Cataloging Programs to Organize Your Embroidery Designs

Embroidery Cataloging Programs blog post at Sew Inspired by Bonnie

How can you organize embroidery designs when you can’t see them? These programs will help!

Last week, we talked about how to organize your embroidery designs. This week, we will share some programs that will help with cataloging your designs.

It is easy to see photos on your computer. If you choose “View Icons” in File Explorer, the mini image shows you a smaller rendition of the photo.

 

However, embroidery designs only show file names. Unless they have very specific file names, that makes it pretty difficult to organize files without having to open every one individually. Fortunately, there are programs that allow you to see the design image as an icon.

Embroidery Design Organizing/Cataloging Programs

BuzzXplore from BuzzTools works just like windows Explorer. You can see all files within the category folder from within the BuzzXplore program.

You can also print out a catalog of thumbnails within categories as well as printed templates and color charts. Get a free trial download.

Embrilliance Thumbnailer works in much the same way as BuzzExplore. However, you can view the pictures of your embroidery files from within Windows without even having to open the Embrillance program to do it.

 

You can even view files like a slide show. Embrilliance also has a 90-day money back guarantee.

Embroidery Organizer is the foundation upon which Hatch Embroidery modules are built. Get a Hatch free download here.

 

 

Iconizer is an optional plug-in for Embird that shows icon images of design files. Get an Embird, free trial download here.

Tips for Choosing an Embroidery Organizing Program

When choosing a program, consider whether or not the program can:

  • Catalog images for sorting with notes or coding
  • Work independently (Do I need another program installed for it to work?)
  • Work on my computer (Mac or PC, both?)
  • Print templates
  • Print a catalog of designs 
  • Show electronic cutting files

 Does the program offer other design editing capabilities like:

  • Thread libraries
  • Color sorting
  • Resizing
  • Basic editing
  • File converting

These programs have free trials or money-back guarantees, so there is really nothing to lose.

Which program do you use for organizing your embroidery files and what do you like about it?

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Comments

  • Lisa Daws - August 09, 2022

    Have any of you tried SewCat Category Organizer? One nice thing about it is that it can also be used to categorize svg and cutting files as well as the embroidery files and you can cross-reference between them since it creates a virtual catalog with searchable features.

  • Sara - March 20, 2022

    Try Embroidery Explorer by Seirra Software. It’s free and the Dealer code is listed on the download page https://www.freesierrasoftware.com/site/get%20it%20now.htm

  • Bonnie Welsh - February 08, 2022

    Vivian—I’m not familiar with CatalogIt; however, I did a quick Google search of programs like CatalogIt and it came up with these alternatives to that program. Maybe that will hep. Just copy and paste this link: https://www.capterra.com/p/183811/CatalogIt/alternatives/

  • Vivian Lord - February 08, 2022

    I used to use Catalog It! However, it stopped working. I lost a lot of design when it stopped working. I am currently trying to find a program that is like Catalog It! it was very easy to use. Can you refer me to one like it? Thank you.

  • Bonnie Welsh - January 16, 2022

    Sharon—You’re designs are stored within a folder on your hard drive which you can view in Windows Explore similarly as Buzz Explore (just no pictures, only file names). I assume when you say “Buzz Explore designs,” you’re referring to all your embroidery designs you’ve purchased, etc. They’re on your hard drive. Buzz Explore just accesses the folder in which you’ve stored them. A new editing program will do the same but you’ll need to know where your current files are stored so that you can “direct” the new program to look into the proper folder. Hope that helps.

  • Sharon - January 16, 2022

    My Buzz Explore has developed many problems to the point where it is no longer usable. I even purchased every upgrade and it is still not functioning. Their customer support is no help at all. If I purchase another, similar product can I successfully move my Buzz Explore designs to the new design program?

  • Pat Cunningham - September 14, 2020

    I have used BuzzXplore for years and it works great!

  • Bonnie Welsh - September 09, 2020

    Linda—You can’t see your designs even when using Thumbnailer? I assume you also have Embrilliance? If you’re having issues viewing your designs with Thumbnailer, I’d contact tech support at Embrillance. I’m sure they can help you get up and running. Great program with great support.

  • linda - September 08, 2020

    I have thumbnailer but a lot of trouble and time organizing. Can’t see design. Which one will work for me

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