Roses Are Red

About two weeks ago I had my first 'one on one' orientation on the software with my tutor. This time was included with my purchase and for this I am very grateful!  I had not done much with the program since Christmas (it was a gift from DH).  I had looked through the manuals and DH had helped me to load it on the computer and also all of the upgrades that were already available online.   Actually doing anything was a little more intimidating at first.  It is very helpful for me to have that personal tutoring.  The manuals make more sense and I can also better understand the online video tutorials, now that I have had some time with it. 

I would recommend to anyone to take the time to watch and work through the online tutorials as many times as necessary until it becomes old hat.  The first one demonstrates how to make a design called 'Roses are Red'.  Through the process of creating, you will learn how to use these various design tools:  Shapes, Encore Hoop, Multi-Line Text, Letter Properties and ExpressDesign Wizard.

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My tutor also offered to me a number of her own pointers on using the software.  Some of which are probably not in any book or 'Help', but tricks that she has learned along the way.  I am sure that I missed some of the nitty gritty of her nuggets of info...  If I have misinterpreted anything, then I will come back and make corrections as soon as I figure it out.

• One thing I was told is that items could begin to disappear from my toolbar.  If this happens, then I have to close all modules and go to 4D Configure and click on 'reset modules'. 
• From my 'Machine Manager' I can go to Topaz 20 (my model) and go to Pfaff and load 'Creative Vision'.  Then I will be able to use their stitches in 4D to create embroideries.  I cannot use Pfaff directly on my machine. 
• When sending a file design from 4D to my flash drive, do not use the the 'send' function.  Use the 'save' icon instead.  The 'send' function sends it to a place on my flash drive that only has one space.  It is my understanding that it is like a temp file.  If I were to use it, then the next time I 'send' another file design to my flash drive, then the previous one will disappear.
• 'Monogram Wizard' and 'Family Portrait' are not included with 4D Professional.
• If I am going to resize a design, then use 'Stitch Editor'.
• Always resize  from an original so that the stitches and fills, etc. are not distorted.
• To take something off clipboard, use the 'print screen' button on my keyboard.
• Always center my design in 4D using 'center' icon on toolbar.  This centers the first and the last stitch.
• Round circles at the corners of my design frame means that I have confused the program.  The design is outside the hoop.  Use the 'center' icon on the toolbar to correct the problem.
• When the design is finished, right click to activate.
• Always use the default .vp3 when saving a design.  This will insure that all of the info goes with the design.  .vp3 is able to remember way more colors, the notes you have applied and any other info pertinent to the design. 

Another thing I found out after I got home and sat down to practice using the software is that the dongle has to be plugged in to use the 4D Embroidery program.  I tried without it at first and kept getting an error message:  'HASP key not found (H0007)'.  Due to my total unfamiliarity, I had to go online to the 4D Embroidery website and do a search.

Addendum: After reading some, I found out that the dongle is a 'security devise'.  I suppose this prevents someone from copying and sharing the software illegally.  Hey, this probably comes as no big revelation to the Geeks out there!