18.0
Web, Windows, Mac, Linux and iPad workspace that turns images into editable designs, with photostitch and pixel art.
Free planiOSWebLinux
Best Embroidery Design Software in 2026
Boldbobbin leads this chart of 31 (8.0/10, free plan). mySewnet Embroidery is next (8.0/10, free plan), and Ink/Stitch is the next highest-placed with a free plan (7.5/10). Embroidery design software helps you create or edit stitch designs; platform support and the tools you need for the project are key factors in choosing one. Compare auto-digitizing, stitch simulation, appliqué tools, vector import, machine file formats and maximum hoop size.
28.0
Android app and web software with embroidery designs, tutorials, editing, lettering, digitizing and stitch tools.
Free planAndroidiOSWeb
37.5
Free Inkscape-based platform for making machine embroidery designs from SVG artwork.
Free planOpen sourceWebExtensionLinux
- 4
PEmbroider
PEmbroider is a free Java library for creating computational embroidery designs in Processing.
Free planOpen sourceAPImacOSWindows7.1Free plan - 5
Embird
Modular embroidery software for digitizing, quilting and customization; its Basic program edits and converts designs.
macOSWindows6.9$15 one-time - 6
StitchConsole
Browser app for drawing stitches, converting images and exporting designs to common machine formats.
Free planWebLinuxmacOSWindows6.9From $19 a month - 7
Brother PE-DESIGN 11
Windows embroidery and sewing digitizing software for hobbyists and home-based business owners.
Windows6.7$1,450 one-time - 8
Embrowser
Web app converts photos to editable stitches and offers path tools, 3D previews and machine exports.
Free planWeb6.6From $99.90 a year - 9
Tajima DG
Android app and web software for professional embroidery digitizing, with four grades and automatic tools.
AndroidiOSWebWindows6.4 - 10
TurtleStitch
Browser coding environment for sharing and remixing embroidery patterns, with .exp and .dst exports.
Free planWebLinuxmacOSSelf-hosted6.4Free plan - 11
DRAWings PRO XII
Mac and Windows software for embroidery, textile, printing, quilting and other craft work.
macOSWindows6.3$2,199 one-time - 12
Hatch Embroidery
Mac and Windows embroidery software with manual digitizing and exports to more than 35 formats.
macOSWindows6.2From $99 a month - 13
Octostitch
Desktop app shows stitches as you draw, replays sew-outs and supports fills, appliqué and custom libraries.
LinuxmacOSWindows6.2£40 one-time - 14
SewArt
Windows and macOS software that converts raster or vector images into embroidery file formats.
macOSWindows6.2$75 one-time - 15
EmbroideryWare
Windows6.1$119 one-time - 16
Embrilliance StitchArtist
Mac and Windows tool for drawing shapes, assigning stitches and creating new embroidery designs from scratch.
macOSWindows6.0$169 one-time - 17
Floriani Total Control U
Windows editing and digitizing software with auto and manual tools, stitch effects, and 180 fonts.
Windows6.0$1,279.20 one-time - 18
Ricoma Chroma
Mac and Windows digitizing software converting vector or image files, with 3D previews and appliqué tools.
macOSWindows6.0 - 19
Melco DesignShop 12
Windows embroidery digitizing software with design tools, customizable workspaces, and automated stitch tasks.
Windows5.9$590 one-time - 20
Perfect Embroidery Pro
Professional Mac and Windows software with auto and manual digitizing, editing tools and over 2,000 artworks.
macOSWindows5.9$999 one-time - 21
ApS-Ethos
Windows software converts artwork to embroidery with automatic tools, smart text and design-app links.
Windows5.8 - 22
BasePac
BasePac 10 is Windows software for preparing and managing embroidery files for industrial production, including classic and technical embroidery.
Windows5.8 - 23
Tajima Embroidery i2
Mac and Windows plug-in for Illustrator or CorelDRAW with vector digitizing, fills, fonts and 3D previews.
macOSWindows5.8 - 24
Embroidery Legacy Digitizing Software
Windows 10 and 11 tool for digitizing designs for embroidery and quilting machines.
Windows5.7$1,399 one-time - 25
Wilcom EmbroideryStudio
Windows5.7
Choosing well
Which platforms does it need to run on?
Start by checking the maker’s supported-platform list.
For example, Tajima Embroidery i2 lists Windows and macOS, while ApS-Ethos lists Windows.
Which embroidery design features do I need?
Choose based on the work you want to do. Compare auto-digitizing, stitch simulation and appliqué tools, along with vector import and supported machine file formats.
Check maximum hoop size too, so the software’s stated limit fits the design you plan to make.
Can I try embroidery software before paying?
Check whether the tool has a free plan, a trial or a paid price. The terms differ: Boldbobbin lists a free plan and a paid tier from $21 per month billed annually, while Embird lists a 30-day trial and a price from $149.
For software priced on request, contact the maker for current pricing.
Should I look for open-source embroidery software?
If access to the source code matters to you, check whether the software is open source and review its licence. Ink/Stitch and PEmbroider are listed as free options; the facts here do not specify their licence terms.
Questions people ask
What features should I compare in embroidery design software?
Compare auto-digitizing, stitch simulation, appliqué tools, vector import, machine file formats and maximum hoop size.
Is there free embroidery design software?
Free plans are listed for Boldbobbin, mySewnet Embroidery, Ink/Stitch, PEmbroider, StitchConsole, TurtleStitch and Embrowser.
Does embroidery software work on a Mac?
macOS appears in the platform figures. Check the specific tool’s supported-platform list to confirm Mac support.
How much does embroidery design software cost?
Pricing varies. Boldbobbin lists paid plans from $21 per month with annual billing; Embird lists a price from $149. Tajima DG lists pricing on request.