Ann The Gran Community

I just purchased the brother 700II will I also need to purchase something like Ped basic to be able to download designs from the internet or does this machine have the capabilities without another program.

That machine has a USB drive, so you can download from the Net, and upload to your USB Drive.

One thing that will be missing is the information about the design.  PED Basic does have all that available for you, but you could better use the CatalogXpress available right here at AnnTheGran.  It is more versatile and keeps track of your designs (catalogs your designs). 

One caution, keep your designs wherever you decide because CatalogXpress is a data indexing program, but the files are elsewhere on your PC.

Check out my Forum for doing your initial project with your new machine.   It has tips and tricks that will be helpful for your crafting experience.  You are going to fall in love with machine embroidery.  My blog is also a fun place to find projects and tips.

Welcome to the most beautiful craft for the 21st Century!

Pat, The Avid Embroiderer

thanks Pat I did call brother today and they said i did not need the software but I could only download 12 designs I really didnt understand what they meant .  If I order the catalogue express can I download as many as I like.and store them on my computer and pull them up whenever I need them.  really dont understand about the 12 designs.  Just starting out what software programs would you recommend I really would like to do some monagraming.  really not interested in doing my own designs thanks for any help

Linda

Hello Linda,

When Brother spoke of downloading ONLY 12 designs to your PE-700II, they may have been stating that only 12 designs can be maintained on your machine at a time.  In other words, actually stored on your machine at any given time.

Catalog Xpress is a terrific software program to hold your designs.  BUT, this is only a cataloging system.  Basically, a FILE.  An easier and quicker way to view your designs and kept visibly in the order you designate.  Love mine.  But, once again, only a filing system.  Not to be substituted for a compressed file.

I personally utilize WinZip for compressing my designs.  You will need an area on your PC to maintain your designs after purchasing.  From this area where you maintain your deisgns safely, you can "extract" to a USB, Catalog Xpress, etc.

Good Luck with your new machine. 

Joan

thanks Joan I have winzip on vista but never used it can you explain how i download files from internet and store in winzip also do you make seperate folders for different kinds of designs I am going to purchase catalogue express have the trial now I like knowing the colors of the designs  I am not to computer savy so any help would be appreciated.  thanks

Linda

Hi Linda,

When you purchase a design from a site, it will ask where you would like to "zipped" or "unzipped" files; "save" or "open".  Request "save" - "zipped".  Then it will offer Browse options.  WinZip will be in this area.  Prior to closing design site out completely, double check that your design was in fact placed into the WinZip area.

From WinZip, you can "open" and then "extract" to your USB drive (Flash Drive).  Then bring to your machine.  Utilize a 1GB USB; nothing larger.

I do have order within my WinZip area.  After purchasing Catalog Xpress, I went in and re-categorized items to match for both areas.  For example.....Baby Designs, I read as:  Baby.Elephant.Bib; Baby.Script; Baby.Rattle -- Nationality, read as:  Russian.Easter Eggs, Russian.Matryoshka.Cross Stitch, Ukranian.Easter Eggs.Redwork so forth and so on.  Sometimes, I include the size (4x4; 5x7) in the title as well when I need for that particular design.  I utilize the size most when I have a quilting design that works within a 4 x 4 area or a 5 x 7 area.

It all flows once you understand the process and have it down pat.   Luck and fun!

Joan