Embrizo

PE-DESIGN alternative: auto-digitize in your browser

PE-DESIGN 11 is Brother's Windows digitizing software for hobbyists and home businesses. Its Auto Punch and PhotoStitch wizards convert images automatically, and it saves Brother's PES format and exports to other machine formats. Here's how it compares with Embrizo, and when each one is the better choice.

Try Embrizo freeSee the comparison
  • Nothing to install
  • No credit card needed
  • 9 machine formats
The Embrizo digitizer showing artwork turned into embroidery stitches, with download options and a stitch summary
At a glance

Embrizo vs PE-DESIGN

Brother's PE-DESIGN details are from the vendor's website, checked in October 2026.

FeatureEmbrizoBrother PE-DESIGN 11
Works onAny modern browser on Windows, Mac, Linux or a Chromebook. Nothing to install.Windows 10 and 11. There's no Mac version.
PriceFree account to digitize, preview and save designs. Plans for downloads from $8 a month billed yearly ($96 a year), or $20 monthly.One-time purchase. Brother doesn't list a price; retailers list it at about $1,958.
Auto-digitizing from imagesYes, on every plan: upload a PNG, JPG, WebP, GIF, BMP or SVG and get stitches in seconds.Yes: the Auto Punch and PhotoStitch wizards.
Manual digitizing and editingYou adjust settings, not individual stitches: colors, stitch type per color, size, fabric, underlay, rotation and mirroring.Digitizing and editing tools alongside the wizards.
Trying itFree account, no credit card. Downloads need a plan; cancel anytime.Check Brother or your dealer for current options.

Choose Embrizo if…

  • You're on a Mac or Chromebook and need PES files for your Brother or Baby Lock.
  • You don't want to spend around $2,000 before making your first file.
  • You also need files for other brands: DST, JEF, EXP, VP3, XXX and more.
Start digitizing free

Choose PE-DESIGN if…

  • You have a Brother machine and want Brother's own Windows software.
  • You want photo stitch and cross-stitch wizards in one package.
  • You prefer a one-time purchase from your machine dealer.
Cost

What it costs to get started

PE-DESIGN is paid up front; Embrizo is a plan you can cancel anytime. Here is the first year and three years side by side, using Brother's listed price from October 2026.

OptionFirst yearThree years
PE-DESIGN 11 (retail)Price paid up front$1,958$1,958
Embrizo Hobby20 designs a month, billed yearly$96$288
Embrizo Shop100 designs a month, billed yearly$240$720
Switching

Moving over takes a few minutes

  1. 1

    Keep your existing files

    Open your DST, PES, JEF and other machine files in the free file viewer, and convert them to any format.

  2. 2

    Digitize new artwork

    Upload a logo, drawing or photo. Colors, stitch types, underlay and sewing order are set for you.

  3. 3

    Adjust and check

    Change colors, size, fabric and stitch types, and watch the sew-out before you stitch.

  4. 4

    Download for your machine

    Save in PES, DST, JEF, EXP, VP3, XXX and more. Designs stay in your account.

Results

Made with Embrizo, automatically

Each example was digitized straight from the artwork, with no hand editing.

Free account

Try Embrizo next to PE-DESIGN

Create a free account to digitize any image, try every setting and watch it sew. Choose a plan only when you want to download files.

  • Digitize and preview any image
  • Realistic stitch preview and sew-out
  • Download free ready-made designs
  • No credit card needed
FAQ

PE-DESIGN vs Embrizo questions

The quickest way to see what it does with your artwork is to try it. With a free account, digitizing and previewing cost nothing and take about a minute.

Is Embrizo a replacement for PE-DESIGN?

Yes. For turning logos, drawings and artwork into embroidery files, Embrizo is faster and easier: upload an image and get a ready-to-sew file in seconds, on any computer, with nothing to install or learn. PE-DESIGN is aimed at people who want to build every stitch object by hand.

Can Embrizo open files I made with PE-DESIGN?

Embrizo opens machine files (DST, PES, JEF, EXP, VP3, XXX, PEC, U01 and TBF) in the free file viewer and converts them between formats. It doesn't open other programs' own working files, so export a machine format first.

Does Embrizo work on a Mac or a Chromebook?

Yes. It runs in a modern browser on Windows, Mac, Linux and Chromebooks, with nothing to install. Your designs are saved to your account.

Can I try Embrizo before paying?

Yes. A free account lets you digitize, preview and save designs and download the free designs. You need a plan only to download files you digitize from your own images.

Where do the PE-DESIGN details come from?

From Brother's own website, checked in October 2026. Prices and features change, so check the vendor before you buy.

More comparisons

Sources (October 2026)

PE-DESIGN is a trademark of Brother. Embrizo isn't affiliated with Brother.

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