Digitizing Workflow

Digitizing is translating an image into stitch instructions. In AnyTa you can start from a reference image, import an SVG, open an existing embroidery file, or describe the job to the AI agent.

Draw

Trace the shapes with the stitch tools.

Import image

AnyTa detects colors and regions automatically.

Import vector

SVG paths are converted into editable objects.

1. Decide where to start

Icon	Method	What it does
	Add artwork	Loads an image only as a visual reference. Does not create stitches.
	File → Import	Imports SVG, images, or embroidery files. Images are digitized into objects.
	Draw from scratch	Creates objects with the stitch tools.
AI	AI composer	Describe the job or attach an image and let the agent propose the design.

Importing an image

When you open an image with File → Import, AnyTa:

1. Reduces the image to a maximum of 8 dominant colors.
2. Discards the light or transparent background.
3. Traces the regions and converts them into filled objects.
4. Places the result inside the canvas.

It is a good starting point for logos and flat drawings, but you should review the edges, reduce the number of objects, and adjust the density. An image with clean outlines and few colors produces better results.

Importing an SVG or embroidery

• SVG: paths are converted into editable vector objects.
• Embroidery (.dst, .pes, .jef, .exp, etc.): existing stitch blocks are loaded. See File Formats.

2. Prepare the canvas and reference

Open the Canvas Settings with the button in the top-left corner of the rulers () and choose the hoop, the units, and the grid. The design must fit within the usable area of the hoop.

Working with artwork

Icon	Control	Function
	Show/hide	Hides the reference without removing it. Shortcut: D.
	Lock	Prevents moving or transforming it by accident. Shortcut: K.
	Opacity	Lowers transparency to see the stitches better on top.
	Remove	Deletes the reference image from the project.

The artwork context bar lets you flip, resize, crop, and rotate 90°. When loaded, AnyTa automatically centers it on the canvas.

tip

If you are going to trace an image, leave it at 40–60% opacity and locked. That way you see the edges without confusing the reference with the objects.

3. Create the objects

Drawing tools

Icon	Tool	Shortcut	How to use it
	Select	V or O	Selects, moves, and transforms objects.
	Reshape / Nodes	H	Edits nodes and handles of the selection.
	Zoom	Z	Drag a rectangle to zoom in; Ctrl+click zooms out.
	Pan view	Space	Scrolls the canvas while you hold the key.
	Rectangle, circle, star	—	Drag to create the shape.
	Text / Lettering	—	Click and type the text in Properties.
	Stitch / run	F8	Draws outlines and open lines.
	Columns A/B/C	F4/F5/F6 or A/B/C	Draws satin columns.
	Complex Fill	—	Draws a closed contour and adds holes.

Drawing technique

• Stitch / run: click to add nodes, drag when placing to create a curve, and use Ctrl for a straight node. Backspace deletes the last node. Double-click or Enter closes the path and asks for entry and exit.
• Column A: alternate right and left clicks; each pair defines a rib.
• Column B: draw the first edge, Enter, draw the second, and Enter.
• Column C: draw the centerline, Enter, and set the width by dragging.
• Complex Fill: close the contour with Enter, draw the holes, and finish with two Enter presses; then define entry, exit, and angle.
• Shapes: created as fill objects; change the pattern or convert them into a column in Properties.

Digitizing with AI

In the AI tab of the objects panel you can choose the mode:

• Digitize: generates stitch objects from an image or an idea.
• Vectorize: gets editable paths.
• Variants: creates alternatives of the current design.
• Edit: modifies existing objects with instructions.

Attach an image with Attach image, write the prompt, and review the result in the history. Each run can be restored. See Properties and the Objects and AI section.

4. Adjust the stitch

Select an object and adjust the stitch type in Properties or in the context bar. Each variant has its own parameters:

• Fill: pattern, spacing, angle, underlay, and holes.
• Columns: satin spacing, width, corners, and underlay.
• Run: mode (Manual, single run, double run, or bean stitch), length, and tie-offs.
• Lettering: font, height, spacing, baseline, and density.

See Stitch Types and Properties for details on each control.

5. Review the result

Icon	Tool	What to check
	Measure (M)	Real size and angles of the drawing.
	Grid and guides	Alignment and symmetry.
	Stitch view	Travel, density, and jumps.
	Player (Ctrl+P)	Embroidery order and travel between objects.

6. Order the objects

The order of the Objects list is the embroidery order. Drag the rows to change it, group with Ctrl+G, and ungroup with Ctrl+U. The Sequence strip at the bottom of the panel shows the thread order.

Before exporting, you can use Generate → Optimize Order to reduce travel between blocks.

7. Save and export

• Save the project with Ctrl+S in .any format to preserve objects, threads, artwork, and machine origin.
• Export with File → Export to DST, PES, JEF, or EXP.
• Check the machine origin before generating the final file.

Best practices

1. Start with the outline and then fill.
2. Use columns for letters and narrow borders; fill for surfaces.
3. Keep the same stitch direction in similar objects.
4. Review the simulation before exporting.
5. Save intermediate versions of the .any project.

note

The right density depends on the fabric. On stretch fabrics, reduce the density and add stabilizing interfacing.