How to Convert Embroidery Files to SHV

Embroidery software programs open a variety of embroidery file extensions. Embroidery machine manufacturers usually recommend a preferred default format setting. The type of software program as well as embroidery machine generally dictates if original artwork, embroidery designs or embroidery graphic design files are convertible. The SHV file type contains stitches and is primarily used with the Husqvarna Viking Designer 1 machine. Design patterns are convertible to .shv as long as the designs are configured in the correct file structure. When files do not contain HUS format files, conversion software is implemented such as BuzzTools or the Viking Format Conversion Pro.

Things You'll Need

• Viking Format Conversion Pro software
• Diskette
• Reader/writer box (optional)
• Embroidery card (optional)
• Reader/writer software program (optional)

Instructions

Converting Existing Files to HUS

1. Choose a file location on your personal computer and download zipped embroidery design files from the Internet. Another option is to open original designs you have created.

2. Unzip the files by double-clicking on the file with the cursor if you have a Windows XP-SP2 operating system. Other operating systems can run additional software programs such as WinZip to unzip files. It is important to check your existing operating system prior to downloading any files to avoid harmful files to your computer. Open the "Control Panel" > "System Properties" to view the operating system, including memory.

3. Install an embroidery conversion software program. For example, if you are downloading file extensions other than HUS for the Husqvarna Viking Designer 1, install the Viking Format Conversion Pro software.

4. Open the conversion program by clicking on the icon. A window opens displaying several tabs with different file type buttons for conversion such as HUS, EXP and PEC.

5. Click on the "Hus" tab to activate the conversion tool. This tool feature changes the existing file type format to the HUS file format. A window opens with a progress bar during the conversion process. The HUS is then converted to the SHV stitching file type format for the embroidery machine.

6. Save the HUS format by selecting the drive and folder in the export files directory browser. Click "OK" when the drive and folder appear in the directory browser bar.

Converting HUS to SHV

1. Open the Husqvarna Viking Disk Manager. Click on "File" > "Open" on the Disk Manager's ribbon bar across the top of the screen. A drop-down menu appears with the HUS file designs. Locate and click on the embroidery design you want to convert to stitch out. The designs appear in the Design View window.

2. Position the cursor over the design and left-click the mouse. The design is then loaded into the Disk Manager screen. Use the Disk Manager if you plan to write the embroidery design on a diskette for the machine. If you are using a reader/writer box to write the embroidery files on an embroidery card, you need to open and load the designs in the reader/writer software program.

3. Click on the "Write Disk" icon on the toolbar to transfer the designs to the machine. Another option is to click on the "Write Card" icon to transfer the designs to the machine on an embroidery card. This step converts the files to SHV. For example, if you are working with the Disk Manager, the files displayed in the disk manager software are converted from HUS format to SHV format and are stored in the MENU_01 section on the diskette.These files and filenames are required for the embroidery machine to recognize the designs. File contents are listed as five prenamed files: MENU_01, MENU_02, MENU_03, MENU_04 and MENU_SEL.PHV.

References

• SecretsOf: Secrets of Embroidery: Husqvarna Viking Tutorials
• IEC.MarthaPullen: Martha's Internet Embroidery Club
• "Digitizing Made Easy: Create Custom Embroidery Designs Like a Pro"; John Deer; 2008

Resources

• Ericas: Judy Nowicki's Embroidery Designs