Chroma Digitizing Software - Revision history

Daniel K. Schneider: /* Introduction */

2022-09-29T21:38:24Z

Introduction

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:38, 29 September 2022
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	Chroma is embroidery software from Ricoma, a company that builds good industrial multi-needle embroidery machines. According to the [https://ricoma.com/US/software/chroma Chroma] website (9/2022), {{quotation\|Chroma, Ricoma's proprietary digitizing software, is designed to allow both the novice and experienced digitizer to create even the most intricate designs with ease and speed. Become a digitizing pro in no time with an easy-to-use interface, built-in styles and customization tools! }}. This is a similar positioning as [[Hatch Embroidery\|Hatch Embroidery 3]]. Its advanced "luxe" version costs $2100 and it therefore should offer more functionality.		Chroma is embroidery software from Ricoma, a company that builds good industrial multi-needle embroidery machines. According to the [https://ricoma.com/US/software/chroma Chroma] website (9/2022), {{quotation\|Chroma, Ricoma's proprietary digitizing software, is designed to allow both the novice and experienced digitizer to create even the most intricate designs with ease and speed. Become a digitizing pro in no time with an easy-to-use interface, built-in styles and customization tools! }}. This is a similar positioning as [[Hatch Embroidery\|Hatch Embroidery 3]]. Its advanced "luxe" version costs $2100 and it therefore should offer more functionality.

	This article is a quick review of this software. We had a short look at the software (3 hours, including writing this piece). So we didn't do any serious testing, which actually would include stitching out files and that is not possible in the trial version. Our first impressions are good, expected functionality is there.		This article is a quick review of this software. We had a short look at the software (3 hours, including writing this piece). So we didn't do any serious testing, which actually would include stitching out files and that is not possible in the trial version. Our first impressions are good, expected functionality is there. The software is very easy to learn if one understands drawing and digitizing principles. It is probably one of the most user friendly embroidery applications and suitable for beginners willing to learn.

	We '''recommend that Mac users should try out Chroma'''. Most embroidery software does not run on macOS (exceptions are [https://embrilliance.com/ Embrillance] and [https://www.stitchbuddy.de/ Stitch Buddy]). We did not test this software enough to make any other serious recommendation, in particular we cannot evaluate at this point whether if fits the need of professional designers and whether the extra price point for the "luxe" edition is justified for more casual power users.		We '''recommend that Mac users should try out Chroma'''. Most embroidery software does not run on macOS (exceptions are [https://embrilliance.com/ Embrillance] and [https://www.stitchbuddy.de/ Stitch Buddy]). We did not test this software enough to make any other serious recommendation, in particular we cannot evaluate at this point whether if fits the need of professional designers and whether the extra price point for the "luxe" edition is justified for more casual power users.

Daniel K. Schneider at 21:34, 29 September 2022

2022-09-29T21:34:02Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:34, 29 September 2022
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	== Introduction ==		== Introduction ==

	Chroma is embroidery software from Ricoma, a company that builds good ~~instructional~~ multi-needle embroidery machines. According to the [https://ricoma.com/US/software/chroma Chroma] website (9/2022), {{quotation\|Chroma, Ricoma's proprietary digitizing software, is designed to allow both the novice and experienced digitizer to create even the most intricate designs with ease and speed. Become a digitizing pro in no time with an easy-to-use interface, built-in styles and customization tools! }}. This is a similar positioning as [[Hatch Embroidery\|Hatch Embroidery 3]]. ~~It's~~ advanced "luxe" version costs $2100 and it therefore should offer more functionality.		Chroma is embroidery software from Ricoma, a company that builds good industrial multi-needle embroidery machines. According to the [https://ricoma.com/US/software/chroma Chroma] website (9/2022), {{quotation\|Chroma, Ricoma's proprietary digitizing software, is designed to allow both the novice and experienced digitizer to create even the most intricate designs with ease and speed. Become a digitizing pro in no time with an easy-to-use interface, built-in styles and customization tools! }}. This is a similar positioning as [[Hatch Embroidery\|Hatch Embroidery 3]]. Its advanced "luxe" version costs $2100 and it therefore should offer more functionality.

	This article is a quick review of this software. We had a short look at the software (3 hours, including writing this piece). So we didn't do any serious testing, which actually would include stitching out files and that is not possible in the trial version. Our first impressions are good, expected functionality is there.		This article is a quick review of this software. We had a short look at the software (3 hours, including writing this piece). So we didn't do any serious testing, which actually would include stitching out files and that is not possible in the trial version. Our first impressions are good, expected functionality is there.
Line 27:		Line 27:

	== Fill types ==		== Fill types ==
	Chroma luxe includes the typical fill paradigms that one can find in good embroidery software. By default, larger fills are done with a tatami for which a small number of variants exist.[[image: chroma-luxe-1.png\|thumb\|none\|800px\|Changing a direction line of a tatami]]The next ~~picture~~ shows both various fill types (in the pull down menu) and a contour fill with a density of 0.5mm.[[image: chroma-luxe-2.png\|thumb\|none\|800px\|Changing a direction line of a tatami]]		Chroma luxe includes the typical fill paradigms that one can find in good embroidery software. By default, larger fills are done with a tatami for which a small number of variants exist.[[image: chroma-luxe-1.png\|thumb\|none\|800px\|Changing a direction line of a tatami]]The next screen shot shows both various fill types (in the pull down menu to the right) and a contour fill with a density of 0.5mm.[[image: chroma-luxe-2.png\|thumb\|none\|800px\|Changing a direction line of a tatami]]

	== Parameters and controls ==		== Parameters and controls ==
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	[[image: chroma-luxe-3.png\|thumb\|none\|800px\|Changing a direction line of a tatami]]		[[image: chroma-luxe-3.png\|thumb\|none\|800px\|Changing a direction line of a tatami]]

	Wave is another line-based fill and the wave can be edited through a guideline, item (3) in the screen shot below.[[image: chroma-luxe-4.png\|thumb\|none\|800px\|Changing a direction line of a tatami]]		Wave is another line-based fill and the wave can be edited through a guideline, i.e. item (3) in the screen shot below.[[image: chroma-luxe-4.png\|thumb\|none\|800px\|Changing a direction line of a tatami]]

	=== Software parameters ===		=== Software parameters ===
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	=== Editing ===		=== Editing ===
	Embroidery objects can be edited with typical simplified vector editing operations ~~it seems~~. Select the Shape edit Icon in the toolbox (second from the top or hit F9)		Embroidery objects can be edited with typical simplified vector editing operations. Select the ''Shape edit'' Icon in the toolbox (second from the top) or hit F9

	Unless this can be changed somewhere, you can:		Unless this can be changed somewhere, you can:
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	=== Vector images ===		=== Vector images ===
	We first tested ~~import of~~ SVG that went smoothly (~~although~~ we did not test bad SVG code. The emoji above have been cleaned for import in Hatch and Embroidery Office. Several formats are supported.		We first tested importing an SVG file that went smoothly (however, we did not test importing bad SVG code on which both Hatch and Embroidery Office+Corel can choke. The emoji above have been cleaned for import in Hatch and Embroidery Office. Several import formats are supported as you can see in the screenshot below.
	[[image: chroma-luxe-9.png\|thumb\|none\|600px\|Vector import]]		[[image: chroma-luxe-9.png\|thumb\|none\|600px\|Vector import]]

	You can edit the envelope of vector objects, but not the shapes themselves (unless we ~~mised~~ something)		You can edit the envelope of vector objects, but not the shapes themselves (unless we missed something)
	[[image: chroma-luxe-10.png\|thumb\|none\|800px\|Vector envelope manipulation]]		[[image: chroma-luxe-10.png\|thumb\|none\|800px\|Vector envelope manipulation]]

	=== Raster images ===		=== Raster images ===
	Importing clean raster files works fine if the number of colors is small. Color reduction is not working well. We tested this with a clean drawing (actually exported from an [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Royal_Cypher_of_Elizabeth_II_of_the_United_Kingdom?uselang=mn#/media/File:Royal_Cypher_of_Queen_Elizabeth_II.svg SVG file] found on Wikipedia) . In order to detect green and blue we have to select 26 colors and we didn't find any method to merge colors. Both Hatch and Stitch Era can do this. Maybe we missed the feature since there is no real manual.[[image: chroma-luxe-6.png\|thumb\|none\|800px\|Changing a direction line of a tatami]]		Importing clean raster files works fine if the number of colors is small. Color reduction is not working well. We tested this with a clean drawing (actually exported from an [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Royal_Cypher_of_Elizabeth_II_of_the_United_Kingdom?uselang=mn#/media/File:Royal_Cypher_of_Queen_Elizabeth_II.svg SVG file] found on Wikipedia) . In order to detect green and blue we have to select 26 colors and we didn't find any method to merge colors. Both Hatch and Stitch Era can do this. Maybe we missed the feature, since there is no real manual. Lack of good manuals seems to be a constant in the embroidery industry (maybe because most people do not want to read anymore).[[image: chroma-luxe-6.png\|thumb\|none\|800px\|Changing a direction line of a tatami]]

	== Classic digitizing ==		== Classic digitizing ==
	The lower half of the toolbar to the left includes the typical digitizing tools: These are also available under Tools -> Digitizing.		The lower half of the toolbar to the left includes the typical digitizing tools: These are also available under Tools -> Digitizing. We did not test these very much, but expect them to work fine.

	* run path		* run path
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	* cross stitch		* cross stitch
	* manual (stitches)		* manual (stitches)


	Manipulations:		Manipulations:
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	* Right click (or enter ?) to finish		* Right click (or enter ?) to finish

	* Each time you can define entry/exit by moving the green and red dot		* Each time you can define entry/exit points by moving the green and red dot

Daniel K. Schneider: /* Introduction */

2022-09-26T13:50:11Z

Introduction

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:50, 26 September 2022
Line 15:		Line 15:
	Chroma is embroidery software from Ricoma, a company that builds good instructional multi-needle embroidery machines. According to the [https://ricoma.com/US/software/chroma Chroma] website (9/2022), {{quotation\|Chroma, Ricoma's proprietary digitizing software, is designed to allow both the novice and experienced digitizer to create even the most intricate designs with ease and speed. Become a digitizing pro in no time with an easy-to-use interface, built-in styles and customization tools! }}. This is a similar positioning as [[Hatch Embroidery\|Hatch Embroidery 3]]. It's advanced "luxe" version costs $2100 and it therefore should offer more functionality.		Chroma is embroidery software from Ricoma, a company that builds good instructional multi-needle embroidery machines. According to the [https://ricoma.com/US/software/chroma Chroma] website (9/2022), {{quotation\|Chroma, Ricoma's proprietary digitizing software, is designed to allow both the novice and experienced digitizer to create even the most intricate designs with ease and speed. Become a digitizing pro in no time with an easy-to-use interface, built-in styles and customization tools! }}. This is a similar positioning as [[Hatch Embroidery\|Hatch Embroidery 3]]. It's advanced "luxe" version costs $2100 and it therefore should offer more functionality.

	We had a short look at the software (3 hours, including writing this piece). So we didn't do any serious testing, which actually would include stitching out files and that is not possible in the trial version. Our first impressions are good, expected functionality is there.		This article is a quick review of this software. We had a short look at the software (3 hours, including writing this piece). So we didn't do any serious testing, which actually would include stitching out files and that is not possible in the trial version. Our first impressions are good, expected functionality is there.

	We '''recommend that Mac users should try out Chroma'''. Most embroidery software does not run on macOS (exceptions are [https://embrilliance.com/ Embrillance] and [https://www.stitchbuddy.de/ Stitch Buddy]). We did not test this software enough to make any other serious recommendation, in particular we cannot evaluate at this point whether if fits the need of professional designers and whether the extra price point for the "luxe" edition is justified for more casual power users.		We '''recommend that Mac users should try out Chroma'''. Most embroidery software does not run on macOS (exceptions are [https://embrilliance.com/ Embrillance] and [https://www.stitchbuddy.de/ Stitch Buddy]). We did not test this software enough to make any other serious recommendation, in particular we cannot evaluate at this point whether if fits the need of professional designers and whether the extra price point for the "luxe" edition is justified for more casual power users.

Daniel K. Schneider at 13:49, 26 September 2022

2022-09-26T13:49:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:49, 26 September 2022
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	{{syllabus		{{syllabus
	\|is_part_of_syllabus=Machine embroidery		\|is_part_of_syllabus=Machine embroidery
	~~\|is_part_of_module=Hatch Embroidery~~
	~~\|is_module_of=Hatch Embroidery~~
	\|do_not_show_sub_page=No		\|do_not_show_sub_page=No
	\|status=to improve		\|status=to improve
	\|last_modification=2022-08-27		\|last_modification=2022-09-20
	~~\|objective=Understand the purpose of Hatch Embroidery,~~
	~~List the main functionalities~~
	\|difficulty=beginner		\|difficulty=beginner
	\|see_also=Computerized embroidery,		\|see_also=Computerized embroidery,
			Embroidery software,
	Concepts of computerized embroidery		Concepts of computerized embroidery
	~~\|pages_module=Hatch Embroidery 3 - auto-digitizing,~~
	~~Hatch Embroidery 3 - parametrize embroidery objects,~~
	~~Hatch Embroidery 3 - edit embroidery objects,~~
	~~CorelDRAW GEM for Hatch Embroidery,~~
	\|cat_syllabus=Hatch Embroidery		\|cat_syllabus=Hatch Embroidery
	\|prequisite=InkScape		\|prequisite=InkScape

Daniel K. Schneider at 13:48, 26 September 2022

2022-09-26T13:48:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:48, 26 September 2022
Line 1:		Line 1:
			{{syllabus
			\|is_part_of_syllabus=Machine embroidery
			\|is_part_of_module=Hatch Embroidery
			\|is_module_of=Hatch Embroidery
			\|do_not_show_sub_page=No
			\|status=to improve
			\|last_modification=2022-08-27
			\|objective=Understand the purpose of Hatch Embroidery,
			List the main functionalities
			\|difficulty=beginner
			\|see_also=Computerized embroidery,
			Concepts of computerized embroidery
			\|pages_module=Hatch Embroidery 3 - auto-digitizing,
			Hatch Embroidery 3 - parametrize embroidery objects,
			Hatch Embroidery 3 - edit embroidery objects,
			CorelDRAW GEM for Hatch Embroidery,
			\|cat_syllabus=Hatch Embroidery
			\|prequisite=InkScape
			}}
	== Introduction ==		== Introduction ==

Daniel K. Schneider: /* Introduction */

2022-09-23T16:38:34Z

Introduction

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:38, 23 September 2022
Line 5:		Line 5:
	We had a short look at the software (3 hours, including writing this piece). So we didn't do any serious testing, which actually would include stitching out files and that is not possible in the trial version. Our first impressions are good, expected functionality is there.		We had a short look at the software (3 hours, including writing this piece). So we didn't do any serious testing, which actually would include stitching out files and that is not possible in the trial version. Our first impressions are good, expected functionality is there.

	We'''recommend that Mac users should try out Chroma'''. Most embroidery software does not run on macOS (exceptions are [https://embrilliance.com/ Embrillance] and [https://www.stitchbuddy.de/ Stitch Buddy]). We did not test this software enough to make any other serious recommendation, in particular we cannot evaluate at this point whether if fits the need of professional designers and whether the extra price point for the "luxe" edition is justified for more casual power users.		We '''recommend that Mac users should try out Chroma'''. Most embroidery software does not run on macOS (exceptions are [https://embrilliance.com/ Embrillance] and [https://www.stitchbuddy.de/ Stitch Buddy]). We did not test this software enough to make any other serious recommendation, in particular we cannot evaluate at this point whether if fits the need of professional designers and whether the extra price point for the "luxe" edition is justified for more casual power users.

	== Using the trial version and getting started ==		== Using the trial version and getting started ==

Daniel K. Schneider: /* Introduction */

2022-09-23T16:38:14Z

Introduction

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:38, 23 September 2022
Line 3:		Line 3:
	Chroma is embroidery software from Ricoma, a company that builds good instructional multi-needle embroidery machines. According to the [https://ricoma.com/US/software/chroma Chroma] website (9/2022), {{quotation\|Chroma, Ricoma's proprietary digitizing software, is designed to allow both the novice and experienced digitizer to create even the most intricate designs with ease and speed. Become a digitizing pro in no time with an easy-to-use interface, built-in styles and customization tools! }}. This is a similar positioning as [[Hatch Embroidery\|Hatch Embroidery 3]]. It's advanced "luxe" version costs $2100 and it therefore should offer more functionality.		Chroma is embroidery software from Ricoma, a company that builds good instructional multi-needle embroidery machines. According to the [https://ricoma.com/US/software/chroma Chroma] website (9/2022), {{quotation\|Chroma, Ricoma's proprietary digitizing software, is designed to allow both the novice and experienced digitizer to create even the most intricate designs with ease and speed. Become a digitizing pro in no time with an easy-to-use interface, built-in styles and customization tools! }}. This is a similar positioning as [[Hatch Embroidery\|Hatch Embroidery 3]]. It's advanced "luxe" version costs $2100 and it therefore should offer more functionality.

	We had a short look at the software (3 hours, including writing this piece). So we didn't do any serious testing, which actually would include stitching out files and that is not possible in the trial version.		We had a short look at the software (3 hours, including writing this piece). So we didn't do any serious testing, which actually would include stitching out files and that is not possible in the trial version. Our first impressions are good, expected functionality is there.

			We'''recommend that Mac users should try out Chroma'''. Most embroidery software does not run on macOS (exceptions are [https://embrilliance.com/ Embrillance] and [https://www.stitchbuddy.de/ Stitch Buddy]). We did not test this software enough to make any other serious recommendation, in particular we cannot evaluate at this point whether if fits the need of professional designers and whether the extra price point for the "luxe" edition is justified for more casual power users.

	== Using the trial version and getting started ==		== Using the trial version and getting started ==

Daniel K. Schneider at 15:56, 23 September 2022

2022-09-23T15:56:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:56, 23 September 2022
Line 1:		Line 1:
	== Introduction ==		== Introduction ==

	Chroma is embroidery software from Ricoma, a company that builds good instructional multi-needle embroidery machines. According to the [https://ricoma.com/US/software/chroma Chroma] website (9/2022), {{quotation\|Chroma, Ricoma's proprietary digitizing software, is designed to allow both the novice and experienced digitizer to create even the most intricate designs with ease and speed. Become a digitizing pro in no time with an easy-to-use interface, built-in styles and customization tools! }}. This is a similar positioning as [[Hatch Embroidery 3]]. It's advanced "luxe" version costs $2100 and it therefore should offer more functionality.		Chroma is embroidery software from Ricoma, a company that builds good instructional multi-needle embroidery machines. According to the [https://ricoma.com/US/software/chroma Chroma] website (9/2022), {{quotation\|Chroma, Ricoma's proprietary digitizing software, is designed to allow both the novice and experienced digitizer to create even the most intricate designs with ease and speed. Become a digitizing pro in no time with an easy-to-use interface, built-in styles and customization tools! }}. This is a similar positioning as [[Hatch Embroidery\|Hatch Embroidery 3]]. It's advanced "luxe" version costs $2100 and it therefore should offer more functionality.

	We had a short look at the software (3 hours, including writing this piece). So we didn't do any serious testing, which actually would include stitching out files and that is not possible in the trial version.		We had a short look at the software (3 hours, including writing this piece). So we didn't do any serious testing, which actually would include stitching out files and that is not possible in the trial version.

Daniel K. Schneider: /* Introduction */

2022-09-23T15:56:23Z

Introduction

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:56, 23 September 2022
Line 3:		Line 3:
	Chroma is embroidery software from Ricoma, a company that builds good instructional multi-needle embroidery machines. According to the [https://ricoma.com/US/software/chroma Chroma] website (9/2022), {{quotation\|Chroma, Ricoma's proprietary digitizing software, is designed to allow both the novice and experienced digitizer to create even the most intricate designs with ease and speed. Become a digitizing pro in no time with an easy-to-use interface, built-in styles and customization tools! }}. This is a similar positioning as [[Hatch Embroidery 3]]. It's advanced "luxe" version costs $2100 and it therefore should offer more functionality.		Chroma is embroidery software from Ricoma, a company that builds good instructional multi-needle embroidery machines. According to the [https://ricoma.com/US/software/chroma Chroma] website (9/2022), {{quotation\|Chroma, Ricoma's proprietary digitizing software, is designed to allow both the novice and experienced digitizer to create even the most intricate designs with ease and speed. Become a digitizing pro in no time with an easy-to-use interface, built-in styles and customization tools! }}. This is a similar positioning as [[Hatch Embroidery 3]]. It's advanced "luxe" version costs $2100 and it therefore should offer more functionality.

	We had a short look at the software ~~but~~ didn't do any serious testing, which actually would ~~including~~ stitching out files and that is not possible in the trial version.		We had a short look at the software (3 hours, including writing this piece). So we didn't do any serious testing, which actually would include stitching out files and that is not possible in the trial version.

	~~Controls are color coded and it doesn't take much time to figure them out~~

	== Using the trial version and getting started ==		== Using the trial version and getting started ==
	I believe that you can download any version from the web site, but probably you should [https://ricoma.com/US/software/chroma register here]first. You will get an email with instructions.		I believe that you can download any version from the web site, but probably you should [https://ricoma.com/US/software/chroma register here]first. You will get an email with instructions.It is important to understand that you will have to answer the opening dialog in a specific way and each time you enter the software you will have to select the level you want to test. [[image: chroma-luxe-8.png\|thumb\|none\|323x323px\|Just say "close" and don't fill in the details. Chroma will open in trial mode (no saving)\|alt=]]Once the system is open, you will have to select the level. Each time you switch you will loose the drawing in the workspace, '''so do switch before you anything''' ![[image: chroma-luxe-7.png\|thumb\|none\|300x300px\|Select the software level and click "trial" each time you start the software\|alt=]]


	It is important to understand that you will have to answer the opening dialog in a specific way and each time you enter the software you will have to select the level you want to test.

	[[image: chroma-luxe-8.png\|thumb\|none\|323x323px\|Just say "close" and don't fill in the details. Chroma will open in trial mode (no saving)\|alt=]]Once the system is open, you will have to select the level. Each time you switch you will loose the drawing in the workspace, '''so do switch before you anything''' ![[image: chroma-luxe-7.png\|thumb\|none\|300x300px\|Select the software level and click "trial" each time you start the software\|alt=]]

	Enjoy ....		Enjoy ....

Daniel K. Schneider: /* Editing */

2022-09-23T15:46:33Z

Editing

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:46, 23 September 2022
Line 49:		Line 49:
	* move nodes		* move nodes
	* act on edges (lines), e.g. pull the lines into curves. This is similar as in Hatch and much easier for beginners than Bezier control points.		* act on edges (lines), e.g. pull the lines into curves. This is similar as in Hatch and much easier for beginners than Bezier control points.
			[[image: chroma-luxe-12.png\|thumb\|none\|400px\|Node context menu]]

			* Right click on a point allows changing the type, e.g. "line" will connect a straight line to the next point that is also "line"
	[[image: chroma-luxe-13.png\|thumb\|none\|400px\|Changing an edge]]		[[image: chroma-luxe-13.png\|thumb\|none\|400px\|Changing an edge]]
	* Right click on a point allows changing the type, e.g. "line" will connect a straight line to the next point that is also "line"
	~~[[image: chroma-luxe-12.png\|thumb\|none\|400px\|Node context menu]]~~

	Objects (same as the items in the sequence viewer) also have a context menu that allows certain operations like converting, aligning, creating a border ....		Objects (same as the items in the sequence viewer) also have a context menu that allows certain operations like converting, aligning, creating a border ....