Freedom251 › Embroidery Design Software
Ricoma Chroma
What Ricoma Chroma is
Ricoma Chroma is digitizing software for making embroidery designs, with tools to turn artwork into stitch files and preview the result. Auto digitizing converts vector files, PNGs, and JPEGs. You can draw or use predefined shapes, and create appliqué designs with text and shapes. Design previews show 3D models, with realistic and flat stitch views to choose from. Chroma accepts AI, EPS, SVG, PNG, and JPG files, and exports embroidery formats as well as PDF, JPG, and PNG. It runs on Windows 10 20H1 or later and macOS Mojave or later. You can install it on up to five devices, but use it on one computer at a time; direct machine transfer requires a serial-port connection. Ricoma describes an unlimited Chroma Luxe trial with full features but no saving or exporting, while its specifications also list a 14-day trial. Chroma Inspire is $799.99 a year, billed upfront for the first 12 months; subscription charges start after that period. Ricoma offers tutorial videos, live instructor training, and technical support seven days a week and after regular business hours.
Who it suits
Chroma suits embroidery designers who want to convert artwork into machine-ready designs and preview stitches before production. It is available to Windows and macOS users, with machine transfer dependent on serial-port support.
What it does well
- Converts vector, PNG, and JPEG artwork automatically.
- Previews designs on 3D models in two stitch views.
- Includes drawing and appliqué tools.
- Exports multiple embroidery formats and common image formats.
- Ricoma provides training videos and live instruction.
What to know first
- Use is limited to one computer at a time.
- Direct machine transfer requires serial-port support.
- Chroma Inspire costs $799.99 a year.
- The described Luxe trial does not allow saving or exporting.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chroma Inspire | First 12 Months upfront; choose a monthly or yearly subscription for the following period · Chroma Inspire tier · subscription charge starts after the initial 12 months | $799.99 |
As ricoma.com lists them, read 8 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Chroma combines artwork conversion, stitch previews, and appliqué tools in software for Windows and macOS. Check the trial terms and machine connection requirements against your workflow before choosing it.
Facts from Ricoma Chroma's own pages
- Artwork and appliqué
- The artwork tool supports drawing and predefined shapes, and users can create appliqué designs with text and shapes. · ricoma.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Auto digitizing
- Auto digitizing converts vector files, PNGs, or JPEGs into embroidery files. · ricoma.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Computer compatibility
- The product page lists Windows 10 20H1 or later and macOS Mojave or later as compatible operating systems. · ricoma.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Design preview
- Users can preview designs on 3D models and switch between realistic and flat stitch views. · ricoma.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Device limit
- Chroma can be installed on up to five devices but used on only one computer at a time. · ricoma.com, 8 Oct 2026
- File formats
- Chroma accepts AI, EPS, SVG, PNG, and JPG input and exports multiple embroidery formats plus PDF, JPG, and PNG. · ricoma.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Machine connection
- Sending a design directly to an embroidery machine requires a machine that supports a serial port connection. · ricoma.com, 8 Oct 2026
- No machine requirement
- Ricoma says its embroidery machines can operate without Chroma or other digitizing software. · info.ricoma.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Chroma is digitizing software for creating embroidery designs. · ricoma.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Security
- Ricoma says payment information is processed securely and that it does not store or have access to credit card details. · ricoma.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Support and training
- Ricoma offers tutorial videos, live instructor training, and technical support seven days a week and after regular business hours. · ricoma.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Trial
- Ricoma describes an unlimited Chroma Luxe trial that includes the full feature set but does not allow saving or exporting designs; the product specifications separately list a 14-day free trial. · info.ricoma.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Trial activation limit
- The free trial can be activated on up to two computers. · info.ricoma.com, 8 Oct 2026
Where Ricoma Chroma stands on Freedom251
- Embroidery Design Software#17 of 31