Well now ... Digitizing software ... Here's a can of worms.
A scary fact - ALL digitizing software is EXACTLY the same engine, from the $100 viking software to the $15,000 Wilcom level 3.
What makes one worth $100 and one worth $15,000? The shortcuts, what may take someone 90 minutes in Generations, or 4D, takes someone else 90 seconds in Pulse or Wilcom.
First thing you need to do is look at how much are you really willing to spend? I always tell people to buy the most expensive software you can afford. Why? Speed! All digitizing software is Vector or "mathematically" based. Essentially an embroidery machine in its crude form is nothing more than a 2 dimensional CNC machine.
Without getting too off track, as I have a habit of doing, lol
Look at what you think you will most likely be doing, in most cases you will be doing some simple logo's for business, sporting teams, boy/girl scout troops, etc. etc. In that case do you need to spend $15,000 on Wilcom Level 3, absolutely not! Confucius says don't use a canon to kill a mosquito. Same deal.
Some programs you should check out.
Sierra DesignMaxx -
http://www.swfeast.com/en/software.asp
DGML/Pulse by Hirsch/Tajima -
http://www.hirschinternational.com/P...-Software.aspx
Wilcom Embroidery Studio and/or Deco Studio -
www.wilcom.com.au
I am partial to Wilcom myself, but mainly because thats what I learned on. There are 3 distinct levels of Wilcom, Embroidery Studio Levels 1,2,& 3. There is also something called Deco Studio, I think they are up to v. 1.5 now? They are all good programs. I use Deco Studio for basic lettering, 1 or 2 color clear concise logos. I think I paid about $1,000 for it.
Also, if you don't feel like you need that much, or at all. Use an outside digitizer for things. I know a few in the biz that do great work, and are very reasonable. That way, you can outsource your digitizing for a while, and you can either charge the customer what the digitizer charges you, or you can mark it up $5 or $10 that way you are still making something.
Just some food for though, forgive me If I have rambled too much and made your head spin.
embroidery software
