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Choose a hoop

Set your machine and hoop so the canvas shows the area your machine can actually stitch. Do this once when you start, and whenever you change hoops: you see at a glance whether a design fits, and the export wizard can point out the file formats your machine reads.

Quick switch in the header​

The editor header has two dropdowns: Machine and Hoop. Pick your machine, then a hoop from the list (it shows only the hoops you own for that machine). The hoop outline on the canvas updates.

The hoop is saved with the design, and Ctrl/Cmd+Z undoes a change. Your pick also sticks: the next new design starts in the same hoop, and switching back to a machine brings back the hoop you last used on it.

The default hoop on a new install is 100×100 (100 mm × 100 mm).

Set up your machines and hoops​

To choose which machines and hoops you own:

  1. Open Settings → Machine & Hoops (or do this in the first-run wizard).
  2. + Add machine, then either From catalog (pick a Brand and Model) or Custom machine (name one that isn't listed).
  3. Check the hoops you own under Hoops you own (each shows its size, e.g. "5x7 Hoop · 130×180 mm"), or + Add custom hoop to define one by name, width and height (mm), and shape (rectangle or oval).
  4. Mark a default machine and a default hoop with the radio and star controls.
Example: a Brother PE800 with two hoops
  1. + Add machine → From catalog, Brand Brother, Model PE800.
  2. Under Hoops you own, check Large Hoop · 130×180 mm (the 5x7) and Medium Hoop · 100×100 mm (the 4x4). Star the Large Hoop as the default.
  3. Back in the editor, pick PE800 under Machine: the Hoop dropdown lists just those two. Pick the Large Hoop and the canvas shows the 130×180 mm outline.
  4. When you export, PES carries the Compatible with your machine badge.

See Hoops and machines for the list of supported brands.

Center a design in the hoop​

Select an object and use Center on hoop (in the Properties panel or the floating action bar) to move it to the hoop center. Import dialogs also offer a Center in hoop / Center on hoop option.

Where the design sits on the canvas matters most for VP3, which keeps your placement. Most other machine formats are centered when you export anyway. See Placement.