How To Make

About ESA Files and Font Mapping in Wilcom

About ESA Files and Font Mapping in Wilcom

ESA files are specific to Wilcom software. Unlike other embroidery programs like Embrilliance, Embird, PE-Design, or Hatch 3, Wilcom is a more closed system. It does not allow outside designers (like myself) to map fonts to the keyboard in ESA format — this option is restricted by Wilcom’s developers.

ESA fonts are based on vector outlines that get automatically converted into stitches within the software. Because of that auto-conversion, the results can sometimes have less-than-optimal density or layout.

As a designer, I provide stitch files directly to my customers — not ESA or working vector files — because I work with software that allows me to create stitch-accurate, high-quality embroidery (my native format is PES). I do not create vector files, as working directly with stitches ensures optimal density, precision, and quality across formats.

Using Hatch 3? You Can Map Purchased Alphabets!

If you’re using Hatch 3, you do have the ability to map your purchased letter files as a keyboard font (KDC format). This is a great way to organize your alphabet sets and type with them directly.

Here’s a helpful video that shows you exactly how to do it:

▶️ Hatch 3 – Mapping Alphabets to KDC

Related Designs

  • All Fonts

    All Fonts

    Explore Artapli embroidery fonts—available in a wide variety of styles, themes, and...

    All Fonts