How to Convert Images into Photo-Realistic PaintStitch Embroidery Designs

The PaintStitch feature in eXPerience 8 allows you to convert bitmap images (photos) into photo-realistic embroidery designs using advanced algorithms. This guide will walk you through importing an image, adjusting the resolution, and customizing the stitch properties for the best results.

Step 1: Import Your Image

1. Click the Open icon on the main toolbar.
2. Locate the bitmap image (JPEG, PNG, BMP, etc.) you wish to convert.
3. In the dialog box that appears, select the Open as PaintStitch option.

Step 2: Select and Resize the Image

Before the design is generated, an import dialog allows you to refine the image area and resolution.

• Crop the Image: Click and drag your cursor over the preview image to select a specific portion to import. You can resize this selection using the handles or move it to frame your subject.
• Reset Selection: If you are not satisfied with the crop, click the Circle icon to reset the dialog.
• Adjust Resolution: In the lower part of the dialog, you can manually edit the Width, Height, or DPI values. Press Enter after changing a number to apply the change proportionally.

Important Note on Size Limits: The software has a default “backdrop size limit” of 29.5cm (11.6 inches). If your imported image exceeds this width or height, the software will automatically adjust the resolution values to fit within this limit.

Step 3: Define the Subject with Stitch Flow

Once the image is imported, the software automatically converts it. However, you can tell the software which part of the image is the “subject” (e.g., a face in a portrait) so it renders that area with higher accuracy than the background.

1. Select the Stitch Flow tool.
2. Click and drag on the design to draw a circle around your subject.
3. The design will automatically recalculate. The area inside the circle will be rendered with higher detail.
4. Adjust the Guide: Drag the handles on the circle to increase or decrease the size of the focus area.
5. To remove the guide, click the X at the center of the circle.

Step 4: Customize PaintStitch Properties

With the design selected, use the Properties toolbar to fine-tune the embroidery look. Any change you make here is applied immediately.

Color and Thread Settings

• Thread Palette: Use the drop-down menu to select the specific thread brand/palette you intend to use. The colors will map automatically.
• Number of Colors: Specify how many distinct thread colors to use.
  • Tip: More colors result in a more detailed, realistic image.
  • Limit: The maximum number of colors is 99.

Density and Stitch Length

• Density: Adjusts the spacing between stitches.
  • Higher values: Reduce the total number of stitches and lower the detail.
  • Lower values: Increase stitch count and detail.
• Length: Sets the length of the individual stitches.
  • Higher values: Produce a fuzzier, more artistic result.
  • Lower values: Produce a sharper, more detailed result.

Smoothing and Blending

• Smoothing: Check this option to reduce the randomness of stitch placement, making the surface look cleaner.
• Blending: Controls how much the thread colors overlap to create gradients.
  • None: No blending; edges between colors are sharp with no overlap.
  • Low: Minimal overlapping.
  • Medium: (Default) Standard photo-realistic blending.
  • High/Full: Maximum overlapping between colors and shapes for a very smooth transition.

Image Adjustments

You can adjust the visual properties of the source image directly within the software without needing external photo editing tools.

• Brightness: Adjust from -240 to +240.
• Contrast: Adjust from -240 to +240.

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💡 Useful Tips

• Real-time Updates: You do not need to press a “generate” button after every change. Every time you adjust a property (like density or palette), the PaintStitch is recalculated instantly.
• Changing Fill Types: If you have imported an image as a PaintStitch design but change your mind, you can convert it to other bitmap fill types (such as Cross-stitch, Photostitch, or Sketch) using the fill type options in the properties panel.
• Focus on the Subject: Always use the Stitch Flow tool for portraits. It forces the software to prioritize the facial features over the background details.