These are the questions we get on a regular basis... 

Q:  Why is digitizing software so expensive?

A:  Digitizing software is a very small market and the development costs are very high for graphic intensive software.  The developers do not have the large customer base to spread the cost among millions of users, therefore the cost per user must be higher to pay for developing and distributing a niche market software program. 

Most quality “home market” digitizing programs sell for anywhere from $2000 to $2500 list price. "Commercial digitizing programs" are made for an even smaller market (commercial embroidery shops) and their prices range from $12,000 to $16,000.  A couple of the “home market” programs (including Generations) are scaled down versions of commercial digitizing programs costing many times the price of the software you are looking at here.  These home market programs that are scaled back versions of commercial programs are the best of the best and at a bargain price for what you get.

Q:  Is Generations easy to learn and use?

A:  I find it to be very user friendly in terms of finding tools and where your digitizing is done.  It is all done in one screen, no modules to figure out where to get what.  All stitch properties can be accessed through menus, right clicks, and the space bar.

Q:  Is Generations Vista compatible?

A:  Yes, the latest update was made available for Windows XP and one separately for Vista.  You might have to run in XP compatibility if you have a 64 bit system. I know one person who had to do that in order to run Generations on her 64-bit Vista system.   There is great technical support through the Notcina Corporation.

Q:  Do I have to buy software that matches the Brand of my sewing machine?

A:  No, as long as software exports to multiple formats, you can use it.  Generations exports directly to all home embroidery formats except .art and to many commercial formats very nicely. The idea that you MUST use software that is the same brand as your embroidery machine is a selling technique that some dealers use to sell the software when you buy your machine before you have a chance to find out what other options are available.

Q:  Does Generations have a trial version?

A:  YES!  They have a 30 day fully functional trial for $49.95.  If you decide to purchase Generations before the 30 day trial is over, the $49.95 will apply to your purchase!

Q:   Does Generations have built in lettering?

A:  Yes, it is vey powerful lettering.  A monogram module is available, which gives you some end and upper, lower motifs to make monogramming fancier.  However – you can do most monogramming with the standard lettering that comes with Generations +, which is the full program.

Q:  Does Generations have a dongle?

A:  Yes, the dongle is the security device that allows you to use the program once it is installed on your computer.   Programs that do not have a dongle make it difficult to re-install the software on your computer as they then add in software protection schemes that can interfere with maintaining or upgrading your computer.  

In case you're wondering what a “dongle” is,  it's a small device that plugs into a USB port on your computer and acts as a “key” for the software.

Q:  Does Generations offer dongle protection?

A:  Yes, I believe Generations is the only software program that offers damage or loss protection for your dongle.  Other companies will require to you purchase the software at full cost if you lose or damage your dongle. Generations offers dongle protection which covers replacement if the dongle is damaged or broken.  Just send it in and they will replace it for free if you have purchased dongle protection.  Your protection continues to cover the new dongle at no charge.    If the dongle is lost or stolen and you therefore have nothing to send back, they will still replace the missing dongle at no charge, however you would need to buy dongle protection again if you want to protect the new dongle.

Q:  Can you print a template with Generations?

A:  Yes, you can choose from many options to print your template, including a cross for centering the design as well as color charts.

Q:  Does Generations work with Windows or Mac?

A:  Yes.  Generations runs under Windows.  If you have a recent model of Mac you can install “Boot Camp” or “Parallels” and then install Windows on your Mac.  Once Windows is installed on your Mac you can then install Generations software on your Mac and run it under Windows.

Q:  What is the average cost of updates and upgrades for Generations?

A:  I have had Generations for 7+ years, since it first came out.  For 7 years I have never had to pay for an update!  In 2009 Generations added a new module for which I paid $200.00 total.   The new module included a monogram module and an enhanced formats module.  There was also an update which added new features and was FREE. Neither of the new monogramming or enhanced formats modules are necessary for regular digitizing.  I just have to have everything!  :-)

Q:  Where can I get Generations?

A:  We are Generations dealers at Artistic Threadworks.  Please call us to talk over the possibilities for you and special offers that are currently available.  Call 847-946-1342 and talk with Larry. 

We understand that buying a digitizing program is really the beginning of the process of learning to digitize.  We are committed to help our customers who buy Generations from us and want to learn digitizing by teaching and coaching them to become the best digitizer they can be.

Q:  Can I learn to digitize with my own software by watching your Generations lessons?

A:  You can learn a LOT about digitizing in general by watching Holly digitize in Generations.  In fact, we have had many comments sent to us by folks who have learned new concepts that they can apply in their own digitizing program.  But there are some features in Generations that are not found in any other programs and when you see Holly using one of those "Generations Only" tools or features, there is often nothing in other programs that can be used to accomplish the same task as quickly or as well.