PSW Options

Q: Can I load the PSW Options on more than one computer?


A: As long as you use the same Converter Box (from the PSW), you can use Options on multiple computers by using the installation code that was assigned to this particular Converter Box and PSW. When you register the Options serial number and the PSW Converter serial number, these two now become married together. They cannot be separated and the Options cannot be paired with another Converter Box.


Q: I have registered on-line at the support site, but I did not receive an installation code. What should I do?

A: Because the installation code is generated by Compucon’s server, some consumers’ email servers will recognize the response as spam and block it. The consumer should email Talktous@singerco.com and Consumer Affairs will get the code. The consumer must provide all of the information (name, address, phone, email, serial number of the Converter Box and the serial number of the Options) to obtain this code.


Q: I am having trouble getting through to the Web site.
A: The Web site is temporarily out of service. Please wait until the Web site is back up, which is usually the next business day.


Q: I am using my PhotoStitch, but I don’t seem to understand the Parameters settings. They don’t seem to work quite like the rest of the PSW 2.00a parameters. Can you explain the PhotoStitch Satin Fill parameters?

A: You are right. At first look the Parameters box seems very different. However, if you take a closer look it’s easy to understand. Style - Satin, means exactly what it says. The stitch will be rows of satin columns. Satin Width refers to the actual width of the satin column, like the stitch width on your sewing machine while doing a zigzag stitch. Minimum Stitch Distance, the default is set a 6.0. This is actually more like the density setting you are accustomed to seeing in the software.


Q: I digitized my photo and it was too small, so I resized it after digitizing. The design was changed and no longer looked good. The integrity of the design was lost.
A: PhotoStitch doesn’t resize. If you want your design to be larger, do it to the image of the photo before you digitize it. This can be done in the OPEN IMAGE box before the photo is opened.


Q: I installed my Options, but I can’t see any changes to my PSW 2.00a screen. Where is it?
A: PSW Options installs and becomes part of the original PSW 2.00a program.


Q: I manually digitized my photo and it still looks awful, why?

A: There are several possibilities for this. One, the photo may have a low dpi. The minimum recommended dpi is 150. Perhaps the actual size of the photo may be too small. Try using a photo at a minimum of four inches. Photos may be resized in the OPEN IMAGE box by left clicking on the button next to the image size. In addition, you may view the dpi of the image here.



Q: I used the Magic Wand to digitize my photo and it looks awful. What’s wrong?

A: PhotoStitch is not an autopunch digitizing option. To use PhotoStitch you will manually digitize the entire photo area at once using the same method as any Complex Fill.



Q: Since my PSW 2.00a already will digitize TrueType fonts from my computer, why do I need Hyperfont?

A: Your PSW 2.00a as it is now, without the Option, digitizes TT fonts in the lettering part of the software with a Complex Fill step satin or satin stitch. With Complex Fill stitches, you only have one stitch inclination. With step satin fills, this may give an adequate finished result, but usually not as pleasing as the built-in fonts. With Satin fill stitches you can have very long stitches, which are easy to catch and snag. With HYPERFONT, the stitches follow the shape of the letters, instead of just one direction. This gives a more professional appearance to the lettering.


Q: What happens when I "Vectorize" an image? Do I want to say yes?

A: Vector images are created in layers. Therefore, if you have a circle with a square in it, the circle color will be behind the entire square. Since the AutoPunch digitizes by color changes it would place stitches in the entire blue circle area and then overlap with stitches again when digitizing the pink circle. This would lead to a very dense hard to sew design. When you say "YES" to the OPTIMIZE VECTOR IMAGES option, the program "erases" the blue behind the pink square. For best results, you will want to say YES when asked to OPTIMIZE the image.


Q: When I’m creating Hyperfonts using my True Type Fonts, I don’t understand all the choices in my pop-up menu box. What’s the difference between REFERENCE LINE and COMPLEX FILL? What is BREAK LINE EDITOR?

A: Complex Fill will give you lettering with only one stitch inclination (direction). This might be a good choice for very large lettering. By choosing Complex Fill, you could even edit the lettering and replace the fill with any of the 120 Pattern Step Fills or any of the 30 Special Step Fills.

The second part of your question asks to define the "Line Break Editor." By enabling the "Editor", it will allow you have more flexibility when creating your new font. It will give you the option to edit and predefine the way HyperFont will cut the letters into segments (blocks). Simply draw a new line or move the existing one(s).



Q: Where is the AutoPunch?

A: AutoPunch is found under the CREATE drop down menu after you have opened an image.



Q: Where is the PhotoStitch Option?

A: The PhotoStitch option will be found when selecting Complex Fill stitch types. You can choose between PhotoFill and PhotoFill Color. Each fill has different parameters.


Q: Why do some of my images AutoPunch better than others?

A: It may be dependent upon the image type. Bitmap images, which include jpeg, tiff, bmp, .pcx, .pcd, .tga, and .psd, are made using pixels. These images are often scanned into the computer, although they may come from CD’s. Vector files, which include .wmf and .emf files, are often created using computer software and are smooth edged images. These can be imported from CD’s. They will also have fewer colors.


Q: Why does it only ask to Vectorize images sometimes?

A: If you are not using a Vector File Image, (.emf or .wmf) it will NOT ask to vectorize the image. The software will automatically vectorize non-vector files, sometimes this happens quickly on a fast computer and you will not even notice.

Q: Why isn’t there a manual for the Options?

A: There is a very informative 28-page manual located on the Options CD. To access the manual return the CD to the drive and go into Windows Explore and find your Options CD. You will find a file name "Manual," just double left click on the icon and it will open the .PDF file.