Before diving into the more complicated question of how to convert an image to a JEF file, it’s important to brush up on the fundamentals. The words JPG or JPEG, which is a digital file format, are probably already familiar to most of us.
We can find them as image files in the memory of our computers and mobile phones. A raster image is the technical term for it. A raster image is a collection of pixels that causes problems with scalability.
The majority of us are already aware of the JPG file’s scalability issues. When it comes to the JEF file, however, scalability is no longer an issue.
The format may be unfamiliar to readers who are unfamiliar with the world of embroidery.
It’s something that veterans of the trade are already aware of. Continue reading to find out why we say scalability isn’t an issue with JEF files and why this file format is so important.
Before we get into how to convert an image to a JEF file, it’s important to understand what the JEF format is.
What is the JEF file format?
The JEF format stands out among the many native embroidery formats available. In the embroidery digitising industry, a native file is a file format that can be used on a variety of machines. Simply put, it is the format that you receive after the embroidery file has been digitised. A digitised embroidery file, as we all know, contains instructions for the embroidery machine. An embroidery machine sews the pattern on a piece of fabric according to the instructions.
The JEF format is most commonly found in Janome embroidery machines for home use or in semi-commercial multi needle PR machines. This file format is essential for home embroiderers, especially those who own a Janome machine. Because commercial embroidery machines have different functionality, they are exempt from this file format.
They are usually equipped with a different software due to their stitching capacity and commercial use. However, since this post is about the JEF, we’ll talk about commercial machines in a separate post.
When we say a JEF file is a design file, we don’t mean it’s the same as a JPG or a JPEG. In other words, the JEF file is an offspring of the original design file, which is a JPG or JPEG. It is created following the completion of an embroidery digitising conversion process. Many things happen within the file during the conversion, changing it to the core.
Simply put, the raster image is converted into a vector image during the conversion process, along with the addition of certain elements such as stitch types and lengths, as well as the underlay settings.
Image to JEF File Converter
To be honest, there isn’t a way to convert any file. You can’t turn a banana into a milkshake, either. You put it through a process that results in a banana-flavored milkshake in the end. Similarly, you must work on the file to produce the desired file extension when using the term convert image to JEF file. The work must be completed manually, and by an experienced individual known as an embroidery digitizer.
Embroidery digitising is the term for the manual work that is done. Although embroidery digitising takes place in software, this does not imply that it is automatic. The software is merely a working platform for the digitizer. It gives him the tools he needs to make a file for the embroidery machines.
Now that the dust has settled and you have a better understanding of how a digitizer performs the conversion, let’s move on to the next question: how does a digitizer perform the conversion?
Another important question to consider is that, while the digitizer is a professional, he is also a human being. Can’t you do the conversion on your computer?
We believe this is an excellent opportunity to explain the conversion while also answering the new question. Let’s take a look at the various conversion options available to you.
Embroidery Digitizing Software Training
Learning embroidery digitising software is not a practical solution if you only need to convert an image to a JEF file once in a while. However, if you want to work as a professional digitizer or if you have a lot of work, you should learn how to do it. It can be beneficial to know how to work and create embroidery files as needed for people who convert a lot of images on a daily basis.
At the same time, keep in mind that learning is not a bed of roses. In every way, logo embroidery digitising necessitates perfection. A novice must spend hours perfecting a single image. However, something goes wrong, and production spirals out of control. Not everyone has the luxury of having an infinite amount of free time on their hands. Even when a person makes an effort to devote time to learning a new skill, there are usually several important tasks that obstruct progress.
Let’s take a look at some other possibilities. If you don’t have the time or dedication to learn how to digitise manually, there are probably other options.
To convert an image to a JEF file, use auto-digitizing
Unlike manual digitising, the auto process necessitates little to no effort on the part of the digitizer. It makes no difference if this is your first or tenth attempt at digitising. On your computer screen, the auto-digitized file will look exactly like the manual. Isn’t the issue now resolved?
The finished file may appear professional on your screen, but it is unusable in real life. The auto digitization process is a work in progress that is still in its infancy. The AI behind the mechanism is immature and should not be used in a professional setting. Even when tested in a variety of high-end digitising software using cutting-edge technology, the results were far from usable.
Auto-digitization isn’t all doom and gloom. Developers are working feverishly to fix the flaws that embroiderers are experiencing. They collect feedback from their users and attempt to correct the flaws that have been identified. However, there is still a long way to go before someone can successfully convert their image to JEF using the auto mode.Download the free embroidery digitising software if you’re not convinced and want to try out the auto mode for yourself.
Professional Embroidery Digitizing Services
Finally, you can enlist the help of professionals to digitise embroidery files. Unlike other professional services that charge exorbitant fees, our embroidery digitising costs are very low. The cost of a service is usually determined by two slabs. The first is the flat fee, followed by the price per 1000 stitches count. In either case, the price difference is negligible, so it makes no difference which option you choose.
This is the best option for people who have little or no experience with digitising. It’s pointless to practise for months in order to produce a few JEF files per week. This option, however, is not limited to beginners or infrequent embroiderers. To save time and effort, even commercial embroiderers are seen outsourcing the images to professional digitizers. Embroiderers can gather the necessary materials or focus on other important tasks while their file is being prepared.
Another benefit that is frequently overlooked is the cost of overhead. Embroidery digitizing services invest a lot in software licences and computer hardware to keep the software running smoothly. You can’t expect exceptional results if you’re working on an old computer. Outsourcing your image saves you money on overhead costs and allows you to keep the file for the rest of your life.
If you want to convert an image to a JEF file with no errors, this is the smartest and cheapest option. Our in-house team of expert digitizers converts designs to embroidery files in your desired format at Absolute Digitizing. Get your professionally digitised JEF file within the day for only $1 per 1000 stitches (nearly $10 for a left chest or cap design). If you need something delivered quickly, just let us know and we’ll do our best to meet your deadline. Get a free quote today, and we’ll astound you with the exceptional results that only an expert can deliver.
Read More : What Is Embroidery Digitizing & File Types