How to Purchase and Install PE-DESIGN Lite, Mid-range Digitizing Machine Embroidery Software

PE-DESIGN Lite is an awesome mid-range machine embroidery digitizing software application with a reasonable price for amateur and simple digitizing needs. Produced by Brother, embroidery files are created and saved as .pes files for use with Brother embroidery machines, but with the purchase of third party conversion software and the appropriate card writer, you can use the files created in PE-DESIGN Lite with virtually any embroidery machine.

A simplified version of Brother’s primary machine embroidery digitizing suite, PE-Design, the Lite version provides basic digitizing tools plus basic tweaking features to designate satin or fill stitches, addition of text, multiple font choices, stitch order and tools to optimize colors and previews of designs. PE-DESIGN Lite is a mid-range option for machine embroidery software with basic digitizing tools and the ability to write files, similar to PED-BASIC, to a Brother specific memory card. If this mid-range option suits your needs, purchasing and installing PE-DESIGN Lite requires only a few steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• PC with Windows XP or above recommended
• Entire PE-Design Lite application package

1. 

   Purchase PE-DESIGN Lite online.
   
   I really hate to advise an online purchase, since I really do prefer to buy craft tools and supplies locally from reputable independent shops, but the cost savings can be between $300 and $500 by purchasing online. If you can find a local shop that can price match, by all means, please do support your local shop owners.
   
   Search online or use the links provided below to select a reputable online merchant and shop for the best price. Make sure that your PE-DESIGN Lite order includes EVERYTHING. The software alone will not work without the USB memory card writer and Brother memory card. The software key is hard coded into the card writer.

2. Wait for your order to arrive.
   
   This is the only really hard part. When you’re ready to start venturing into the world of digitizing machine embroidery files, waiting for the software to ship is torture.
   
   When your order arrives, open the box and make sure all the contents are there.

3. I advise reading the instruction manual and documentation before installation, but the process is fairly simple. Start by inserting the PE-DESIGN Lite application CD. If autolaunch doesn’t start the installation for you, browse the CD contents to begin.

4. 

   When prompted, choose your preferred setup language.

5. 

   When the Welcome screen appears, click the Next button.

6. 

   Select a destination path, then click the Next button. I recommend using the default path that appears on this step.

7. 

   Click the Finish button to complete the installation.

8. 

   Though, technically, the software installation is complete at this point, be aware that when you open the software, you will receive an error message unless the USB Card Writer and memory card are attached to your computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Since the card writer/code key dongle is required for PE-DESIGN Lite, you can’t even download the software after purchase. Bummer! If you’re really impatient, you can download a trial version of the full blown PE-Design software, but the additional options may be more than you want to tackle since you can’t save the work in the trial package anyway.
• For PED-Basic users, don’t try to purchase the PE-DESIGN Lite software alone. The card writer that comes with PED-Basic does not have the same hard coded key as the writer included with PE-DESIGN Lite.

Resources

• CDClocks & Other Unique & Custom Gifts
• Amazon Results
• SewForLess
• AllBrands
• Brother PE-DESIGN Software

[snowbear55]

on 8/26/2009 I finally found the answer to my question. Brother PED Basic uses a different dongle than Brother PE Design Lite. Boy, Brother has us right where they want us, in the wallet!

[omghow]

on 7/7/2009 Thanks

[SeemissesG]

on 7/7/2009 Thank you for sharing. I didn't know they had embroidery digitizing software until I read your article. This sounds like a very useful software program for those who enjoy embroidery. Thanks again.