OVERVIEW

Melco DesignShop is professional embroidery software designed for Melco commercial

embroidery machines. It offers digitizing, editing, and production management.

MACHINE COMPATIBILITY

• Melco Amaya series
• Melco EMT series
• Melco Bravo
• Other Melco commercial machines

FILE FORMATS

• Native: CND (Melco DesignShop format)
• Machine: EXP, DST, CND
• Import: All standard embroidery formats

USING ARTAPLI DESIGNS IN DESIGNSHOP

Best Format for Melco

• DST format (universal, most reliable)
• EXP format (alternative, includes more data)
• All Artapli designs include both formats

Importing Process

1. Download Artapli design ZIP
2. Extract files to organized folder
3. Open Melco DesignShop
4. File > Import Design
5. Select DST or EXP file
6. Design loads ready for production or editing

ALPHABET FONTS IN DESIGNSHOP

Melco DesignShop has its own font system for lettering.

Using Artapli Alphabets

Option 1: Individual Letter Placement

• Import each letter file separately
• Place and space manually for custom work
• Time-consuming but maximum control

Option 2: Font Conversion (Advanced)

• Some Artapli alphabets can be converted to DesignShop fonts
• Requires technical knowledge
• Contact Artapli for DesignShop-specific font format

Option 3: Use Lettering Software

• Create text in compatible software (Wilcom, Hatch)
• Export final design to DST
• Import to DesignShop for production

DESIGNSHOP EDITING CAPABILITIES

Safe practices with Artapli designs

• Change thread colors
• Scale designs (standard designs only, 10% maximum)
• Combine multiple designs
• Add production notes

Avoid

• Auto-optimization features
• Resizing specialty designs (fringe, puffy)
• Removing "small stitches" (often intentional)
• Converting repeatedly between formats

PRODUCTION WORKFLOW

Melco DesignShop is designed for commercial production

1. Import Artapli design
2. Assign to specific machine
3. Set thread colors (match to your inventory)
4. Calculate production time
5. Generate work order
6. Send to Melco machine

THREAD MANAGEMENT

DesignShop includes thread inventory system

• Map Artapli design colors to your thread inventory
• Track thread usage per design
• Calculate thread costs
• Generate thread shopping lists

Recommended threads for Artapli designs on Melco

• Madeira Polyneon (polyester, commercial grade)
• Isacord (widely available, consistent quality)
• Robison-Anton (good for high-volume production)

SPECIALTY DESIGNS ON MELCO MACHINES

Fringe Designs

• Use DST format exactly as provided
• Do not resize or modify
• Test on scrap first
• Reduce machine speed by 20-30% for best results
• Use sharp needle (75/11 or 80/12)

Puffy Foam Designs

• Load puffy foam during color stop
• Use recommended foam thickness (check product description)
• Polyester thread works better than rayon
• Slightly reduce tension if needed

Applique Designs

• Follow color sequence carefully
• First stop: Placement line (mark fabric position)
• Second stop: Tack down (secure fabric)
• Third stop: Cover stitch (finish edges)

MELCO-SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS

Commercial production requires

• Proper stabilization (cut-away for garments)
• Fresh needles (change every 8 hours production)
• Quality thread (cheap thread causes breaks)
• Regular machine maintenance

Artapli designs are tested for commercial production quality.

COMMON DESIGNSHOP QUESTIONS

Q: Design won't import

A: Check file format. Use DST (most universal). Ensure file is not corrupted

(re-download if needed).

Q: Colors don't match thread inventory

A: Use DesignShop's thread mapper to assign colors to your thread stock. Color

names are suggestions only.

Q: Design causes thread breaks

A: Check needle sharpness, thread quality, tension, and stabilizer. Artapli

designs are tested to minimize breaks when used with quality materials.

Q: Can I resize designs for different garment types?

A: Standard designs can resize 10-15% safely. Specialty designs (fringe, puffy,

chain stitch) should never be resized. Order multiple sizes from Artapli.

PRODUCTION OPTIMIZATION

For high-volume production with Artapli designs

1. Test design on sample fabric before production run
2. Document optimal settings (tension, speed, stabilizer)
3. Keep digitized settings for repeat orders
4. Maintain quality control samples
5. Order designs in sizes you use most frequently

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

For Melco DesignShop technical issues

• Contact Melco support
• Reference DesignShop manual

For Artapli design compatibility

• Contact Artapli with DesignShop version number
• Provide machine model
• Include error messages or photos if applicable

SEE ALSO

• Guide: "Fonts in Melco DesignShop"
• FAQ: "What format works with commercial machines?" - artapli.shop/pages/faq
• Guide: "Files in Wilcom" (similar principles)