How to Open Designs: 5 Ways to Import Embroidery and Artwork Files

This guide outlines the various methods you can use to open native .DRAW files, as well as import other supported embroidery and artwork file types into your workspace.

Part 1: Methods for Opening a Design

You can initiate the “Open” command in several different ways, allowing you to choose the method that best fits your workflow.

• From the Welcome Screen: When you first launch DRAWings PRO XII, the Welcome tab is displayed.
  • Click the “Open design” option to launch the file browser.
  • Alternatively, to open a project you have recently worked on, simply select it from the “Recent designs” list.
• Using the Toolbar Icon: Click the “Open” icon, which is located in the main toolbar at the top of your workspace.
• With a Keyboard Shortcut: This is one of the fastest methods.
  • For Windows users: Press Control ‘+‘ O (the letter ‘O’).
  • For macOS users: Press Command ‘+‘ O (the letter ‘O’).
• Drag and Drop:
  1. Locate your design file on your computer using File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (macOS).
  2. Click and drag the file directly onto the design tabs area within the DRAWings PRO XII workspace. The software will automatically open or import it.
• From the File Menu:
  1. Navigate to the top menu bar.
  2. Click on File.
  3. Select the Open… option from the dropdown menu.

Part 2: Using the ‘Open’ File Browser

Regardless of the method you choose, the “Open” file browser dialog will appear. This window allows you to navigate the folders and locations on your computer.

• Viewing Supported Files: By default, the browser is filtered to only show file types that DRAWings PRO XII can open. You will not see unsupported files (e.g., documents, spreadsheets) in this view.
• Previewing Designs:
  • Many design files will show a small thumbnail preview automatically.
  • Tip: If a file does not have an automatic thumbnail, simply click on its name once. A larger preview will be generated in the preview pane of the dialog box, allowing you to see the design before you open it.

Part 3: How to Filter for Specific File Types

To find your desired file more easily, you can use the file type filter, which is a dropdown list located at the bottom of the browser dialog.

• To view all supported image files: Select “All artwork” from the list. This is useful for importing files like .JPEG, .PNG, .BMP, etc.
• To view all supported embroidery files: Select “All embroidery” from the list. This will show machine formats like .JEF, .PES, .DST, etc.
• To view a specific file type: You can also narrow the results to a single format. For example:
  • Select DRAW files (.draw) to see only the native, fully editable project files for the software.
  • Select JEF files (.jef) to see only that specific embroidery format.
  • Select JPEG images (.jpg) to find an image you wish to use as a backdrop or for auto-tracing.

Note: When you open a non-native file, such as an embroidery format or an image, it will be imported into a new, unsaved DRAWings design. Opening a .JPEG or other image file will prompt a dialog with options for how the image should be handled.