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Singer FUTURA User Manual

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  • Page 1 User’s Manual...
  • Page 3 User’s Manual...
  • Page 4 Trademarks indicated below were derived from various sources: COMPUCON is a registered trademark of COMPUCON Computer Applications S.A. is a registered Trademark of The Singer Company Limited MS-Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Windows, Windows 95, Windows NT are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
  • Page 5 6. You may not reverse engineer or decompile the software, since it contains secret, valuable know how of the right holder. This does not affect your rights under any legislation implementing the EEC Directive on the Legal Protection of Computer programs. FUTURA License Agreement...

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    Make New Folder Manual structure Copy files System Requirements Open folder Installation of the software Paste files Get more at FUTURA Support Site Using FUTURA User’s Manual Rename files Delete files In-built Help features Restore files Index Help Open files “How to”...
  • Page 7 Using FUTURA Software How to Print on-screen design Inside Exit FUTURA Inside Welcome Box Exit FUTURA Welcome to FUTURA How to Exit FUTURA First time machine user / sending a Inside Undo/Redo sample design Undo/Redo Open Design How to Use Undo...
  • Page 8 This option will take you to a page on Select the Internet at which you will be able to Select Design to Move register your software. Select blocks Get more at FUTURA support site To Move About FUTURA To Re-size To Rotate To Delete...

  • Page 9: Installation

    FUTURA sewing machine. FUTURA has been especially designed as a powerful combina- tion of the FUTURA sewing machine and the FUTURA software. The FUTURA software is the “front-end” of your sewing ma- chine allowing you to easily transfer any kind of embroidery design to the FUTURA machine.

  • Page 10: Manual Structure

    , which will help you install the software and understand the general concept of the product before using it. 2. “Inside...” section, designed to provide information and explanation on the com- plete (detailed) functionality of FUTURA. System Requirements The following is a list of specifications for your PC (personal computer).

  • Page 11: Installation Of The Software

    The FUTURA software comes on a CD-ROM disc. In most personal computers the default drive setting for a CD-ROM drive is “D:” Please insert the FUTURA CD-ROM into the CD-ROM disc receiver in your PC. After some seconds, the Installation procedure of the software will start automatically.
  • Page 12 After some seconds the step by step installation of the software begins with the Welcome window. You can always abort the instal- lation procedure by clicking on the “Cancel” button. Click on “Next” to move on the next screen. Installation: Introduction - Installing the software...
  • Page 13 After reading and agreeing with terms given in the License Agreement, please click on “Yes”. Now define your User Name and Company Name (in case there is no information available for “Company Name”, insert any character). and again click on Next, and then select the directory where the software should be installed.
  • Page 14 Now you are prompted to select the Program Folder where the shortcut for the software will be stored. Simply click on “Next” to continue. Now you are prompted to select the language in which the Tutorials and Help files of the software will be installed. English language is installed by default.
  • Page 15 Pressing the “Next” button will finally start the copy and instal- lation of the FUTURA software files to the given directory on the hard disk. A progress bar will indicate the stage at which the installation pro- cedure is.
  • Page 16 PC via the serial cable that is included in the product package. The FUTURA software wil not run if machine is set up for sewing and/or is not connected to the PC.

  • Page 17: Get More At Futura Support Site

    Get more at FUTURA Support Site The www.futura-support.com is an online support website designed to provide support to the users of the exciting FUTURA product. To see for yourself, from inside the FUTURA software simply click on “Help” -> “Connect to Support site” . Log onto www.futura- support.com and register to benefit from all the services offered.

  • Page 18: Using Futura User's Manual

    In the following pages you will receive detailed explanations on the functionality and use of all the incredible functions and features included in the FUTURA software. Please study the manual carefully in order to learn how to use and get the best out of this software product.

  • Page 19: In-Built Help Features

    In-built Help features FUTURA comes with built-in help features to help and support you while working with the software. You can access all Help fea- tures from the Help Menu in the software. Index Help FUTURA comes with an on-line Help feature to provide valuable information on the features and functions of FUTURA.

  • Page 20: How To" Tutorial

    From the Tutorials Page, simply select the topic you would like to study and go through the comprehensive step-by-step instructions on how to use a function or feature of the FUTURA software. “Machine set-up” Tutorial In order to start working with FUTURA for embroidery, you will have to first set up the FUTURA machine to work for embroidery.

  • Page 21: General Informationon Working With Your Pcand Software

    Nevertheless have no fear, it is not as hard as it might seem. Little by little you will find that computers and software are great tools to help your work. In this case the FUTURA software is an amazing tool to help you design and produce your own personalized embroidery results.

  • Page 22: General Windows Tasks

    Whichever edition of Microsoft Windows your PC might be running, whether it is Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows NT or Windows XP (and FUTURA runs on all of these), this is the operating system of the PC. This means that Windows actually “run”...
  • Page 23 Read and practice the following items by following the Steps: Mouse basics Double-click (with left mouse button) Click Right-click Scroll Files and Folders How your computer is organized Make New Folder Copy files Open folder Paste files Rename files/folders Delete files/folders Restore files/folders Open files Save/Save As files...

  • Page 24: Mouse Basics

    Mouse Basics There are some very basic ways in which the “Mouse”, the little plastic unit with two buttons, a turning dial (on some models) and an attached wire (on most models) that connects to the back of the computer. Double-click (with left button) This is two quick clicks.

  • Page 25: Make New Folder

    On your desktop (the screen that opens when you power up your computer), there is an icon (a graphic symbol and title of a program or feature) called “My Computer”. Inside are all of the contents of your computer! You will be able to choose from the Hard drive (most often the C: drive);...

  • Page 26: Open Folder

    Step-by-Step >2 Place a disk with an embroidery file or other type of file into the floppy drive. >3 Double-click on the Floppy A: drive. >4 Click on one of the files on the Floppy. >5 Right-click on the file. >6 Select “Copy”...

  • Page 27: Delete Files

    Step-by-Step >1 Right-click on the file that was pasted into the new folder. >2 Select “Rename” from the fly-out box. >3 Type a new name (in the awaiting title box). >4 Choose “Enter” on the keyboard to confirm the new name. Delete files If you have excess files that need to be cleaned up from a folder: Step-by-Step...

  • Page 28: Save/Save As Files

    Blank In most programs there is a “Blank” screen that is the foundation for opening files. Step-by-Step >1 Double-click on the “FUTURA” icon on the desktop. Installation: General information on working with your PC and software...

  • Page 29: Open

    Also, you must select the “File Type” i.e. (.DST, etc.). >3 Click on a file, and choose “OK” in the box. The design will open into your “FUTURA” screen. Minimize Step-by-Step >1 Click on the “-”...

  • Page 30: Dialogue Boxes

    Dialogue Boxes Most programs also have commonalities in the dialogue boxes. Also included in this topic are the “Fly-out” boxes. These fly-out boxes nearly always mean more options are available (in the dialogue box). Move box If a dialogue box is blocking your view, it can be moved. Step-by-Step >1 Click (and hold to drag) on the bar at the top of the box.

  • Page 31: Using Futura Software

    Using FUTURA Software Using FUTURA Software:...
  • Page 32 Using FUTURA Software:...

  • Page 33: Inside Welcome Box

    Inside Welcome Box Welcome to FUTURA The Welcome to FUTURA dialogue box can be useful to quickly set up your first job for the day. Choose from Start machine navigator ;Open Design; New Screen or Ruler measurement by clicking on the relative “link”.

  • Page 34: Open Futura Software

    Open FUTURA software Open FUTURA Open FUTURA is a function used to open or launch the FUTURA software. Once opened, you can open multiple embroidery de- signs. They will each have a different Window inside the FUTURA screen. How to Open FUTURA...

  • Page 35: Inside Open Design

    It is possible to open many types (formats) of embroidery designs save the designs onto your hard disk and then read into FUTURA with the use of the with FUTURA. There are several formats available of both the com- “Open Design” function. mercial and home embroidery software platforms.

  • Page 36: Open Design

    Choose Designs folder from Look In box from drop- down list. >3 Select FUTURA Designs The large box will display all A Preview will be displayed in the Open (.FHE) from the Files of Type .FHE designs in the Designs Design File dialogue box only if the box.

  • Page 37: Inside Close Design

    Open Design. TURA will prompt you to do so. If the design has been saved, >2 Select Yes. The design will close. FUTURA will simply close. Image 1 Prompt to save your design Using FUTURA Software: Inside Close Design...

  • Page 38: Inside Save Design

    Inside Save Design A design or lettering that is created or edited with FUTURA software should be saved to the computer hard drive. There is a distinction between Save Design As, and Save regarding storing an embroidery file. Save Design As If a design is new –...

  • Page 39: Use Save Design As

    >4 Type New Name in the File Name box. >5 Select OK. The design will be saved and the given name will appear at top-left of FUTURA screen. Image 1 Save Design dialogue Box Using FUTURA Software: Inside Save Design...

  • Page 40: Use Save Design

    Save Design from the File drop-down menu. If a design has been modified in any way, an * will appear by the original name. This is a “prompt” that a Save or Save Design As is needed. Using FUTURA Software: Inside Save Design...

  • Page 41: Design Formats

    Design Formats There are several formats that can be saved with FUTURA software. The following formats can be saved: Format Extension FUTURA Designs .FHE Compucon Stitch & Sew Designs .CHE Compucon Designs .XXX Brother Bernina-Babylock ..PEC Brother Bernina-Babylock .PES Husqvarna Viking .HUS...

  • Page 42: Inside Machine Navigator

    Now that you have learned how to read and open a design stored on the hard disk or the CD, the next important step is to see how to transmit this selected design to the FUTURA machine in order to Always check that the design to be sent to embroider.
  • Page 43 3 for the next color block of the design. The FUTURA software is the front-end screen of your FUTURA ma- chine thus providing real-time valuable information on the actions of the machine. What is more, the software will prompt you with any type of error messages that might come up during operation.
  • Page 44 EM-03 Bobbin winder in operation Bobbin winder is in operation. EM-04 Raise buttonhole lever Buttonhole lever is lowered. Raise but- tonhole lever. EM-05 Lower presser foot Lower presser foot by lowering presser foot lifter. Using FUTURA Software: Inside Machine Navigator...
  • Page 45 Safety device is activated. See related section in instruction manual of ma- chine EM-08 Check bobbin winder Check bobbin winder and move it to left. EM-09 Thread breakage detected Thread breakage is detected. Check threads. Using FUTURA Software: Inside Machine Navigator...

  • Page 46: Inside Open Machine Disk

    Inside Open Machine Disk There are several types of commercial Machine Disk formats that can be read with FUTURA software. These will be expanded files (already having instructions for an embroidery machine) with limited editing capabilities. The following formats can be read from a properly formatted (the appropriate disk type - usually “DS/DD”...

  • Page 47: Machine Disk Options

    The system will read the files on the disk and display in the right-hand column. >4 Highlight stitch file in the right-hand column. >5 Select Read. The design will be read and open on-screen. Using FUTURA Software: Inside Open Machine Disk...

  • Page 48: Use Delete (From Machine Disk)

    >1 Select Open Machine Open Machine Disk dialogue Disk... from the File drop- box will open. down menu. >2 Click Identify. The system will read the disk to determine the (accept- able) format. Using FUTURA Software: Inside Open Machine Disk...

  • Page 49: Use Copy (Files From Machine Disk)

    Alternatively, select All for will open. all stitch files. >6 Choose location to save the The design(s) will be copied copied file(s). to a location that you specify. Image 1 Read Machine Disk dialogue Box Using FUTURA Software: Inside Open Machine Disk...

  • Page 50: Inside Design Browser

    >5 Design information displayed. >Dimensions >Stitch count >Number of STOP codes (which indicate colour changes) >6 Individual blocks of selected design displayed. >7 Open design confirmation. Click “Open” or double-click on highlighted design. Using FUTURA Software: Inside Design Browser...
  • Page 51 Using FUTURA Software: Inside Design Browser...

  • Page 52: Inside Embroidery Anthology

    Inside Embroidery Anthology Embroidery Anthology is a wonderful collection of unique stock designs that will be available for the FUTURA users. Embroidery Anthology Dialogue Box The following table correlates with Image 1, and defines each sec- tion of Embroidery Anthology and its function.
  • Page 53 Using FUTURA Software: Inside Embroidery Anthology...

  • Page 54: Inside Print Design

    Inside Print Design Print Design Print Design is function used to print the open (on-screen) design in the FUTURA software. This can be useful for record-keeping, and seeing the thread colors of the design. How to Print on-screen design Step Action Result >1...

  • Page 55: Inside Exit Futura

    Inside Exit FUTURA Exit FUTURA Exit FUTURA is a function used to exit the FUTURA software. It is not necessary to Exit FUTURA to work on different designs. Multi- ple windows may be open at-once within the FUTURA screen. How to Exit FUTURA...

  • Page 56: Inside Undo/Redo

    The last action (a moved segment) will be undone (restored). How to Use Redo Step Action Result >1 Click the Redo icon. The Undo will restore the “Undo” must be performed performed action. before “Redo” is available. Using FUTURA Software: Inside Undo - Redo...

  • Page 57: Inside Realistic View

    Select Realistic View from The design will be shown in An embroidery design must be on-screen the View drop-down menu. realistic view. to use Realistic View. Realistic View Image 1 Realistic View in action Using FUTURA Software: Inside Realistic View...

  • Page 58: Inside Redraw Design

    Inside Redraw Design Redraw Design Redraw Design is function used to redraw (“stitch”) the on-screen design in the FUTURA software. This feature is particularly useful for “stitching” stock designs to see how they travel, color changes, etc. How to Redraw Design...

  • Page 59: Inside Zoom

    Zoom.../ Zoom icon Zoom In from the View drop-down menu. >2 Click, drag, and release The design and/or image will Zoom window around area be increased to reflect Zoom to be enlarged. window. Using FUTURA Software: Inside Zoom...

  • Page 60: Zoom Out

    Step Action Result >1 Select the Zoom 1:1 icon. The Zoom % will be at 100% Alternatively, select - actual size. Zoom.../ 1:1 from the View drop-down menu. Using FUTURA Software: Inside Zoom...

  • Page 61: Zoom Fit-To-Screen

    Select Zoom from the View Zoom pop-out window will drop-down menu. open. >2 Choose 300%. Alternative- The Zoom % will be at 300%. ly, click the 300% box using the downward triangle. Image 1 Zoom (set) % Using FUTURA Software: Inside Zoom...

  • Page 62: Inside Stitch Points

    An embroidery design must be on-screen Points from the View drop- with “dots” at every stitch. to view Stitch Points. down menu. In order to view Stitch Points, “Realistic View” must be disabled. Image 1 Stitch Points shown. Using FUTURA Software: Inside Stitch Points...

  • Page 63: Inside Hoop

    Inside Hoop Hoop is a feature that offers the opportunity to view your embroi- dery design on-screen in a “Hoop” that has the dimensions of the real hoops that are specially designed for the FUTURA embroidery machine. Important ! The FUTURA machine comes by default with two different size...

  • Page 64: View Hoop

    Select Show/Hide Hoop The (previously) selected The bold hoop line indicates the actual from the View drop-down Hoop will open on-screen size of the hoop while the dotted line menu. shows the actual embroidery area. Using FUTURA Software: Inside Hoop...

  • Page 65: Inside Grid

    The unit of measurement is relevant >3 Click OK. A 5mm grid will appear on- to the choice in System Parameters. screen. Tip! Uncheck the “Lock Values” box to change one dimension of the grid. Image 1 Grid properties box. Using FUTURA Software: Inside Grid...

  • Page 66: Inside Screen Color

    The Screen color of the screen will display new color. If you created a color that is not in the Basic colors, click on “Add to Custom Colors” for future use. Image 1 Screen Color palette Using FUTURA Software: Inside Screen Color...

  • Page 67: Futura

    Inside Design Library Design Library FUTURA comes with a variety of 60 free embroidery designs through the Design Library ! Make use of any of these designs to create beautiful embroidery results ! All of the designs included in the Design library are fully resizable ensuring at all times exceptional embroidery quality.
  • Page 68 Resize Resize Proportionately Height Rotate Resize Resize Width Width Image 1 How to Resize and Rotate the Design while in “Ghost Frame”. Resize Resize Rotate Proportionately Height Using FUTURA Software: Inside Design Library...

  • Page 69: Inside Change Size

    Inside Change Size The Change Size feature of FUTURA is helpful in changing the size, rotating, and/or stitch processing a design. It is possible to change the size of an embroidery design, whether it is an expanded (“stock”) design (i.e. .dst , .pes , .xxx etc), or block design (i.e.

  • Page 70: Rotate A Design

    The design will be rotated in the direction of selection. >2 Type 15 in the rotational value box. >3 Choose Ok. Design will be rotated to 15º . Image 1 Change Size dialogue box. Using FUTURA Software: Inside Change Size...

  • Page 71: Inside Center Design

    The design will now have a An embroidery design must be on-screen the Design drop-down perfect Center Origin Point. to use Center Design menu. Image 1 Selecting Center Design from the Design drop-down menu Using FUTURA Software: Inside Center Design...

  • Page 72: Inside Stitch Colors

    Select to Open a design The design will open on- a stitch file needs to be open from the File drop-down screen. on the FUTURA screen. menu, and choose Ok. >2 Select Stitch Colors from The floating Stitch Colors Tools drop-down menu.
  • Page 73 Image 1 Stitch Colors floating palette. Using FUTURA Software: Inside Stitch Colors...

  • Page 74: Inside Ruler

    Ruler Icon Ruler will note measurement Cursor turned in unit type - millimeters or inches - into a Ruler that is set in System Parameters. Recorded Measurement Using FUTURA Software: Inside Ruler...

  • Page 75: Color Block List

    Using FUTURA Software: Color Block List...

  • Page 76: Select

    There will be cases in which you will need to move a design inside the boundaries of the FUTURA hoop. Doing this in the FUTURA software is very easy, while FUTURA also gives you the ability to select and move only a particular block, change it’s color or even delete it !

  • Page 77: To Move

    >3 Right-click and choose Ap- The selection will be filled ply from the pop-up menu. with stitches. Image 1 Click and Drag to Move. Using FUTURA Software: Select...

  • Page 78: To Re-Size

    >3 Right-click and choose Ap- The selection will be filled ply from the pop-up menu. with stitches. Shows which handle to use, Start and finish Positions and movement of the Square. Using FUTURA Software: Select...

  • Page 79: To Rotate

    The selection will be filled ply from the pop-up menu. with stitches. See related Image in next page > Shows which handles to use to Rotate and the movement directions to rotate the frame. Image 1 Rotate with circles. Using FUTURA Software: Select...

  • Page 80: To Delete

    Step Action Result >1 Select Block . >2 Right-click with the mouse The color selection window and choose “Change color”. will be displayed. >3 Pick any color for the block. The color of the block will change. Using FUTURA Software: Select...

  • Page 81: Inside Lettering

    Inside Lettering It is simple to use Lettering in the FUTURA software. Whether adding lettering to an embroidery design, or setting up individual names, it will soon become a task that’s as easy as “A, B, C”! Though the sequence of tasks used in setting up lettering is not important, following a Step-by-step “formula”...

  • Page 82: Text Box

    If more or less slanting is desired, see section on rectangular frame. Justification Your embroidered letters can be handled exactly like a typewriter. Select left, center, or right Justification. This feature is particularly useful when working with multiple lines. Using FUTURA Software: Inside Lettering...

  • Page 83: Frames

    Left/Right/Top/Bottom will resize box down. in one direction (height or width). Rotate Click on circle at the Baseline of Letters will top right or bottom left rotate to new direction. and rotate. Using FUTURA Software: Inside Lettering...

  • Page 84: Circle Frames

    If a frame has been manipulated in any manner, using the Reset icon will set the letters back to the original configuration within the frame. Stitch Letters Select Stitch It icon to fill the letters with stitches. Image 1 Finished Lettering Using FUTURA Software: Inside Lettering...

  • Page 85: Changing Color For Lettering

    Simply click on the color icon on the toolbar to change the active color. Change color Image 2 Change color for Lettering Using FUTURA Software: Inside Lettering...

  • Page 86: Inside System Parameters

    System Parameters System Parameters is a function used to personalize the envi- ronment (screen) of FUTURA. For those of us who still want to measure in inches, System Parameters is the place to set that up. Of course, using millimeters is the default setting.

  • Page 87: Other System Parameters

    (the dialogue box) or inside System Parameters. Show User Hints This deactivates the caution message when sending a design to the FUTURA machine to always set embroidery tension on the machine to “E”. Using FUTURA Software: Inside System Parameters...

  • Page 88: Inside Help

    Inside Help FUTURA includes in-built help features to help and support you while working with the software. These topics are available in the Help drop-down menu. Index Help FUTURA comes with an on-line Help feature to provide valuable information on the features and functions of FUTURA.

  • Page 89: How To" Tutorial

    “how to do” things while working with the software. From the Tutorials Page, simply select the topic you would like to study and go through the comprehensive step-by- step instructions on how to use a function or feature of the FUTURA software. “Machine set-up” Tutorial In order to start working with FUTURA for embroidery, you will have to first set up the FUTURA machine to work for embroidery.

  • Page 90: Keyboard Map

    The Keyboard Map is a useful Help chart to view keyboard short- cuts and definitions of the topics found in the drop-down menus. As Keyboard Map is a very simple function of FUTURA, please see “How to Use Keyboard Map” for more information.

  • Page 91: Get More At Futura Support Site

    Get more at FUTURA support site The www.futura-support.com is an online support website designed to provide support to the users of the exciting FUTURA In order to use this feature product. please make sure to connect your computer to the Internet first.
  • Page 92 My Notes...

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