How to Convert an Image into a PaintStitch Design

The PaintStitch feature in DRAWings PRO XII allows you to transform any bitmap image (like a JPG or PNG) into a beautiful, photo-realistic embroidery design. Using advanced algorithms, the software automatically creates an artistic stitch-out that mimics painting with thread.

This guide will walk you through the entire process, from importing your image to fine-tuning the result with powerful customization tools.

Step 1: Import Your Image

The process begins by importing the image you want to convert.

1. Click the Open icon on the main toolbar.
2. Navigate to and select the bitmap image file you wish to use.
3. An import dialog box will appear, showing a preview of your image. From the available conversion options, select “Open as PaintStitch” and click OK.

The software will automatically process the image and convert it into a PaintStitch embroidery design.

Step 2: Fine-Tune Your Import (Optional)

Before finalizing the import, you have several options to adjust the source image.

• Select a Portion: If you only want to convert part of the image, simply click and drag a box over the desired area in the preview window. You can move and resize this selection box. To reset it and use the full image again, click the circular reset icon.
• Adjust Resolution: In the lower section of the dialog, you can manually set the Width, Height, or DPI (Dots Per Inch) for the final design. When you change one value and press Enter, the others will update proportionally to maintain the image’s aspect ratio.

Useful Tip: The software has a default “backdrop size limit” (29.5 cm or 11.6 inches). If your imported image is larger than this limit, the software will automatically reduce its dimensions to fit, ensuring it’s ready for embroidery.

Step 3: Customize Your PaintStitch Design

Once your design is created, you can easily modify its appearance using the Properties toolbar (typically on the right side of your screen) and the Stitch Flow tool. Every change you make is applied instantly, giving you a live preview of the result.

Using the Stitch Flow Tool

The Stitch Flow tool helps you define the most important part of your image. The software will then focus its color matching and detail rendering on that specific area.

1. Select the Stitch Flow tool from the toolbar.
2. Click and drag a circle over the main subject of your design (e.g., a person’s face, a specific flower).
3. The design will automatically recalculate, adding more detail and accuracy to the area within the guide.
4. You can resize the guide by dragging its handles or delete it by clicking the ‘X’ in the center.

Adjusting PaintStitch Properties

Select your design to access its options in the Properties toolbar. Here’s a breakdown of what you can control:

• Thread Palette: Choose the specific thread manufacturer’s palette you plan to use for the stitch-out. The design’s colors will instantly update to match the selected brand.
• Colors: Specify the number of thread colors to use. More colors will produce a more detailed and photo-realistic result. The maximum is 99 colors.
• Density: This controls the spacing between stitches. Lower values create a denser design with more stitches and detail. Higher values reduce the stitch count for a lighter, less detailed effect.
• Stitch Length: Adjust the length of the individual stitches. Higher values create a more artistic, “fuzzier” look, while lower values produce a sharper, more detailed result.
• Smoothing: Activating this option reduces the randomness of the stitches, resulting in a smoother, more uniform appearance.
• Blending: This crucial setting controls how much adjacent color areas overlap.
  • None: Colors will not overlap at all, creating hard edges.
  • Low: Minimal overlapping between colors.
  • Medium (Default): A balanced amount of blending.
  • High: Significant overlapping for a softer transition between colors.
  • Full: The maximum possible amount of blending is applied.
• Brightness & Contrast: Just like in a photo editor, you can adjust the overall brightness and contrast of the design. Values can be set from -240 to +240.

Bonus Tip: After importing an image, you aren’t locked into your initial choice! You can select any bitmap-based design on your screen and change its fill type to any other available style (Cross-stitch, PhotoStitch, Sketch, etc.) directly from the Properties toolbar. This makes it easy to experiment and find the perfect artistic effect for your project.