checked to determine whether or not it is the latest version. If the message shown below appears, the latest version of the software is being used.

If the message shown below appears, the latest version of the software is not being used. Click Yes, and then download the latest version of the software from the Web site.

b Memo:

If the

Always check for most recent version

at startup

is checked at startup to determine whether or not it is the latest version.

 The User Account Control dialog box appears.

check box is selected, the software

Click Yes.

Starting Up/Exiting Applications

(1) (2) (3) (4)

(5)

(6)

Starting Up Application

Layout & Editing

Click , then All Programs, then PE-DESIGN NEXT, and then click PE-DESIGN NEXT (Layout &

Editing).

(3) Image To Stitch

Click this button to start the wizard for creating an embroidery pattern from an image.

“Stitch Wizard: Automatically Converting

an Image to an Embroidery Design” on page 118 and “Importing Image Data” on page 137

(4) Template

Click this button to start the Template wizard.

“Tutorial 5-3: Using Templates” on

page 113

(5) Most Recently Used Files

Click the name of a file from the list, and then click Open.

(6) Always show Wizard at Startup

Select this check box to start up the wizard each time Layout & Editing is started up.

Exiting Applications

About the Top Wizard

When Layout & Editing starts up, the following wizard appears.

(1) New

Click this button to begin creating a new pattern.

(2) Open PES

Click this button to open embroidery data (.pes).

“Opening a Layout & Editing file” on

page 77

Click , then Exit.

Understanding Windows

1 2

Layout & Editing Window

1 Application button

Click to display a menu containing commands for file operations, such as New, Save and Print.

2Ribbon

Click a tab at the top to display the corresponding commands.

Refer to the name below each group when selecting the desired command. Clicking a command with the mark displays a menu containing a choice of commands. Some other tabs may appear depending on the tool or embroidery pattern that is selected. These tabs contain various commands for performing operations with the selected tool or embroidery pattern. Example: When the Outline (Rectangle) tool is selected

3 Quick Access Toolbar

This contains the most frequently used commands. Since this toolbar is always displayed, regardless of the Ribbon tab that is selected, adding your most often used commands makes them easily accessible.

“Customizing Quick Access Toolbar” on page 273

4 Option button

Click this button to start up other applications and specify settings for the Design Page and user thread chart.

5 Help button

Click this button to display the Instruction Manual and view information about the software.

6 Sewing Order pane

This pane shows the sewing order. Click the buttons at the top of the pane to change the sewing order or thread color.

7 Color/Sewing Attributes/Text Attributes pane

This pane combines tabs for specifying thread colors, sewing attributes and text attributes. Click a tab to display the available parameters.

8 Stitch Simulator pane

The Stitch Simulator shows how the pattern will be sewn by the machine and how the stitching will appear.

Understanding Windows

(A)

(B)

9 Design Page

The actual part of the work area that can be saved and sewn.

10 Work area

11 Status bar

This displays the size of the embroidery data, the number of stitches or a description of the selected command.

12 Refresh Window button

Click to update the screen.

13 Design Property button

Click to display a dialog box containing sewing information for the embroidery data.

14 Zoom

This displays the current magnification ratio. Click to specify a value for the magnification ratio. Drag the slider to change the magnification ratio.

b Memo:

• Panes 6, 7 and 8 can be displayed or hidden from the

View

tab. In addition, these panes can be displayed as separate dialog boxes (

Floating

(

Docking

• Position the pointer over a command to display a ScreenTip, which provides a description of the command and indicates its shortcut key.

Show/Hide

) or attached to the main window

group in the

Customizing the window

■ Quick Access Toolbar/Ribbon

A menu appears when 1 in the Quick Access Toolbar is clicked.

Click (A) to move the Quick Access Toolbar below the Ribbon.

To return it to its original position, display the menu as described above, and then click Show Above the Ribbon.

If a check mark appears beside (B), the Ribbon is minimized. When a tab is clicked, the Ribbon appears. After a command is selected, the Ribbon is minimized again.

To restore it to its original display, clear the check mark.

Example: With (A) selected and a check mark beside (B)

Understanding Windows

(A)

Alt

■ Quick Access Toolbar commands

The first time this application is started up, the following commands appear in the Quick Access Toolbar (A).

: Wizard : Solid View

: New : Stitch View

: Open : Realistic View

: Save : Undo

: Redo

Click 1, then 2 to switch between displaying and hiding each command. When the check mark is cleared, the command is hidden. Alternatively, changes to the Quick Access Toolbar can be specified in the Options dialog box and all applied at the same time.

“Customizing Quick Access Toolbar” on

page 273

■ Color/Sewing Attributes/Text

Attributes pane, Sewing Order pane and Stitch Simulator pane

Floating

Each tab or the entire pane can be undocked to become a dialog box that can be moved around the screen.

• Double-click the title bar of the pane, or tab.

• Right-click the pane or tab, and then click

Floating.

• Drag a tab out of the pane.

Docking

Each pane can be docked back to the window.

• Double-click the title bar.

• Right-click the pane, and then click

Docking.

• Drag the title bar to the location where the pane will be docked.

Hide

When a tab or a pane is no longer needed, it can be hidden.

• Click in the upper-right corner of the dialog box.

• Right-click the tab or dialog box, and then click Hide.

• To hide the tab, click View tab in the Ribbon, and then click the name in the View tab. To display the tab again, perform the same operation.

Auto Hide

When a pane is temporarily not needed, it can be moved to the side bar, then displayed by clicking it or positioning the pointer over it. The pane is automatically hidden again when it is no longer being used, for example, when you click anywhere outside of the pane.

• Right-click the tab or the title bar of the pane, and then click Auto Hide.

• In the upper-right corner of the pane, click .

To cancel Auto Hide, right-click the title bar, and then click

Auto Hide

, or simply click in the title bar.

b Memo:

The Stitch Simulator pane cannot be temporarily hidden (Auto Hide).

■ Using access keys

When the key is pressed, a KeyTip (label showing the letter of the access key) appears on each command. On the keyboard, press the key corresponding to the command that you wish to use.

To stop using the access keys and hide the KeyTips, press the key.

Understanding Windows

Specifying Basic Software Settings

Adjusting on-screen measurements (Screen Calibration)

Measurements can be adjusted so that objects will be displayed at the same size as the actual embroidery at a zoom ratio of 100%. Once this adjustment is made, it will not need to be done again later.

1. Click 1, then 2.

2. Click Screen Calibration (1). Hold a ruler

against the screen to measure the length of 2. Next, enter the value at 3, and then click OK (4).

System unit

1. Click System Unit, and then select the

desired measurement units (mm or inch).

Be sure to enter the length in millimeters. A value in inches is invalid.

Getting Started

This section describes basic operations for this software through procedures for making embroidery patterns. First, follow the procedures in this section to create embroidery patterns and learn the basic operations. In this example, we will create an original embroidery pattern by combining an embroidery pattern. Then, we will transfer the data to the embroidery machine.

Tutorial 1: Getting Started

The sample file for this tutorial can be found at the following location.

Documents (My Documents)\PE-DESIGN NEXT\Tutorial\Tutorial_1

Step 1 Starting up Layout & Editing

Step 2 Using the Auto Punch function to create an embroidery pattern from an image

Step 3 Adjusting the embroidery pattern size and position

Step 4 Adding text and setting character spacing

Step 5 Transforming the text

Step 6 Importing and rotating an embroidery pattern

Transferring embroidery patterns to embroidery machines

Step 7

•Transferring the design to an original card

•Transferring data to embroidery machines via a USB media

Step 1

Click (Start), and then select All Programs,

then PE-DESIGN NEXT, then PE-DESIGN NEXT

(Layout & Editing).

Starting up Layout & Editing

Step 2

Using the Auto Punch function to create an embroidery pattern from an image

Now, we will open the image of the tulip and convert it to an embroidery pattern.

Click 1, then 2, then 3.

Getting Started

Tutorial 1: Getting Started

Shift

Handle

Import the file tulip.bmp. Select the file

Documents (My Documents)\PE-DESIGN NEXT\Tutorial\Tutorial_1

“Importing Image Data” on page 137

Move the pointer over a handle, and then, while holding down the key and the left mouse button, drag the mouse to reduce the size of the image.

tulip.bmp

in the folder

Click Next.

Click Finish.

Click 1.

Click Next.

 An embroidery pattern of the tulip is

created.

“Tutorial 6-1: Auto Punch” on page 119

Step 3 Adjusting the embroidery

pattern size and position

Click the embroidery pattern to select it.

Tutorial 1: Getting Started

Shift

1 2

Enter

Move the pointer over a handle, and then, while holding down the left mouse button, drag the mouse to adjust the selected pattern to the desired size.

b Memo:

• If a handle is dragged while the and the left mouse button are held down, the pattern is enlarged or reduced from the center of the pattern.

• The size of the embroidery pattern appears in the status bar.

To adjust the positions of the embroidery patterns, click the pattern, and then position the pointer over the pattern. When the shape of the pointer changes to , hold down the left mouse button and drag the pattern to the desired location.

“Editing Embroidery Designs” on page 50

key

From the keyboard, type in “Tulip”.

Press the key.

 The text is entered.

Click the text to select it.

Click 1 in the Color tab to change the color of the font.

Step 4 Adding text and setting

character spacing

Click 1, then 2, then 3.

Click below the tulip in the Design Page.

 A vertical dashed line will appear on the

Design Page.

Getting Started

1 2

Set Character Spacing (1) in the Text Attributes tab to 6.5 mm.

Tutorial 1: Getting Started

Move the pointer over , or , and

then, while holding down the left mouse button, drag the mouse to transform the text.

: Adjusts the text size.

Specify the setting by clicking the selector and

typing in the value, or by clicking or

“Entering text” on page 92 and

“Specifying various text attributes” on page 94

Step 6 Importing and rotating an

Now, we will import the embroidery pattern for the butterfly.

Click 1, then 2, then 3.

: Moves the text along the circle.

: Adjusts the radius of the circle.

“Transforming text” on page 91 and “Transforming text” on page 95

embroidery pattern

Step 5 Transforming the text

Click the text to select it, select the Transform check box (1), and then click 2.

From the Category selector, select Animals.

Tutorial 1: Getting Started

Move the pointer over the butterfly, and then, while holding down the left mouse button, drag the mouse to import the pattern into the Design Page, as shown in the illustration.

“Importing embroidery designs” on

page 78

Click in the Import dialog box to close it.

Move the pointer over the rotation handle (1), and then, while holding down the left mouse button, drag the mouse to adjust the angle of the pattern.

Step 7

Transferring embroidery patterns to embroidery machines

You can sew a pattern transferred to your sewing machine by writing it to media.

There are many methods to transfer data; however, the procedures for two of these methods are described below.

• Writing to an original card (☞p. 28)

Data can be transferred to embroidery machines compatible with original cards.

• Transferring data to embroidery machines via a

USB media (☞p. 29)

Data can be transferred to embroidery machines equipped with a USB-B connector.

b Memo:

• You can also use a floppy disk, Compact Flash card and USB media to transfer designs that can be used with your machine.

“Transferring to a machine by

using USB media” on page 175

• The Link function can be used to transfer embroidery data to compatible embroidery machines.

“Using the Link Function to

Embroider From the Computer” on page 177

■ Transferring the design to an

original card

Insert an original card into the USB card writer module.

a Note:

When imported stitch patterns are enlarged or reduced, the embroidering quality may be reduced.

“Enlarging/Reducing Stitch

Patterns” on page 268.

+ 290 hidden pages

Brother NX800 Owner's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual