Brother PEDESIGN PLUS User manual

Operation Manual
PERSONAL EMBROIDERY DESIGN SOFTWARE SYSTEM
Please visit us at http://solutions.brother.com where you can get product
support and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs).
English
Printed in China
XF0606-001
PED_PLUS_BrotherE_OM_cover_1-4 C M Y K

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.
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1
Read the following before opening the
CD-ROM package
Thank you for purchasing this software. Before opening the CD-ROM package for this software, carefully read
the following Product Agreement, which has been provided for this product. Use this software only if you agree
to the terms of this agreement. By opening the CD-ROM package, you agree to the conditions of its use. This
product cannot be returned after it has been opened.
Product Agreement
Portions of this product were created using technology from Softfoundry International Pte. Ltd.
■Opening the Operation Manual (PDF format)
This manual is provided in a PDF format on the enclosed CD-ROM. The Operation Manual is also installed
during software installation.
Click All Programs, then PE-DESIGN PLUS, then Operation Manual.
Otherwise, with PE-DESIGN PLUS, click , then Operation Manual. With PES-Writer, click Help, then
Operation Manual.
1) General terms
This is an agreement between you (the end-user) and our company for this product.
2) Use of this product
You may install and use this product on only one computer.
3) Limitations on duplications
You may not duplicate this product, except for backup purposes.
4) Limitations on modifications
You may not modify or disassemble this product in any way.
5) Limitations on transfer
This software may not be transferred to or used in any other way by a third party.
6) Warranty
We accept no responsibility for your choice or use of this product or for any damages that may arise
out of its use.
7) Others
This product is protected by copyright laws.
bMemo:
• Adobe®Reader®is required for viewing and printing the PDF version of the Operation Manual
• If Adobe®Reader®is not on your computer, it must be installed. It can be downloaded from the Adobe
Systems Incorporated Web site (http://www.adobe.com/).
• The procedures in this manual are written for use in Windows®7. If this software is used on an operating
system other than Windows®7, the procedures and appearance of the windows may differ slightly.
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2
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 Operation 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
This Operation Manual does not explain how to use your computer under Windows®. Please refer
to the Windows®manuals.
Copyright acknowledgment
Windows®is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Other product names mentioned in
the Operation Manual 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.
For additional product information and updates, visit our web site at:
http://www.brother.com/ or http://solutions.brother.com/
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
This product is intended for household use.
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3
Table of Contents
Before Use........................................4
Before Use ............................................... 4
Introduction................................................... 4
Installation.....................................................5
Creating Embroidery Patterns......10
Getting Started ...................................... 10
Starting Up Application ...............................10
Creating Embroidery Patterns From Photos
(Photo Stitch 1)...........................................11
Saving.........................................................18
Exiting Application ......................................19
Image To Stitch ..................................... 21
Photo Stitch 2 .............................................21
Auto Punch .................................................24
Cross Stitch ................................................27
Common dialog boxes ................................30
Entering Text ......................................... 32
Entering Text ..............................................32
Advanced Operations for Entering Text......35
Arranging Embroidery Designs ...37
Arranging Embroidery Designs........... 37
Editing Embroidery Designs .......................37
Checking Embroidery Patterns ................... 40
Applying Sewing Attributes to Lines and
Regions....................................................... 45
Opening/Importing Embroidery Designs..... 48
Transferring Embroidery Designs to
Machines ....................................................52
Printing........................................................54
Specifying the Design Page Size and
Color ...........................................................56
Changing Application Settings....................57
Supplement....................................61
Understanding Windows ...................... 61
PE-DESIGN PLUS Window ........................61
Menus .........................................................65
Tips and Techniques............................. 67
Sewing Direction .........................................67
Sewing Order ..............................................67
Sewing Wide Areas.....................................67
Reference ............................................... 68
Sewing Attributes ........................................68
Font List ......................................................70
PES-Writer.............................................. 72
Writing Multiple Embroidery Files to an
Original Card...............................................72
Troubleshooting .................................... 75
Index ...............................................76
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4
Before Use Before Use
Introduction
Package Contents
Check that the following items are included. If anything is missing or damaged, contact your authorized dealer
or Brother Customer Service.
aLED indicator
This indicator lights up when the unit is turned on, and flashes when the USB Card Writer Module is
communicating with the computer.
bCard slot
Insert an original card/embroidery card here.
cUSB connector
Connect to the computer.
USB Card Writer Module CD-ROM Original card Operation Manual
Contains the software
and Operation Manual
(PDF format).
aNote:
• The only original cards that can be used with this USB Card Writer Module are those like the one
enclosed or optional original cards of the same type.
• Never remove an original card or unplug the USB cable while this indicator is flashing.
bMemo:
• Since power is supplied to the USB Card Writer Module through the USB connection to the
computer, there is no power supply cable or power switch.
• Be sure to keep original cards away from high humidity, direct sunlight, static electricity and strong
shocks. Furthermore, do not bend the cards.
Optional Supply
Additional blank original cards can be purchased through an authorized dealer.
Original card
a
c
b
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5
Before Use
Before Use
Installation
Please Read Before Installation
●Before beginning the installation, check that the computer meets the system requirements.
●In order to install the software on Windows®Operating System, you must log on to the computer using an
account with administrator privileges. For details on logging on to the computer using an account with
administrator privileges, refer to the Windows®manual.
●The installation procedure is described for Windows®7. The procedure and dialog boxes for other
operating systems may be slightly different.
●If the installation is canceled before it is completed or if the procedure is not performed as described, the
software will not be installed correctly.
●Do not remove the CD-ROM from the CD-ROM drive of the computer while the installation is being
performed. Remove the CD-ROM after the installation is completed.
●Before turning on the computer, be sure to disconnect the USB Card Writer Module.
System Requirements
Before installing the software on your computer, make sure that the computer meets the following minimum
PC requirements.
Computer IBM-PC or compatible computer
Operating system Windows®XP, Windows Vista®, Windows®7 (32 or 64 bit)
Processor 1GHz or higher
Memory 512MB (1GB or more is recommended.)
Hard disk free space 200MB
Monitor XGA (1024 x 768), 16-bit color or higher
Port 1 available USB
Printer A graphic printer that is supported by your system
(if you wish to print your images)
CD-ROM drive Required for installation
Internet access Required for update
aNote:
• Power is supplied to the USB Card Writer Module through the USB connection. Connect the USB
Card Writer Module to a USB connector on the computer or to a self-powered USB hub that can
supply enough power to the Card Writer Module. If the Card Writer Module is not connected in this
way, it may not operate correctly.
• This product may not operate correctly with some computers and USB expansion cards.
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6
Before Use
Installing the Software
This section describes how to install the application
software.
1. Insert the enclosed CD-ROM into the
computer's CD-ROM drive.
■Windows®XP users only
After a short while, the language selection
dialog box for InstallShield Wizard
automatically appears.
Continue with step 4. on page 7.
■For Windows®7 or Windows
Vista®users:
After a short while, the AutoPlay dialog
box automatically appears.
aNote:
• If the installation is interrupted or not
performed as described, the software
will not be installed correctly.
• Before turning on the computer, be sure
that the USB Card Writer Module is
DISCONNECTED.
• In order to install the software, you must
log on to the computer using an account
with administrator privileges. If you are
not logged on with the Administrator
account, the password for the
Administrator account (Administrators)
may be requested with Windows®7.
Type in the password to continue the
procedure.
bMemo:
If the installer does not automatically start
up:
1) Click the Start button.
2) Click Run.
The Run dialog box appears.
3) Type in the full path to the installer, and
then click OK to start up the installer.
For example: F:\setup.exe (where "F:" is
the name of the CD-ROM drive)
bMemo:
If the AutoPlay Dialog does not automatically
start up:
1) Click the Start button.
2) Click All Programs
 Accessories 
Run.
The Run dialog box appears.
3) Type in the full path to the installer, and
then click OK to start up the installer.
For example: F:\setup.exe (where “F:” is
the name of the CD-ROM drive)
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7
Before Use
Before Use
2. Click Run setup.exe.
The User Account Control dialog box
appears.
3. Click Yes.
After a short while, the following dialog
box automatically appears.
4. Select the desired language, and then click
OK.
The InstallShield Wizard starts up, and
the first dialog box appears.
5. Click Next to continue with the installation.
A dialog box appears, allowing you to
select the folder where the software will
be installed.
6. Check the installation location, and then click
Next.
A dialog box appears, indicating that
preparations for installation are finished.
7. Click Install to install the application.
When the installation is completed, the
following dialog box appears.
bMemo:
To install the application into a different
folder:
1) Click Change.
2) In the Change Current Destination
Folder dialog box that appeared, select
the drive and folder. (If necessary, type
in the name of a new folder.)
3) Click OK.
The Destination Folder dialog box of
the InstallShield Wizard shows the
selected folder.
4) Click Next to install the application into
the selected folder.
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8
Before Use
8. Click Finish to complete the installation of the
software. Checking for the Latest
Version of the Program
Click in PE-DESIGN PLUS, 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.
aNote:
This procedure also automatically installs
the card writer driver. The card writer may
now be connected to your computer.
Make sure that PE-DESIGN PLUS starts
up correctly.
bMemo:
If the dialog box calling for restarting the
computer appears, it is necessary to restart
the computer.
aNote:
• This feature cannot be used if the
computer is not connected to the
Internet.
• It may not be possible to check for the
latest version if a firewall is turned on.
Turn off the firewall, and then try
performing the operation again.
• Administrator privileges are required.
bMemo:
If the Always check for most recent version
at startup
check box is selected, the software
is checked at startup to determine whether or
not it is the latest version.
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9
Before Use
Before Use
Technical Support
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/).
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 Online Registration on the menu of PE-
DESIGN PLUS to start up the installed Web browser
and open the online registration page on our Web
site.
http://www.brother.com/registration/
Uninstallation
1. Click the button in the task bar, and then
click Control Panel.
2. In the Control Panel window, select
Programs and Features.
3. In the Programs and Features window,
select this software, and then click Uninstall.
aNote:
Before contacting web site:
1) Please have your Windows®
Operating System updated to the most
current version.
2) The make and model number of the
computer that you are using as well as
the Windows®Operating System
version.
3) Information about any error messages
that appear.
This information will help expedite your
questions more quickly.
4) Please check and update the software
to the latest version.
bMemo:
Online registration may not be available in
some areas.
bMemo:
• The uninstallation procedure is described
for Windows®7 and Windows Vista®.
• For Windows®XP, click the Start button,
then Control Panel. Double-click Add or
Remove Programs. Select this software,
and then click Remove.
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10
Creating Embroidery Patterns Getting Started
Starting Up Application
Starting up PE-DESIGN
PLUS
Click , then All Programs, then PE-DESIGN
PLUS, and then click PE-DESIGN PLUS.
About the Top Wizard
When PE-DESIGN PLUS 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).
c
“Opening a PE-DESIGN PLUS file” on
page 48
(3) Image To Stitch
Click this button to start the wizard for
creating an embroidery pattern from an
image.
c
“Using the Photo Stitch 1 function to
create an embroidery pattern from an
image” on page 11
(4) Most Recently Used Files
Click the name of a file from the list, and
then click Open.
(5) Always show Wizard at Startup
Select this check box to start up the
wizard each time PE-DESIGN PLUS is
started up.
(1) (2) (3)
(4)
(5)
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11
Creating Embroidery Patterns
Creating Embroidery Patterns
Creating Embroidery Patterns From
Photos (Photo Stitch 1)
The sample file for this tutorial can be found at the following location.
Documents (My Documents)\PE-DESIGN PLUS\Tutorial
Step 1 Using the Photo Stitch 1
function to create an embroidery
pattern from an image
Now, we will open the image of the girl and convert
it to an embroidery pattern.
1. Click 1in the Top Wizard.
2. Import the file girl2-face.bmp.
Select the file girl2-face .bmp in the folder
Documents (My Documents)\PE-DESIGN
PLUS\Tutorial
Step 1 Using the Photo Stitch 1 function to create an embroidery pattern from an image
Step 2 Changing color of the circle
Step 3 Adding text and setting character spacing
Step 4 Transforming the text
Step 5 Importing and rotating an embroidery pattern
Step 6
Transferring embroidery patterns to embroidery machines
• Transferring the design to an original card
• Transferring data to embroidery machines via a USB media
1
bMemo:
Image file formats
Images in the following formats can be
imported.
• Windows bitmap (.bmp)
• Exif (.tif, .jpg)
• Portable Network Graphics (.png)
• GIF (.gif)
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12
Creating Embroidery Patterns
3. Click 1, then 2, then 3.
c
“Image To Stitch Wizard” on page 30
4. Click 1to select the circle mask, and then click
Next.
c
“Select Mask dialog box” on page 30
5. Adjust the size and position of the image.
1indicates the Design Page.
• 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.
• Drag the image to adjust its output location.
c
“Set Output Size dialog box” on page 31
and “Gray Balance / Set Output Size
dialog box” on page 31
6. Check the preview of the area to be converted
then click Next.
7. Click Select from Candidates.
c
“Photo Stitch 1 Parameters dialog box” on
page 19
bMemo:
Creating beautiful photo embroidery
• The following types of photos are not
appropriate for creating embroidery
patterns.
• Photos where the subject is small, such
as in photos of gatherings
• Photos where the subject appears
dark, such as photos taken in a room or
taken with backlighting
• An image with a width and height between
300 and 500 dots is suitable.
1
2
3
1
bMemo:
• The size of the embroidery pattern appears
in the lower left corner of the dialog box. The
user can change the size freely with this
display.
• For best results, change the size of the
embroidery pattern to the sizes listed below.
• Face only: 100 × 100 mm
• Head and shoulders: 130 × 180 mm
Shift
Embroidery pattern size
1
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13
Creating Embroidery Patterns
Creating Embroidery Patterns
8. Select one of the candidates (1) and click OK.
This preview changes to the selected
image.
9. Select the Add mask outline check box,
check the preview image, and then click
Finish.
Stitches are automatically input.
Step 2 Changing color of the
circle
1. In the Sewing Order pane, move the scroll bar
until circle pattern (1) appears, and then click
it.
2. Click 1in the Color tab to change the color of
the circle.
bMemo:
If the created embroidery pattern contains
colors that you do not wish to emphasize (for
example, grays in the face), change the
sewing order in the Sewing Order pane so
that the undesirable color is sewn before all
other colors.
c
“Checking and Editing the Sewing
Order” on page 43.
1
1
1
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14
Creating Embroidery Patterns
Step 3 Adding text and setting
character spacing
1. Click , then .
2. Click below the girl in the Design Page.
A vertical dashed line will appear on the
Design Page.
3. From the keyboard, type in “Andrea”.
4. Press the key.
The text is entered.
5. Click the text to select it.
6. Click the Color tab, and then click 1to change
the color of the font.
7. Click the Text Attributes tab, and then set
Character Spacing (1) to 3.0 mm.
Specify the setting by clicking the selector and
typing in the value, or by clicking or
.
Step 4 Transforming the text
1. Click the text to select it, select the Transform
check box (1), and then click 2.
Enter
1
1
1
2
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15
Creating Embroidery Patterns
Creating Embroidery Patterns
2. Move the pointer over , or , and
then, while holding down the left mouse
button, drag the mouse to adjust the size,
position or curve of the text.
c
“Transforming text” on page 33
3. 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.
c
“Editing Embroidery Designs” on page 37
Step 5 Importing and rotating an
embroidery pattern
Now, we will import the embroidery pattern for the
rose.
1. Click , then ,
then .
2. From the Category selector, select Floral.
3. Move the pointer over the rose, 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.
c
“Importing embroidery designs” on
page 49
4. Click in the Import dialog box to close it.
: Adjusts the text size.
: Moves the text along the circle.
: Adjusts the radius of the circle.
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16
Creating Embroidery Patterns
5. 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 6 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. 16)
Data can be transferred to embroidery machines
compatible with original cards.
•Transferring data to embroidery machines via a
USB media (☞p. 17)
Data can be transferred to embroidery machines
equipped with a USB-B connector.
■Transferring the design to an
original card
1. Insert an original card into the USB Card
Writer Module.
2. Click , then ,
then .
aNote:
When imported stitch patterns are enlarged
or reduced, the embroidering quality may be
reduced.
c
“Slightly Enlarging/Reducing
Stitch Patterns” on page 38.
1
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17
Creating Embroidery Patterns
Creating Embroidery Patterns
3. Click OK.
4. When the writing is finished, the following
message appears. Click OK.
c
“Transferring to a machine by using an
original card” on page 52.
For details on saving embroidery
patterns, refer to “Saving” on page 18.
5. Insert the original card into the card slot of the
sewing machine.
■Transferring data to embroidery
machines via a USB media
1. Plug the USB media into the computer.
2. Click , then ,
then , then .
Data transfer begins.
3. When the transferring is finished, the following
message appears. Click OK.
4. After an embroidery pattern is transferred,
remove the USB media from the computer.
5. Insert the USB media into the USB port on the
machine.
aNote:
• When writing to an original card that
already contains data, all data on the card
will be deleted.
• Before using an original card, check that
the designs on the card are no longer
needed.
c
“From an embroidery card” on
page 50
• If you wish to keep the designs, store them
on a hard disk or other storage media.
aNote:
Precautions for using the Card Writer
Module/original cards
• The original card is inserted correctly
when you hear it snap into place.
• Never remove an original card or unplug
the USB cable while the LED indicator is
flashing.
bMemo:
For details on using the embroidery machine,
refer to the Operation Manual included with it.
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18
Creating Embroidery Patterns
Saving
Overwriting
Click 1, then 2.
Saving with a new name
1. Click 1, then 2.
2. Select the drive and the folder, and then type
in the file name.
3. Click Save to save the data.
The new file name appears in the title bar
of the PE-DESIGN PLUS window.
Exporting
The data shown in the Design Page can be exported
as a file of a different format (.dst, .hus, .exp, .pcs,
.vip, .sew, .jef, .csd, .xxx, and .shv).
1. Click 1, then 2
bMemo:
If no file name has been specified or if the file
cannot be found, the
Save As dialog box
appears.
1
2
1
2
1
2
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