Q: When I try to save a design, I get this message: “No design in active window” Why can’t I save my design?
A: This message indicates that you have not digitized any part of a design within the design screen.  Perhaps you have imported a graphic, but you have not actually digitized any portion of it yet.  As soon as you use any of the digitizing tools to create a new section of stitches for the design, then you will be able to save the design in its current form.

Q: I know that I have a particular design saved on my computer or disc. But when I try to import it into the software, the program does not recognize the file. How can I get EM2 to recognize that the design is there?
A: EM2 does not have an unzipping function. If your design is saved in a zip file, you will need to use unzipping software to separate the design from the zip file. You can find a sample version of WinZip here:  www.WinZip.com.
A second reason that the program may not recognize your design is that it may be in a design format that is not recognized by EM2. Designs in dst, exp, cnd, ppl, pcs, and pes can be recognized by EM2.  If your design is in any other format, you will need conversion software to convert the design to one of those formats first.  The recommended format for this situation would be dst. 
You might find that opening a pes file in EM2 will cause the last one or two colors to be out of place.  For this reason, you will find that any of the other formats in the list above will give you better results. Use a conversion program to convert the pes file to dst and the last color will remain in place.

Q: I want to purchase or download designs from the Internet to use them in EM2. What format is the best one to choose when I am given an option?
A: Select dst or cnd if either of those formats is available. If you select a format that allows you to view the design in other software in “real” colors, make sure you save that original file before converting the design to dst to use it in EM2.

Q: Why does my design screen have a white box inside a grey background?
A: The default background color of grey with a white box is the same as what is found in the pro level of this software.  It allows the entry-level commercial embroiderer to become accustomed to a standard size for left-chest lettering files that might fit over a pocket and be suitable for businesses.  In the pro-level, there is an option to change the color of the background. However, EM2 does not have that option.  If you have downloaded and installed the patch from www.creativeseries.com your design screen will automatically have a white background--with no box. The patch makes a few other necessary changes too. If your design screen is grey with a white box, you need to download the patch.

Q: If the patch is so important, why do lesson graphics and tutorial videos show the grey and white background?
A: The addition of a white background was not made until many months after the program was released and that feature was added to the patch that was already available at the web site. Any tutorial or video created before that download became available would show the older background. Lessons or videos written after 4/29/04 should have a white background. 

Q: Why are there two colors bars in EM2?
A: The vertical color bar represents the multiple needles on a commercial embroidery machine. If you import a stitch file (dst, exp, cnd, pes, pcs) the vertical color bar will also represent the color sequence of the design. The horizontal color bar (at the bottom of the design screen) will always shows the color sequence--no matter what needle numbers have been selected from the vertical color bar.  When digitizing, you will be able to maintain a more accurate sequence in both ppl and dst file if you think of the vertical color bar as a sequence bar too. Use needle #1 for the first color you want to stitch; needle #2 should be the second color in your design; etc.

Q: The program comes with five fonts, but I would like to have more.  Is it possible to add more fonts to EM2?
A: New font packs (collections of 10 fonts per pack) or the newer Font Library (75 fonts) can be seen on the lettering page at this site. Click here to see the lettering page:  EM2 Fonts.  These fonts are not separate design files.  They allow you to use the lettering portion of EM2 to type your wording and create a design file.  You can even use the lettering feature to turn any font into a 3-letter monogram of different sizes without having to create each letter individually.
Another way to add more fonts to EM2 is with separate fonts created by Aunty M.  Look for them here: Aunty M Fonts

Q: I am using Windows XP as my operating system.  After I installed EM2 on my computer, my Internet Explorer favorites icons are changed and are no longer accessible.  How can I fix this?
A: At the bottom of your computer screen, click on Start, My Computer.
     In the top menu bar, click on Tools.
     Now click on Folder Options, then File Types.
     Click on New. In the box, type these 3 characters: url
     Click on the Advanced button and showdocvw.dll shows up in the box.
     Use the down arrow to see a list of options.  Look for Internet Shortcut.
     Click on OK.

Q: My digitizing points are not positioned in the correct place.  I have clicked on the right place in my graphic, but the points are shifted to a different location.
A: In the menu bar at the bottom of your computer screen, click on Start, Control Panel, Display, Settings.
     Or you can right click anywhere within the desktop and click on Properties to access the Display Properties, Settings menu.
     Your Screen Resolution should be set on 800 x 600.  This number varies depending on the video card and the type of
     monitor you are using. You can use a higher number as well.
     In the same area, click on Advanced to find the font settings. It should be set on Normal or Small.
     Click on Apply, then OK.

Q: What is a ppl file?
A: Using File - Save within EM2 will provide a ppl file.  This is a “native” file that maintains the settings you used for creating the design.  It is not a stitch file that can be sent to your machine. You must use File - Save As in order to save the stitch file in dst format.  Maintaining the ppl file allows you to make editing changes to the design or lettering without having to remember which settings you selected. Any time you add lettering to a design or create an original design, you should always save a ppl file before saving it as a stitch file.

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