• How does it work after purchase? After checkout, you'll get an instant digital download. Unzip the files, transfer them to your machine (via USB, cable, or card reader), and you're ready to stitch.
• Is this an instant download? Yes. All designs are available immediately after payment.
• Do you ship anything physically? No. These are digital files only. Nothing physical will be mailed.

• What files are included? Most sets include PES, DST, EXP, VIP, XXX, JEF, VP3, HUS formats. Font sets also include BX (for Embrilliance) and ESA (for Wilcom/Hatch). Sizes usually fit hoops 4x4, 5x7, 6x10, and 8x12. Check product details for exact info.
• What format should I use for my machine?
  • Brother/BabyLock: PES
  • Janome: JEF
  • Husqvarna Viking: HUS or VP3
  • Pfaff: VIP or VP3
  • Singer: XXX
  • Bernina/Melco: EXP
  • Universal/Commercial: DST
• What format should I use for software?
  • Embrilliance: BX files (fonts only) or any machine format
  • Wilcom/Hatch: ESA files (fonts only) or DST
  • PE-Design, Embird, Bernina: Any machine format (PES, DST, etc.)
• Can I resize designs? Small changes (±10%) are fine for most designs. Larger changes may affect stitch quality. NEVER resize specialty designs like fringe, puffy foam, appliqué, or chain stitch—these require exact stitch placement. Always test first on scrap fabric.
• Do you offer ART format? Yes, on request. Just ask!
• Do you offer EMB or EMBX format? No. EMB (Wilcom native) and EMBX (Hatch native) are software project formats, not machine formats. We provide DST, PES, and other machine-ready formats instead.
• Can I convert between formats? Yes, but be careful. Always disable "auto-optimization" and "reduce stitches" options in your software—these destroy specialty effects. If you need help converting safely, contact us and we'll guide you.

• How do I unzip files on Windows? Right-click the ZIP folder and choose "Extract All." Save files to a location you can easily access.
• How do I unzip files on Mac? Double-click the ZIP file. The contents will appear automatically in the same folder.
• My file won't open. What do I do? Make sure you unzip it first. If you're still stuck, message us—we'll help troubleshoot or resend the files.
• How do I transfer designs to my machine? After unzipping, copy the files (in your machine's format) to a USB stick or card reader. Insert into your machine and select the design from the menu.
• What software do I need? You don't need any software to use our designs! They're ready to stitch on your machine. For lettering, use the FREE Artapli Lettering Tool. For advanced editing or font keyboard mapping, you can use software like Hatch, Wilcom, Embrilliance, PE-Design, or others.
• My design looks different after opening in software. Why? Many programs have "auto-optimization" enabled by default. This destroys specialty effects like fringe, puffy, and appliqué. Always disable optimization when opening Artapli designs. Contact us if you need help with your specific software.

• Will these designs work with my Brother/Janome/Husqvarna/BabyLock machine? Yes. Most machines that read PES, DST, EXP, VIP, XXX, JEF, VP3, or HUS formats are compatible. If unsure, just message me.
• My machine only accepts PES or JEF—do I need to convert? No. PES and JEF formats are included in your download folder.

• What is the Artapli Lettering Tool? It's a FREE browser-based embroidery lettering application—the first and only tool of its kind! Create custom embroidered text designs without any software purchase. Try it now →
• Who can use it? All Artapli customers! If you've purchased fonts from Artapli, you can use them in the Lettering Tool.
• Do I need to download anything? No! It runs completely in your browser—no downloads, no software installation, no subscription fees.
• What can I do with it?
  • Type text and preview it instantly with your purchased fonts
  • Adjust letter spacing and sizing
  • Work with multiple fonts in one design
  • See real-time stitch preview
  • Download machine-ready files (DST, PES, JEF, etc.)
  • Save your designs and come back later
• How do I access my purchased fonts in the tool? Log in with your Artapli account and your purchased fonts will automatically appear in the "My Purchases" section.
• What formats can I export? DST, PES, JEF, EXP, HUS, VP3, XXX, VIP—all the major machine formats.
• Does it work on mobile? The Lettering Tool works best on desktop/laptop. Mobile support is limited but functional.
• Is this really free? Yes! Completely free for all Artapli customers. No hidden fees, no subscriptions.
• Do I still need embroidery software? Not for lettering! The Lettering Tool handles all your text design needs. You only need software if you want to edit stitch-level details or combine designs.
• What are the rules for using the Lettering Tool? You can only upload fonts you legally own and have the right to use. The tool creates new lettering files from your fonts—your original files aren't changed. Files are processed automatically and deleted after your session ends. The tool doesn't grant you permission to share, sell, or redistribute files or outputs. All original license rules still apply—if a font is personal-use only, outputs stay personal-use only. See full Terms of Service.
• Can I use fonts from other designers? Yes, if you legally own them and their license allows you to combine/modify them. Using this tool doesn't change the original designer's license—you still can't share, sell, or redistribute unless they allow it.

• How do I create lettering? You have 3 options: 1) Use the FREE Artapli Lettering Tool in your browser (no software needed), 2) Use software like Hatch, Embird, Embrilliance, PE-Design, or Bernina to map letters to your keyboard, or 3) Combine individual letters using your machine's ADD or MERGE function.
• What if I don't have embroidery software? Use the free browser-based Lettering Tool—no downloads or software purchase required.
• What if my software doesn't allow keyboard mapping? Use your embroidery machine's ADD or MERGE function, or try the Lettering Tool.
• I want to type using a keyboard in my software—what can I do? Try the free Embrilliance Express with BX files included in your download. BX files let you type letters like a keyboard font, making it faster to create names and words.
• What is a BX file? BX files work exclusively with Embrilliance software, allowing you to type letters as if using a keyboard font. They speed up name and word creation but are NOT compatible with Wilcom, Hatch, or other software.
• What is an ESA file? ESA files are font mapping files for Wilcom and Hatch software. They allow keyboard typing functionality in those programs specifically.

Software Compatibility & Keyboard Mapping:

• Artapli Lettering Tool: FREE browser-based application. Works with all your purchased Artapli fonts. No software needed. Start here →
• Hatch 3: Supports ESA files for font mapping (KDC format). Tutorial: Hatch 3 Alphabet Mapping.
• Wilcom: Uses ESA files for native font mapping. Does not support BX files (those are Embrilliance-only). More info: How-To section.
• Embrilliance: Use BX files for keyboard typing. BX files do NOT work with Wilcom, Hatch, or other software. Free version: Embrilliance Express.
• PE-Design 11 (Brother): Option 1: Drag & drop letters. Option 2: Use "Import Patterns." Option 3: Map letters as a font. Tutorial: PE-Design 11 Tutorial.
• Bernina: Supports mapping stitch alphabets to keyboard. Full guide: Bernina Keyboard Font Guide.
• Embird: Map each letter to your keyboard for quick typing. Tutorial: Embird Alphabet Mapping.
• Melco DesignShop: Map stitch alphabets once for easy reuse. Tutorial: Melco Keyboard Mapping.
• Tajima DG17: Place letters on screen, arrange into words, adjust spacing. Can save as Custom Font for later typing (with limited resizing). More help: How-To Hub.

• Do your ITH designs include instructions? Yes, every ITH set comes with a step-by-step PDF tutorial. If missing, check our How-To section or contact me and I’ll resend it.
• Can I resize ITH projects? No. ITH designs must be stitched at original size to keep all steps aligned.

• My thread keeps pulling—is this normal? No. Ensure you use proper stabilizer and tight hooping. Check thread tension and always test on scrap fabric first with the same fabric/stabilizer combination you'll use for final project.
• The stitches don't look clean. What should I do? Make sure auto-adjustments and optimization are turned OFF in your software. These features destroy specialty effects. Always test stitch-outs on scrap fabric before final use.
• My fringe/puffy design doesn't look right. What happened? Specialty designs (fringe, puffy, chain stitch) require exact stitch placement and should NEVER be resized or auto-optimized. Use them exactly as provided. Contact us if you need help troubleshooting.
• The design has gaps or overlaps after resizing. Why? Excessive resizing affects stitch density and placement. Keep changes to ±10% or less. For different sizes, purchase the size you need or contact us for custom sizing.
• Colors changed after opening the file. How do I fix this? Your software auto-assigned thread colors. Remap colors in your software's thread palette to match your preferred thread brand.
• Why are there long jump stitches? Some designs include jump stitches for color changes or efficiency. Your machine should trim these automatically, or trim manually with scissors after stitching. This is normal.

• Can I sell items made with your designs? Yes. You can sell stitched products without limits.
• Can I share or resell the files? No. Digital files are for your personal use only—sharing or reselling is not allowed.
• Can I use your designs for commercial embroidery services? Yes, you may stitch items to sell (unlimited) but cannot share, resell, or digitize the files.
• Can I use your designs for POD (Print on Demand) or sublimation? No. The license only covers embroidery stitch-outs.

• How do I get my files? Right after checkout, you’ll see a download link on the confirmation page and in your email.
• How can I access my files on the site? Find your files within your orders at Orders page.
• Where’s my download link? On the order confirmation page, in your email inbox, or by logging into your Artapli account → Orders.
• Can’t find the email? Check your Spam or Promotions folder. Still missing? Contact us and we’ll resend.
• My order didn’t include instructions. All ITH/complex projects include PDF tutorials. If missing, visit our How-To Hub.
• Can I re-download my files later? Yes. Log in to your Artapli account → Orders to access all your purchases anytime.
• Can I still get updates? Yes. Updated designs come with fresh download links via email.

• Do you offer refunds? Digital sales are final, but if a file is corrupted or won’t download, I’ll fix it until you’re satisfied.
• Can designs be modified? Small edits (color/size) are okay. For bigger changes, just ask—we can help with format conversion or custom sizing.
• What about my privacy? We respect your privacy and don't sell your data. Read our Privacy Policy for details.
• What are the terms of service? By purchasing or using our tools, you agree to our Terms of Service.
• Where can I find the legal notice? See our Legal Notice for copyright and intellectual property information.

• How can I contact you? Click the happy smile bubble at the bottom right of any page and leave a note. This isn’t live chat—it’s a messaging system. We reply within 24–48 hours.
• Do you create custom designs? Yes! Send your idea and I’ll let you know if it’s possible.
• Do you send freebies? Yes. Join our newsletter for free designs and updates.

• Where can I find samples? Visit the EXPLORE menu → Samples section for free test designs.
• Where can I find step-by-step guides? Visit the EXPLORE menu → How-To Make section.
• Where can I share or see customer projects? Visit the EXPLORE menu → Stitch & Share gallery.
• Where can I read reviews? Visit the EXPLORE menu → Reviews section.
• Where can I browse all your designs? Browse our full collection on artapli.shop (4,000+ designs) or visit our Etsy shop (6,000+ designs). All designs are organized by category for easy browsing.
• What tools does Artapli offer?
  • Lettering Tool — FREE browser-based embroidery lettering (industry first!)
  • Embroidery Analyzer — analyze stitch files
  • DST Optimizer — optimize file compatibility
  • Embroidery Previewer — preview designs before stitching
• What are your social media links?
  🌐 Facebook
  📸 Instagram
  ▶️ YouTube
  🎵 TikTok
  📌 Pinterest