Side by side
Boldbobbin vs Ink/Stitch
Both stand on embroidery design software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan iPhoneLinuxMac+2
Boldbobbin covers digitizing, stitch editing, lettering, and a broad set of machine-file exports. Review the Personal plan’s usage limits and the boundaries of the Pro commercial licence before choosing a plan.
Visit Boldbobbin Free plan Open source ExtensionLinuxMac+3
Ink/Stitch brings embroidery lettering, stitch tools, previews, and file export to an Inkscape-based workflow. Check the Inkscape requirement and PEC/PES color-change limit before starting a design.
Visit Ink/StitchThe facts
| Boldbobbin | Ink/Stitch | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Runs on | iPhone, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows | Extension, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Pro: $21 a month | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 10 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | boldbobbin.com | inkstitch.org |
| On embroidery design software | #3 of 31 | #1 of 31 |
Boldbobbin: what it does well
- Converts images into editable embroidery designs.
- Includes photostitch and a pixel art editor.
- Imports fonts with per-letter stitch adjustments.
- Exports machine formats plus SVG and PNG.
- Cloud designs can be shared through browser-viewable URLs.
What to know first
- Personal plan prohibits commercial use.
- Free image and video exports carry a watermark.
- Native .vemb projects cannot be resold as standalone products.
Ink/Stitch: what it does well
- Free and open source under GNU GPL v3.0 or later.
- Offers lettering with pre-digitized or custom fonts.
- Includes animated stitch-out and stitch plan previews.
- Supports palettes from more than 60 manufacturers.
- Imports and exports many embroidery formats.
What to know first
- Requires Inkscape version 1.0.2 or higher.
- Brother PEC and PES files cannot save over 255 color changes.
- Does not provide auto-digitizing.
Alternatives to Boldbobbin Alternatives to Ink/Stitch The whole list