I am obviously new to the forums, although I have been following them for a while. I have found a ton of valuable information, and it is appreciated. I am looking at getting into embroidery and was wondering what the key differences are between Wilcom/Corel's Deco Studio and Wilcom's Embroidery Studio? Price is obvious, but being new to embroidery, I was wondering if I should just jump into Embroidery Studio. My hope is that I can gain the experience to do most of my own digitizing, but I don't want to sink the savings into software if it is not necessary. Thanks, in advance, for you guidance. Bill
Hi Bill.
I started out in Embroidery about 2 years ago. I bought a complete package of machine and software together. The salesman advised me to only buy the Edit/plus version of Wilcom which I believe has now been superceeded by Deco Studio. I took his advice , as he rightly said, I could not use the higher version because it was too advanced for me. As a starter in the business he was right. Deco Studio is enough to get started with and learn the trade. It did everything I needed. I have now, after 2 years, upgraded to ES because my business has advanced and so have my digitising skills.
Hope this helps and good luck.
Earl
I was in your situation about two years ago. I tried 2 different software packages, both starter systems, before Deco came out. I bought Deco based on being new to the embroidery world and digitizing and I am so glad I did. In having some automation in the software, I didn't have to know all the details at one time to be able to produce quality work. As I progressed and learned by running my machines and watching designs sew out, I was able to begin learning the process of digitizing itself. Deco was a great learning place to do that. I was able to produce some really nice designs while learning what worked and what didn't. When I got to the point where I needed more control in my designs, I was ready to upgrade to ES. I have only had ES for about one month but the difference is huge. One thing to keep in mind, is that as you progress up in Wilcom, what you paid for the first package is included in the cost of the upgrade. In other words, what I paid for Deco was put toward the cost of ES1 and it continues with every upgrade so you won't lose anything by starting where you can learn bite by bite. Having used Deco for 2 years allowed an easy transition to ES because I already knew how to manage the software and I had been able to learn when and how to use comp, density, stitch length, and all the other pieces that goes into producing a well running and attractive design. Working with Wilcom has also been a really good experience. I have been able to get help when I needed it and they have always responded quickly, which is important in this business. I see on this forum, talk of a lot of different software and everyone has a different opinion based on their own experience. The learning curve in the business is tremendous but the software you use is the one foundational part that will make the biggest difference in your experience and what you can produce in a finished product. Good luck on your new venture.
Thank you, Earl and Jim. I appreciate you taking the time to respond. I haven't heard or read anyone talk bad about Wilcom other than the price. I do believe you usually get what you pay, though. Now I understand a little better about the differences in the software and where I should start. I think I am going with DecoStudio and see where it goes. Thanks again, guys.
Deco Studio vs Embroidery Studio 
