When it comes to embroidery, digitize logo for embroidery is a game-changer. Whether you’re creating custom hats, company polos, or promotional products, embroidery gives your branding a polished, professional look. But the quality of that final stitch-out depends heavily on one thing: how well your logo is digitized.
Digitizing isn’t just converting an image to a different file type—it’s an art. It involves converting your logo into a set of instructions your embroidery machine can understand, down to the exact placement and type of each stitch.
In this guide, we’ll break down what makes a logo digitization “high-quality” and give you professional-level tips to help you get the best possible results every time.
Want it done right the first time? Digitizing Buddy offers fast, affordable, and professional logo digitizing services tailored for every machine type—including PES, DST, JEF, and more.
What Is Logo Digitizing for Embroidery?
Logo digitizing is the process of converting a graphic logo (like a PNG, JPG, or SVG) into a stitch file format (like PES or DST) used by embroidery machines. The digitized file tells your machine:
- Where each stitch goes
- What stitch type to use
- The order of stitching
- Which thread colors to use
- When to stop, trim, or jump
Digitizing is more than auto-converting—it’s about making smart choices based on the logo design, fabric type, size, and intended garment.
Tip #1: Start with the Right Artwork
Before you digitize anything, you need a clean logo file to work with.
Best formats:
- Vector files like SVG, AI, or EPS
- High-resolution PNG (300 DPI, with transparent background)
Avoid:
- Blurry screenshots
- Small or pixelated images
Pro tip: If your logo is complex, simplify it. Remove gradients, unnecessary shading, or extremely fine lines that won’t translate well to thread.
Tip #2: Understand Your Fabric Type
The type of fabric you’re embroidering on directly affects your digitizing approach.
| Fabric Type | Characteristics | Digitizing Advice |
| Cotton/Twill | Stable | Use standard density; minimal underlay |
| Jersey/Knits | Stretchy | Add underlay + reduce density |
| Fleece/Towels | Textured, thick | Use a topping stabilizer + strong underlay |
| Caps/Hats | Curved surface | Digitize center-out, bottom-up; avoid dense fill |
Always tell your digitizer (or note in software) what fabric you’re using—it makes a huge difference in the final result.
Tip #3: Choose the Right Fonts
Text in logos can be tricky, especially at small sizes.
Do:
- Use block-style fonts (sans-serif, bold)
- Keep lettering above 0.25 inches (6mm) tall
- Consider digitizing text separately for clarity
Don’t:
- Use overly thin, script, or serif fonts under 5mm tall
Pro tip: If your logo has small text, ask your digitizer to use run stitch or satin stitch for better clarity.
Tip #4: Choose the Best Stitch Types
Different parts of a logo require different stitch types. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
| Stitch Type | Best Used For |
| Satin Stitch | Text, borders, outlines, small shapes |
| Fill Stitch | Large shapes or solid color areas |
| Run Stitch | Fine lines, small text, detail work |
| Tatami Stitch | Soft fills with direction changes |
Pro tip: Avoid overusing fill stitches on stretchy fabrics—it can make the design stiff or cause puckering.
Tip #5: Maintain Good Stitch Density
Density refers to how close the stitches are. Too much density causes:
- Thread breaks
- Needle jams
- Heavy, stiff designs
Too little density makes your design look:
- Incomplete
- Sparse
- Fragile
A good rule of thumb: 0.35mm–0.45mm density for satin stitches and 0.40mm–0.50mm for fill stitches—adjust based on thread and fabric.
Tip #6: Size Your Design Thoughtfully
Shrinking or enlarging a logo after it’s been digitized can ruin it.
Why? Because:
- Stitch density doesn’t scale automatically
- Fill patterns and underlays don’t adjust
- Letters and borders may become too thick or too thin
Pro tip: Always digitize a version of your logo at the exact size you plan to stitch. Need multiple sizes? Get each one digitized separately.
Tip #7: Use Proper Underlay Stitches
Underlay stitches act like a foundation—they stabilize the fabric and prep it for the top stitches.
There are different types:
- Edge Run: Stitches just inside the outline
- Zig-Zag: Great for satin stitch underlays
- Tatami or Fill: Used under fill stitches for large areas
A good underlay:
- Reduces fabric shifting
- Prevents puckering
- Keeps outlines aligned
Pro tip: Thin or stretchy fabrics often require extra underlay support.
Tip #8: Save in the Right File Format
Different embroidery machines use different file formats. Here are the most common:
| Machine Brand | File Format |
| Brother / Babylock | PES |
| Janome | JEF |
| Bernina | EXP |
| Tajima | DST |
| Melco | OFM |
Pro tip: Always confirm your machine’s format before exporting or ordering your digitized file.
Tip #9: Test Before Going Big
Before stitching on final garments or bulk orders, always run a test embroidery:
- Use similar fabric and stabilizer
- Check alignment, thread tension, stitch quality
- Make small adjustments if needed
One test stitch can save you tons of thread, fabric, and frustration.
Tip #10: Let Professionals Handle It
Digitizing software is powerful but has a steep learning curve. If you’re short on time, confidence, or patience, it’s totally worth outsourcing the job.
That’s where Digitizing Buddy shines:
- Digitized by experienced pros (not auto-generated)
- Optimized for your fabric, hoop, and machine format
- Fast turnaround—often within 12 hours
- Affordable pricing
- Free minor edits included
You just upload your image, select your machine format, and they’ll send back a clean, ready-to-stitch file.
FAQs About Digitizing Logos for Embroidery
Can I digitize a logo with Photoshop or Illustrator?
No—these tools are for graphic design, not embroidery. You need embroidery-specific software like Hatch, Embrilliance, or Wilcom.
Can I use auto-digitizing software?
You can, but results are hit-or-miss. Auto tools don’t understand stitch flow, underlays, or fabric type. Manual digitizing gives the best results.
What’s the best format to submit a logo for digitizing?
High-res PNG or vector file (SVG, AI, EPS) is ideal. Avoid blurry or low-res JPGs.
How long does professional digitizing take?
Services like Digitizing Buddy typically deliver in 12–24 hours, depending on complexity.
Final Thoughts: Quality Digitizing = Quality Stitching
Embroidery is only as good as its foundation—and that starts with great digitizing. Whether you’re prepping a logo for uniforms, hats, or promo gear, following the right digitizing practices ensures your stitches are smooth, clean, and built to last.