Brother Pe Design 6 Manual

							3
Before Use
Overview of the Manual
Structure of the manual
This manual consists of three main sections: Basic Operation, Advanced Operation, and Reference.
■Basic Operation
By following the step-by-step instructions contained in this section, you can create basic embroidery 
patterns. For first time users, this is a good way to become familiar with the various functions.
■Advanced Operation
This section separately outlines the capabilities and use for each application, allowing you to create more 
advanced and original embroidery patterns than those created in Basic Operation.
■Reference
This section contains an explanation of the Tool Box and a summary of the menu for each application. You 
can use this section to clarify the purpose and use of any icon or menu command.
List of terms used
The following terms are used throughout this manual, as described below.
Embroidery pattern: An embroidery design
Object: A component of the embroidery pattern
Multi-position hoop: An embroidery frame that can be attached to the embroidery machine at various positions 
so that large-size patterns can be sewn
Sew type: A type of stitching (for example, zigzag stitch, running stitch and satin stitch)
Stitching: A series of stitches
PeDesignV6Eng.book  Page 3  Thursday, July 8, 2004  11:59 AM 
						

							4
Before Use
Introduction
Applications of the software
This package consists of four applications.
■Design Center
Design Center is used to manually create embroidery patterns from images. The images may come from 
scanning a printed image or can be created with an application like Paint®. The extension of the image files 
must be .bmp, .tif, .jpg, .j2k, .pcx, .wmf, .png, .eps, .pcd, or .fpx. Design Center automatically detects outlines 
in the image and replaces them with broken lines that can be edited and assigned sewing attributes.
The procedure is divided into four stages:
❏Stage 1 (Original Image stage): Open an image file and select one or more colors that the application 
will use to trace the outlines.
❏Stage 2 (Line Image stage): The original color image is replaced with a black-and-white image (the 
colors selected in stage 1 (Original Image stage) become black, and all other colors become white). 
This image can be edited using pens and erasers of different thicknesses. (You can also start with this 
step to draw a black-and-white image by hand.)
When the image is ready, start the automatic tracing process.
❏Stage 3 (Figure Handle stage): The black-and-white image is replaced with a set of outlines made of 
editable broken lines. You can edit the broken lines by moving, inserting or deleting editing points.
❏Stage 4 (Sew Setting stage): In this final step, apply sewing attributes (thread color and sew type) to 
the outlines and the inside regions.
At any stage, you can save your work to retrieve it later. In stage 1 (Original Image stage) and stage 2 (Line 
Image stage), the file will be saved with the .pel extension. In stage 3 (Figure Handle stage) and stage 4 (Sew 
Setting stage), the file will be saved with the .pem extension. In addition, if the imported image has not yet 
been saved, it can be saved with the .bmp extension.
Saving your work as you move through the stages will be helpful if you make changes, then later decide to use 
the original pattern.
When your image has reached stage 4 (Sew Setting stage), you can import it into Layout & Editing, where the 
image can be moved and scaled as a single object.
■Layout & Editing
Layout & Editing is used to automatically create embroidery patterns from images, and to combine images and text to 
create embroidery patterns that can be written to an original card. The images may come from scanning a printed image 
or can be created with an application like Paint
®. The extension of the image files must be .bmp, .tif, .jpg, .j2k, .pcx, .wmf, 
.png, .eps, .pcd, or .fpx. In addition, the following types of embroidery patterns can be incorporated into the embroidery 
pattern.
❏Embroidery patterns created with Design Center
❏Embroidery patterns on embroidery cards purchased from your dealer (Some patterns cannot be read.)
❏Embroidery patterns in the Tajima (.dst), Melco (.exp), Pfaff (.pcs), Husqvarna (.hus) and embroidery 
sewing machine (.phc) formats
❏Embroidery patterns created within Layout & Editing itself (These patterns include text, circular shapes, 
boxes, polygons, curves and manual punching patterns.)
After gathering the different parts of your embroidery pattern, you can use the layout functions to adjust their 
relative position, orientation and scale.
When an embroidery pattern is complete, you can save it (with the .pes file extension) and write it to an original card. 
The original card can then be inserted into your sewing machine for the embroidery pattern to be sewn.
PeDesignV6Eng.book  Page 4  Thursday, July 8, 2004  11:59 AM 
						

							5
Before Use
■Programmable Stitch Creator
Programmable Stitch Creator allows you to create, edit and save fill/stamp and motif stitch patterns that can 
be applied as a programmable fill stitch or motif stitch, or as a stamp to the enclosed regions of embroidery 
patterns both in Design Center and Layout & Editing. The fill/stamp stitch patterns are saved as .pas files, and 
the motif stitch patterns are saved as .pmf files. The application comes with a number of .pas and .pmf files 
that you can use as they are or edit to enhance your embroidery patterns.
■Design Database
Design Database allows you to easily preview the embroidery pattern files on your computer so that you can 
find the desired pattern, which can be opened with or imported into Layout & Editing. From Design Database, 
you can also convert the files to other formats (.pes, .dst., .exp., .pcs or .hus), or print or output as an HTML 
file images of the embroidery patterns in a selected folder. In addition, the sewing information for the 
embroidery patterns in a selected folder can be outputted as a CSV file for use in other database applications.
Package contents
Check that the following items are included. If anything is missing or damaged, contact your service 
representative.
Version 6.0 or version 6.0 upgrade for versions 1.0 through 4.0:
Version 6.0 upgrade for version 5.0:
aNote:
The USB card writer module and the original card are not included in the kit provided for upgrading from 
version 5.0.
CD-ROMOriginal cardInstruction manual
USB card writer module
Te m p l a t e
CD-ROMInstruction manualTe m p l a t e
PeDesignV6Eng.book  Page 5  Thursday, July 8, 2004  11:59 AM 
						

							6
Before Use
Optional supplies
Principal parts
bMemo:
 Since power is supplied to the USB card writer module through the USB connection to the computer, 
there is no power supply cable or power switch.
 Be sure to keep original cards away from high humidity, direct sunlight, static electricity and strong 
shocks. Furthermore, do not bend the cards.
aNote:
The only original cards that can be used with this USB card writer module are those like the one enclosed 
or optional original cards of the same type.
Original card
USB connector
Connect to the computer.LED indicator
This indicator lights up when the unit is turned on, 
and flashes when the USB card writer module is 
communicating with the computer.
aNote:
Never remove an original card or unplug the 
USB cable while this indicator is flashing.
Card slot
Insert an original card/embroidery 
card here.
PeDesignV6Eng.book  Page 6  Thursday, July 8, 2004  11:59 AM 
						

							7
Before Use
Installation
Installation procedure
The installation procedure is different depending on whether the full version or an upgrade of the software is 
being installed. Be sure to perform the installation procedures listed below.
Installing version 6.0 (full version)
[STEP 1] Installing the softwarecpage 8
[STEP 2] Installing the driver for the card writer module
cpage 10
Upgrading from version 1.0 through 4.0
[STEP 1] Installing the softwarecpage 8
[STEP 2] Installing the driver for the card writer module
cpage 10
Upgrading from version 5.0 or 5.01
[STEP 1] Installing the softwarecpage 8
[STEP 2] Installing the driver for the card writer module
cpage 10
[STEP 3] Upgrading the USB card writer module
cpage 12
Upgrading from version 5.02 or later
[STEP 1] Installing the softwarecpage 8
bMemo:
When upgrading from version 5.02 or later, STEP 2 is not performed.
[STEP 3] Upgrading the USB card writer modulecpage 12
aNote: 
 If the installation is interrupted or not performed as described, the software will not be installed correctly.
• Before turning on the computer, be sure to disconnect the USB card writer module. If the 
computer is turned on while the card writer is connected, the installation may not be completed 
correctly when upgrading from version 5.0 or 5.01.
 In order to upgrade the USB card writer module, you must be able to connect to the Internet. If you 
cannot connect to the Internet, contact your nearest service representative.
PeDesignV6Eng.book  Page 7  Thursday, July 8, 2004  11:59 AM 
						

							8
Before Use
System requirements
Before installing the software on your computer, make sure that the computer meets the following 
requirements. 
[STEP 1] Installing the software
This section describes how to install the application software.
bMemo:
The following installation procedure includes descriptions and dialog boxes for Windows XP. The 
procedure and dialog boxes for other operating systems may be slightly different.
1.Insert the enclosed CD-ROM into the 
computer’s CD-ROM drive.→After a short while, the Choose Setup 
Language dialog box automatically ap-
pears.
ComputerIBM-PC or compatible computer originally equipped with a USB port
Operating systemWindows 98, ME, XP or 2000
ProcessorPentium 500 MHz or higher
MemoryMinimum 64 MB (256 MB or more is recommended.)
Hard disk free spaceMinimum 100 MB
MonitorSVGA (800 × 600), 16-bit color or higher
Por tUSB Ver. 1.1 or higher
PrinterA graphic printer that is supported by your system (if you wish to print your images)
CD-ROM driveRequired for installation
aNote: 
 Power is supplied to the USB card writer module through the USB connection. Connect the USB card 
writer module to a USB connector on the computer or to a self-powered USB hub that can supply 
enough power to the card writer module. If the card writer module is not connected in this way, it may 
not operate correctly.
 This product may not operate correctly with some computers and USB expansion cards.
aNote: 
 If the installation is interrupted or not performed as described, the software will not be installed correctly.
 Before turning on the computer, be sure to DISCONNECT the USB card writer module.
PeDesignV6Eng.book  Page 8  Thursday, July 8, 2004  11:59 AM 
						

							9
Before Use
bMemo:
If the installer does not automatically start 
up:
1) Click the Start button.
2) Click Run.
→The Run dialog box appears.
3) Type in the full path to the installer, and 
then click OK to start up the installer.
For example: D:\setup.exe (where “D:” 
is the name of the CD-ROM drive)
2.Select the desired language, and then click 
OK.
→The InstallShield Wizard starts up, and 
the first dialog box appears.
3.Click Next to continue with the installation.
→A dialog box appears, allowing you to se-
lect the folder where the software will be 
installed.
bMemo:
To install the application into a different 
folder:
1) Click Browse.
2) In the Choose Folder dialog box that 
appeared, select the drive and folder. (If 
necessary, type in the name of a new 
folder.)
3) Click OK.
→The Choose Destination Location 
dialog box of the InstallShield Wizard 
shows the selected folder.
4) Click Next to install the application into 
the selected folder.
 To return to the previous step, click Back.
 To quit the installation, click 
Cancel.
4.Click Next to install the application into the 
default folder.
→When the installation is completed, the di-
alog box shown below appears.
5.Click Finish to complete the installation of the 
software.
aNote:
Even though the installation is completed, do 
not remove the CD-ROM from the 
computer’s CD-ROM drive.
PeDesignV6Eng.book  Page 9  Thursday, July 8, 2004  11:59 AM 
						

							10
Before Use
[STEP 2] Installing the driver for the card writer module
This section describes how to install the driver for the card writer module.
1.Plug the USB connector into the USB port on 
the computer.
Make sure that the connector is fully inserted.
For Windows XP users connected to the 
Internet:
→The installation of the driver is completed 
automatically.
For all other users
:
→After a short while, the Found New Hard-
ware Wizard (or Add New Hardware 
Wizard) dialog box appears.
2.For Windows XP: Select Install from a list or 
specific location [Advanced], and then click 
Next.Select Search removable media (floppy, 
CD-ROM...), and then click Next.
For Windows 98:
 Select Search for the best 
driver for your device. (Recommended), 
and then click Next.
Select CD-ROM drive, and then click Next.
aNote: 
If you upgrading from version 5.02 or later, skip this section and continue with the procedure described in 
“[STEP 3] Upgrading the USB card writer module” on page 12.
PeDesignV6Eng.book  Page 10  Thursday, July 8, 2004  11:59 AM 
						

							11
Before Use
For Windows Me: Select Specify the location 
of the driver [Advanced], and then click 
Next.
Select Removable Media (Floppy, CD-
ROM...), and then click Next.
For Windows 2000:
 Select Search for a 
suitable driver for my device 
[recommended], and then click Next.
Select CD-ROM drives, and then click Next.
3.Follow the instructions of the Found New 
Hardware Wizard (or Add New Hardware 
Wizard) to complete the installation of the 
driver.
4.Remove the CD-ROM from the computer’s 
CD-ROM drive.
PeDesignV6Eng.book  Page 11  Thursday, July 8, 2004  11:59 AM 
						

							12
Before Use
[STEP 3] Upgrading the USB card writer module
This section describes how to upgrade the USB card writer module for version 6.0. Users upgrading from 
version 5.0 or later must upgrade the card writer. After installing version 5.0 or later, immediately follow the 
procedure below to upgrade the card writer for version 6.0.
1.Start up Layout & Editing.
→The dialog box shown below appears.
2.To begin the upgrade, click Upgrade now.
→The Upgrade wizard starts up, and the 
first dialog box shown below appears.
3.Click Next.
4.Type in the 15-digit product ID on the label 
attached to the CD-ROM case, and then click 
Next.
→The entered product ID and the serial 
number automatically retrieved from the 
USB card writer module is displayed.
5.Click Next to access our server through the 
Internet and retrieve the upgrade key.
→If the upgrade key has been successfully 
retrieved, the dialog box shown below ap-
pears.
6.Click Next to begin upgrading the USB card 
writer module.
aNote:
 If the USB card writer module is not upgraded, Design Center and Layout & Editing of version 6.0 can 
no longer be used after the specified number of trial uses has been reached.
 In order to upgrade the USB card writer module, you must be able to connect to the Internet. If you 
cannot connect to the Internet, contact your nearest service representative.
PeDesignV6Eng.book  Page 12  Thursday, July 8, 2004  11:59 AM