Do you have a cool design or logo saved as a JPG image but don’t know how to turn it into an ART file for your embroidery machine? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one! As machine embroidery continues to grow in popularity, more and more people are stitching logos, patterns, and even detailed pictures onto shirts, jackets, bags, and more. The possibilities for creativity are almost endless.

However, there’s a catch: converting a JPG image into an ART file isn’t as easy as you might think. It’s not a simple one-click process. It’s a bit more complicated, and often, you’ll need professional help to get the best results. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this blog, we’ll break down how to convert a JPG image into an ART file in a way that’s easy to understand. First, let’s start by explaining what JPG and ART formats actually are before diving into how the conversion process works.

What is a JPG Format?

A JPG (or JPEG), which stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group, is one of the most commonly used formats for saving digital pictures. One of the best things about JPGs is that they can take large image files and compress them, so they take up less space on your device. Whether you’re saving photos on your phone, computer, or camera, JPGs are everywhere. Even though they’re smaller in size, JPGs still keep a lot of their quality, which is why they’re so popular.

You can open JPG files on almost any device, which makes them incredibly easy to use. Designers also love to use JPG images as the starting point when creating embroidery designs. For instance, if you want to stitch a logo onto a shirt or bag, the designer will most likely start by using a JPG version of that logo. However, while JPGs are great for images, they don’t have the instructions needed to turn those images into embroidery designs. And that’s where the ART format comes in.

What is an ART Format?

The ART file format is a special type of file created specifically for Bernina embroidery machines. You can think of an ART file as a set of instructions for the embroidery machine. It tells the machine exactly what it needs to do to stitch the design onto the fabric, down to every tiny detail. This is super important because, without an ART file, your machine won’t know what to do with the design you want to embroider.

ART files contain important information such as:

  • Stitch type: Should the machine use a running stitch, satin stitch, or fill stitch?
  • Stitch order: What part of the design should be stitched first, second, and so on?
  • Thread colors: What colors should be used for different parts of the design?

This kind of detail is crucial to making sure the embroidery looks exactly like the original image. If you don’t convert your JPG into an ART file, your embroidery machine won’t be able to stitch the design. That’s why converting the file is so important.

If you’re curious about other embroidery file formats and how they work, check out Understanding Different Embroidery File Formats for more information.

Why Can’t I Use a JPG Directly?

You might be wondering, “Why can’t I just load the JPG file into my embroidery machine and start stitching?” Well, here’s the deal: A JPG is just an image. It doesn’t have any instructions for your embroidery machine. It doesn’t tell the machine where to place each stitch, how dense the stitching should be, what kind of stitch to use, or which thread colors to choose.

Basically, while a JPG shows what the design looks like, it’s not useful to the embroidery machine on its own. That’s why you need to convert the JPG into an ART file. An ART file is packed with all the detailed stitching instructions the embroidery machine needs to recreate the design on fabric.

How to Convert JPG to ART

Now that you know what JPG and ART files are, let’s talk about how to convert a JPG image into an ART file. There are several methods for doing this, but not all methods work equally well. Let’s go through each option so you can decide which one works best for you.

 

1. Using Embroidery Digitizing Software

The most accurate and professional way to convert a JPG image to an ART file is by using embroidery digitizing software. This software is designed to take an image and transform it into a format that an embroidery machine can understand, like ART for Bernina machines. Professional designers and digitizers use this type of software to create detailed instructions for embroidery machines.

Some of the most popular embroidery digitizing software programs include:

If you’re interested in learning more about one of the leading software tools, check out our Wilcom Software Guide for Embroidery Enthusiasts for a deep dive into how Wilcom can enhance your designs.

Here’s how the process works:

Step 1: Upload the JPG Image
First, you’ll need to open your JPG file in the software. Most programs will allow you to drag and drop the image, or you can browse your computer files and open the JPG that way.

Step 2: Trace the Design
After the image is uploaded, the next step is to trace the different parts of the design. This means outlining the shapes and lines that need to be stitched. The software won’t always know exactly where to stitch, so you’ll need to guide it by tracing the design.

Step 3: Select Stitch Types
Now, you’ll need to choose the type of stitches to use for each part of the design. For example, thicker lines might need a satin stitch, while thinner lines could use a running stitch. You’ll also need to decide what kind of stitches to use for filling larger areas of the design.

Step 4: Adjust Stitch Density
Stitch density controls how close or far apart the stitches are from each other. If the stitches are too close together, the fabric might bunch up or pucker. If they’re too far apart, the design might not look as solid. You’ll need to adjust the stitch density to get the best results.

Step 5: Set the Thread Colors
The next step is to choose which thread colors to use for different parts of the design. This is important to make sure the finished product looks just like the original image.

Step 6: Save the File as an ART Format
Once you’re done, save the file in the ART format. Your design is now ready to be stitched out by your Bernina embroidery machine.

Is Embroidery Digitizing Software Easy to Use?

Embroidery digitizing software can be tricky to learn. It can take months, or even up to a year, to fully master all the settings, like stitch angles, stitch order, and density. It’s a very hands-on process that requires a lot of practice to get right.

Also, the software can be expensive. You might need to spend several hundred dollars to buy professional-grade software. Unless you plan to do embroidery regularly, this might not be the most practical option for you.

2. Using Auto-Digitizing Software

If manually digitizing your design sounds too complicated, there’s an easier option: auto-digitizing software. Many embroidery programs come with an auto-digitizing feature, which automatically converts a JPG image into an embroidery file like ART.

While this sounds perfect, it’s not always the best solution. Auto-digitizing software can be helpful for simple designs, but it often struggles with more complex images. This is because the software guesses where the stitches should go, and it doesn’t always get it right. You might end up with:

  • Stitches that are too dense or too loose.
  • Wrong types of stitches in certain areas.
  • Thread colors that don’t align correctly.

Even though auto-digitizing is easier than manual digitizing, it’s still not a perfect solution for more detailed designs. And just like with manual digitizing, you’ll still need to purchase embroidery software that includes this feature. Programs like Hatch or Wilcom offer auto-digitizing, but they can still be a bit pricey.

Auto-digitizing can work fine for basic designs with one or two colors. But if your design is more detailed, you might want to stick with manual digitizing or hire a professional service.

For those who are looking for budget-friendly solutions, there are even free auto-digitizing options available. You can explore one of these options in this guide on free auto-digitizing embroidery software to see if it suits your needs.

 

3. Online Converter Tools

If you’ve been searching for ways to convert a JPG image to ART, you might have come across online converter tools that claim to do it for free with just one click. While this sounds like an easy fix, these online tools are usually not very reliable.

Here’s why:

  • Some tools don’t actually convert your file; they just redirect you to ads or other websites.
  • Some online converters might steal your personal information or install malware on your computer.
  • Even if the tool does convert the file, the result might not work properly with your embroidery machine.

In short, free online tools don’t deliver what they promise. It’s best to avoid them and stick with more trusted, professional methods.

 

Embroidery Digitizing Services

4. Hiring an Embroidery Digitizing Service

If you don’t want to spend time learning software or risk using unreliable online tools, you can always hire a professional embroidery digitizing service. These services employ experienced digitizers who will convert your JPG image into an ART file for you.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Submit your JPG file: Send your JPG image to the digitizing service.
  2. They do the work: A professional digitizer will manually convert the JPG image into an ART file, making sure everything is accurate and ready for stitching.
  3. Receive your ART file: The service will send you the ART file, and your design will be ready to stitch onto your fabric.

Hiring a digitizing service is usually affordable, with prices starting at around $10 per logo. Turnaround times are fast, often between 2 to 12 hours. This makes it a great option if you need the file quickly and don’t want to deal with the hassle of learning how to digitize it yourself.

Step-by-Step Guide: Converting JPG to ART with Software

If you want to give it a try on your own, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to converting a JPG image to an ART file using Bernina ArtLink software:

  1. Open your JPG image: Start by uploading the JPG into the software.
  2. Resize and crop: Adjust the size of the image and crop out any unnecessary parts so you can focus on the main design.
  3. Trace the design: Use the tools in the software to manually trace the elements of the design. This tells the software where the stitches should go.
  4. Select stitch types: Choose the stitch types for different parts of the design. For example, thicker lines might need a satin stitch, while finer lines might use a running stitch.
  5. Adjust stitch density: Make sure the stitches aren’t too close together (which could cause bunching) or too far apart (which might make the design look incomplete).
  6. Assign thread colors: Choose the right thread colors for each section of the design to ensure it turns out just the way you want it.
  7. Save the file as ART: Once you’re happy with your design, save the file in the ART format.

Testing the ART File

Before you start stitching the final product, it’s a good idea to test the design on a scrap piece of fabric. This helps you see if there are any issues that need fixing, like wrong stitch placement or thread colors. Testing your design first ensures that your final project turns out just right.

Conclusion

Converting a JPG image to an ART file may seem a little complicated, but with the right tools and knowledge, it’s absolutely doable. Whether you choose to use embroidery digitizing software, auto-digitizing, or hire a professional service, there are plenty of ways to get your design ready for stitching.

If you need quick and professional results, hiring a service like Absolute Digitizing can save you time and effort. They offer affordable prices, fast turnaround times, and high-quality results, allowing you to focus on your embroidery project without worrying about the technical details.

Now that you know how to convert a JPG to ART format, it’s time to get stitching and bring your designs to life! Get a free quote now to convert your image to ART format.