Managing embroidery files can be a daunting task. Between purchasing designs or creating your own, plus all those freebies on the internet, even conservative embroiders can collect thousands of designs in just a few years time. It is often difficult to find a design that is needed and sometimes results in a duplicate purchase.
To help you with managing embroidery files in your collection, here are some suggestions.
- Store embroidery files as well as their information files when available in one place, using a hierarchy of folders. The hierarchy can be categories and sub categories.
In the example folder structure below notice:- Top level folder is simply called ‘Embroidery Designs’
- Inside ‘Embroidery Designs’ are category folders, like Alphabets, Animals, Bugs and more.
- The ‘Animals’ folder has sub-category named folders, like Birds, Cats, Dogs and Elephants.
- Within the appropriate folder would be stored the design files.
Maintain the number of designs within one folder to a reasonable level.
The goal is to maintain the number of designs within one folder to a reasonable level. When a large number of files are in one folder, finding designs can be difficult and software may run slowly when looking in folder with a large number of files.
- Establish a standard file name format that includes the original company information and a title.
- Commercial designs often include just a design number with no descriptive title as the file name.
- If the commercial design file name does not include a title, adding one to the file name will help in locating files.
- Be sure to keep the file extension in tact.
Real world examples
embroidery.com design JB096 is a snow owl, but comes only named JB096.PES
rename to JB096-EMB-Snowy Owl Perched.PES
emblibrary.com design L4106 is a Christmas wreath, but comes named L4106.DST
rename to L4106-EBL-Christmas Butterfly Wreath.DST
- Copy files from commercial usb drives and discs. Store the original in a safe place. (You are entitled to backup your files without violating copyright or licensing.)
- Use a thumbnail preview software that updates icons; some cataloging software will do this.
- Backup your embroidery files. Disk failures, file corruption, viruses and other catastrophic events can cause you to lose your hard-earned collection.
Management Software
The following softwares are available, mostly on Windows PC, for to help managing embroidery files. (Not listed in any particular order)
| Software | What it does | Availability |
| 2stitch Organizer | Design cataloging and preview | Windows and Mac |
| ACDsee | Graphics viewing and editing | Windows and Mac |
| Bernina Portfolio | Design cataloging and preview (Part of Bernina Embroidery Software) | Windows |
| Floriani Design Library | Design preview with minor management (Part of Floriani Embroidery Software) | Windows |
| Embird | Design cataloging and preview (Iconizer and font add-on available) | Windows |
| Thumbnailer | Design icon preview | Windows and MAC |
NOTE – Programs that have not been updated for Windows 10 have been dropped from this list due to potential compatibility issues.
Online Backup
Part of managing embroidery files is keeping them safe. Online backup solutions keep files safe from computer failure and other catastrophic events.
| Product | Basic plan information | Availability | Month/Year/2-Year |
| Carbonite | Unlimited storage on Safe Customer plans | Windows and Mac | $NA/71.99/136.78 |
| iDrive | 5GB Free; 2TB personal plan | Windows, Mac, Android and iOS | $NA/69.50/139.00 |
| OneDrive | 5GB Free;50GB personal Plan | Windows and Mac | $1.99/23.88/47.76 |
| SOS Online | 50GB storage on personal plans. | Windows, Android and iOS | $4.99/44.99/89.98 |
NOTE – Pricing for backup subscriptions are based on actual published pricing at the time this article was last updated. These prices are controlled by the company that provides them and may be changed without notice. Special promotions may be available at the time of your purchase, including long-term special pricing.