OVERVIEW

Hatch is modern embroidery software created by Wilcom, designed for home

embroiderers and small businesses. It uses the same powerful engine as Wilcom

but with a more user-friendly interface.

VERSIONS

• Hatch Embroidery 3 (current version as of 2025)
• Hatch Embroidery 2 (older, still supported)
• Multiple tiers: Customizer, Composer, Creator

RELATIONSHIP TO WILCOM

Hatch is Wilcom's consumer product line

• Same file format support (DST, PES, JEF, etc.)
• Uses ESA font format (same as Wilcom)
• Similar conversion engine
• Simplified interface for home users

USING ARTAPLI DESIGNS IN HATCH

Step 1: Import Designs

• Download and extract Artapli design ZIP
• Open Hatch software
• File > Open Embroidery
• Browse to extracted design files
• Select DST or your machine format
• Design loads ready for editing

Step 2: Editing Capabilities

Hatch allows you to

• Resize designs (use caution - see warnings below)
• Change colors
• Combine multiple designs
• Add lettering
• Create custom projects

CRITICAL: Do NOT resize specialty designs (fringe, puffy, chain stitch)

Step 3: Save or Export

• Export to your machine format for stitching

HATCH-SPECIFIC FEATURES FOR ARTAPLI DESIGNS

1. Design Library: Organize Artapli purchases by collection
2. Thread Matching: Match to your thread brand
3. Stitch Simulator: Preview before stitching
4. Hoop Selection: Verify design fits your hoop

FONT MAPPING IN HATCH

Like Wilcom, Hatch supports ESA alphabet fonts. When you purchase Artapli fonts

Installing Fonts in Hatch

1. Locate ESA file in downloaded ZIP
2. In Hatch: Go to Lettering > Font Manager
3. Click "Import Font"
4. Select ESA file
5. Font appears in lettering toolbar
6. Type text instead of placing individual letters

AUTOMATIC DESIGN ADJUSTMENTS WARNING

Hatch has automatic optimization features that can harm Artapli specialty designs

When opening designs, Hatch may prompt

"Optimize this design for better stitching?"

For Artapli designs: ALWAYS click "No" or "Skip Optimization"

Optimization destroys

• Fringe effects (removes tiny stitches needed for fringe)
• Puffy foam coverage (changes stitch placement)
• Chain stitch character (converts to regular stitches)
• Hand-stitch appearance (smooths intentional texture)

SAFE PRACTICES IN HATCH

• Import designs without optimization
• Use provided formats without conversion
• Test on scrap fabric before final project
• Keep original files backed up

UNSAFE PRACTICES

• Auto-optimizing specialty designs
• Resizing fringe or puffy designs
• Converting between formats unnecessarily
• Using "Reduce Stitches" on Artapli designs

HATCH VERSION COMPATIBILITY

Artapli designs work with all Hatch versions

• Hatch 1: Basic support
• Hatch 2: Full compatibility
• Hatch 3: Enhanced preview and editing

Older versions: If you have Hatch 1, some ESA fonts may require Hatch 2+.

Contact Artapli support for compatible formats.

COMBINING ARTAPLI DESIGNS

Hatch excels at combining multiple designs

1. Open first design
2. File > Merge Design
3. Select second Artapli design
4. Position and scale as needed
5. Ensure no stitch conflicts (use Hatch's collision detection)

COMMON HATCH QUESTIONS

Q: Can I use Artapli BX fonts in Hatch?

A: No. BX fonts are for Embrilliance software. Use ESA fonts with Hatch.

Q: Design looks pixelated in Hatch preview

A: This is normal. Hatch renders preview differently than final stitch. Check

stitch simulator for accurate representation.

Q: Colors don't match my thread

A: Use Thread Palette feature to match your thread brand. Hatch supports all

major thread manufacturers.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Export formats: 50+ machine formats
• Maximum design size: 400mm x 400mm (depends on license tier)
• Font support: ESA, TrueType (auto-digitized)

SEE ALSO

• Guide: "Conversion in Hatch to preserve design quality"
• Guide: "Hatch 3? You Can Map Purchased Alphabets"
• FAQ: "Which software do I need?" - artapli.shop/pages/faq