Vector Graphics - Auto vs Manual Digitizing

Logically one would assume that the better the artwork, the better the results, right? When it comes to embroidery digitizing artwork it does not get any better than a vector file. Vector files are designs that are created using tools that create objects, layering colors, and special effects that can be resized from a matchbook cover to a billboard without losing quality or the integrity of the design.

Their counterpart, a raster image like a jpg or png file is made up of pixels related to dpi (dot per inch), and depending on the resolution it becomes very blurred or pixelated when resizing or zooming into the artwork. Generally, the quality of an auto-digitized design will directly be affected by the quality or resolution of the designs. The higher and clearer the resolution the better the odds of the software creating clean objects with fewer nodes.

So back to vector, true vector images are generally created in two popular programs these days CorelDraw and Illustrator. That said, very few embroidery digitizing programs do work with those native “art” languages as they are independent programs. Hatch is one of the few that do actually integrate and communicate with one of these programs, if a Hatch user owns Corel8 the software will automatically identify that the program is on your system and ask if you like it to communicate directly with Hatch.

Sounds like a dream come true! Well, it would be if the artist creating the CorelDraw file did so with the idea in mind that the artwork was going to be embroidered onto a garment. The big difference is that most artists create vector file with the purpose of it being printed in some way, not stitched. Because of that the generally layer colors and creates clean lines between color separations. What that means to an embroiderer using a vector file that would be “automatically” converted to stitches is that it creates multiple layers of stitches on top of each other with no pull compensation or pathing and splicing of objects.

Essentially it sees an object and simply fills it in, leaving an incredible amount of editing to make the job right! Could using a true vector object be an asset? Yes, if you created the vector artwork from the beginning keeping in mind that you would be using thread and not ink. Which in reality means you’d need to learn two programs, a drawing program, and a digitizing program, and essentially do the same job twice.

So, we are back where we started. Learning to manually digitize is still more proficient and produces better quality embroidery than Auto-Digitizing even when using the “best” artwork available.

As a quick sidenote… would I ever use a vector image within my Hatch software? Sure, if I have identified that it would meet my needs with regards to embroidery and it would save me time. Truth is, this very rarely has happened after decades of working in this industry. And to make that determination I still need the same theory that allows me to create designs manually.

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