What does Digitise mean?

The word digitise (also spelled digitize in American English) means to convert something into a digital format so it can be stored, edited, copied, or used on a computer.

The exact meaning depends on the context.

In embroidery (the context you and I use most)

Digitising is not simply converting a picture into an embroidery file.

It means taking a logo or design and manually programming it into stitches. The digitiser decides:

• What type of stitches to use (satin, fill, running stitch)
• The stitch direction
• Density
• Underlay
• Pull compensation
• Stitch order
• Start and end points
• Trim points
• Fabric settings

For example:

• Customer sends you a PNG of their logo.
• You recreate it in embroidery software like i2, Wilcom, or Hatch.
• You save it as a .DST or .PES file.

That process is called embroidery digitising.

In graphics

Digitising can mean turning artwork into a scalable vector.

For example:

• Drawing a sketch on paper.
• Tracing it in Illustrator.
• Saving it as an AI, SVG or EPS file.

People often call this "digitising" or "vectorising."

In photography

Digitising means converting physical photographs, slides or negatives into digital image files.

In business

Digitising refers to converting paper-based information into digital records.

For example:

• Scanning paper invoices.
• Storing contracts electronically.
• Replacing paper forms with online forms.