# EmbroideryTrace

> EmbroideryTrace is a browser-based embroidery digitizing tool. It converts any image (JPG, PNG, SVG) into a machine-ready stitch file using an AI tracer and a built-in stitch editor — no software to install. Export to DST, PES, JEF, VP3, and EXP. Free to upload, generate, edit, and preview; a paid Pro plan is only needed to download the finished stitch file.

## Free beginner course
The fastest way to learn the product. A 3-part video course with full written guides.

- [Course overview](https://www.embroiderytrace.com/help/course/): Hub for the free 3-part beginner course (upload → editor → prep shapes).
- [Lesson 1 — Upload Your First Design](https://www.embroiderytrace.com/help/course/lesson-1-upload-your-first-design.html): Turn a flat image into a stitch-ready file. Best source images (flat colors, clear outlines, 2–6 colors); supported formats JPG/PNG/SVG; AI processing; color = layer = thread.
- [Lesson 2 — Meet the Stitch Editor](https://www.embroiderytrace.com/help/course/lesson-2-stitch-editor.html): Editor layout, Stitch Colors (layers) panel, AI Optimized badge, and the three stitch types. Fill (Auto/Contour/Circular/Meander; angle, row spacing, underlay). Satin (smooth columns; works best under ~6mm; rails set via Split into Satin Columns, Select Satin Columns, or Draw Edges; green guide rungs steer direction). Running (single line; Bean Repeats for weight).
- [Lesson 3 — Prep Shapes With the Toolbar](https://www.embroiderytrace.com/help/course/lesson-3-prep-shapes.html): The five toolbar tools (Cut, Fill, Draw, Erase, Split). When to use Split (wide/irregular shapes like petals) and the rule for which stitch goes where (satin on narrow shapes/outlines, fill on wide solid areas; over ~6mm use fill or split first).

## Machine tutorials
- [Brother SE700 — image to embroidery file](https://www.embroiderytrace.com/help/brother-se700-embroidery-tutorial.html): Full workflow for the Brother SE700, including satin outlines, auto fill, exporting PES/DST, and USB transfer (FAT32, BROTHER folder). Max hoop 5"×7" (130×180mm).

## Help & product
- [Help Center](https://www.embroiderytrace.com/help/): All tutorials, guides, and the beginner course.
- [Machine-readable help index (JSON)](https://www.embroiderytrace.com/help/help-index.json): Structured index of every article with section anchors, summaries, FAQs, and routing hints — intended for support assistants.
- [Pricing](https://www.embroiderytrace.com/#pricing): Free to use; pay only to download. Pro adds DST/PES/JEF/VP3/EXP export.
- [File formats](https://www.embroiderytrace.com/#formats): DST (Tajima), PES (Brother/Babylock), JEF (Janome), VP3 (Pfaff/Viking), EXP (Melco).

## Key facts for answering questions
- Upload formats: JPG, PNG, SVG. Best results: flat colors, clear outlines, 2–6 colors.
- Three stitch types: fill (solid areas), satin (narrow shapes/outlines, smooth & glossy), running (single-line details).
- Satin width rule: works best under ~6mm wide; split wider shapes first.
- Satin rails: Split into Satin Columns (click two opposite edges), Select Satin Columns (outer = Rail 1, inner = Rail 2), Draw Edges (pen-draw both rails). Guide rungs (green) steer stitch direction.
- Pricing: free to upload/generate/edit/preview; pay only to download the stitch file.
- App: https://app.embroiderytrace.com — runs in any modern browser, nothing to install.