Ink/Stitch
7.5#3 in embroidery design softwareFree planFree planWebExtensionLinuxmacOS
VisitInk/Stitch vs Melco DesignShop 12
Melco DesignShop 12
5.9#19 in embroidery design software$590 one-timeWindows
VisitWhat both publish
| Fact | Ink/Stitch | Melco DesignShop 12 |
|---|---|---|
| File formats | It imports and exports embroidery files in formats including DST, EXP, JEF, PEC, PES, VP3, and XXX, and can also export a detailed PDF view. | It supports DST, EXP, EXP+, EPS, ART8, PES, EMB, and Melco’s OFM format; ART8 and EMB are marked import or open only. |
| Purpose | Ink/Stitch is an open-source machine embroidery design platform based on Inkscape and SVG. | DesignShop 12 is embroidery digitizing software with design capabilities and tools for creating embroidery designs. |
| Support | Support is provided through an Inkscape forum, chat channel, GitHub bug reports, videos and Facebook groups. | Melco offers technical support by phone and email, along with an online knowledge base and FAQs. |
Ink/Stitch plans
- FreeFree
- Ink/StitchFree
Melco DesignShop 12 plans
- Lettering$590, paid once
- Editor$890, paid once
- Vector$1,990, paid once
- Professional$2,890, paid once
Pick Ink/Stitch if…
Ink/Stitch suits hobbyists and professional digitizers who want embroidery design tools within Inkscape. It may also appeal to users who need lettering, stitch previews, thread palettes, and machine-file export options.
Pick Melco DesignShop 12 if…
DesignShop 12 suits embroidery users on Windows who need digitizing, editing, simulation, appliqué, vector import, and machine-format support. Its four levels address needs from lettering and monograms through broader customization.