Design help

[Dianne]

I bought a design online & had to get an exp format: when I tried to change to cnd on the website the design parts were not in the right place. Does anyone have time to change the design format for me? Also, what format should I buy that I can edit in DS w/ trims, underlay, etc. I have DS ver. 7. Thanks, everyone! Dianne

[Judy]

I can change the format for you no problem. I am [email protected]

[Steve I]

You can change the file extension, but once a file is in an expanded format editing is limited.

Steve I.
Trinity Embroidery

[Dianne]

When I can't get a cnd file ext., what file ext. can I get that will open in DS & allow me to edit it? Thanks! Dianne

[The Embroidery Authority - OLD]

Dianne,
The file format that all Melco users prefer is the .OFM format. This is considered the native format to Design Shop. It will contain all the information necessary for developing a design including stitch length, density, pull comp, column type, fill patterns, walk stitch type, color data, lock stitches, and so on.
An .EXP file is a Melco format, but will be about 1/10 the size of the .OFM version because it will only contain the necessary information for the machine to sew your design. That being stich coordinates, color change commands (not color data), and trim commands. Those three bits of information are all that's necessary for any machine to sew a design.
If you are going to have someone give you a design that is in an .EXP format, you really should think twice about editing that design. There will be rules to follow so you don't mess it up too bad.
If you are able to change your .EXP file and it still sew well for you, consider it a good day.

Hope this helps,
Ed Orantes

[Steve I]

Dianne,

Ed explained an .exp very well. They are good if it's exactly what you want. If your digitizer can't do a .ofm for you see if they can do a .cnd. If they can't do either of those and you are limited on your ability to edit designs and get the work done, find a new digitizer that can.

Steve I.
Trinity Embroidery

[Dianne]

My digitizer does a great job w/ the ofm format. My problem is that I bought a design off freeembroiderystuff.com. Their file formats are limited. When I tried to change the exp to a cnd the design did not go back together the same way. What other file format can I use from them that gives me the ability to edit it: trims, etc? Thanks! Dianne

[Ian]

Most sites sell machine files. Machine files by definition are just code (cordinates, commands), much like a finished dish. The outline files that were used on the program used to create them are the recipe. Once everything is Cooked and plated, if you want a really useful wireframe, it has to be recreated or converted and heavily edited. The only truly "editable" file is the native file it was created in. If you know who the author is, find out what software they use. If they use Melco your in luck. If they do not, find a vendor that does.

[Steve I]

The next best thing to an .OFM is a .CND

Steve
Trinity Embroidery