Ricoma Chroma

Quick Reference
Guide

Some features are available only in specific product levels

*All rights belong to their respective owners

Contents
Activation.............................................................................................................................................. 3
Working with files ........................................................................................................................... 5
Viewing designs .............................................................................................................................. 11
Editing tools ...................................................................................................................................... 17
Editing objects ................................................................................................................................. 21
Lettering .............................................................................................................................................. 25
Digitizing tools................................................................................................................................. 32
Working with images ................................................................................................................... 43
Sequence View ................................................................................................................................ 45
Design Library .................................................................................................................................. 47
Database ............................................................................................................................................. 48
Printing designs .............................................................................................................................. 49
General Options .............................................................................................................................. 50
Activation

Activating via Internet

Fill in the required activation information in the appropriate fields.

Type your individual activation serial number (that came with your copy of the Software)
into the Serial Number field and then click the Activate Now button on the dialog.

Activating without an Internet connection

If you have installed the software on a computer that does not have an Internet connection,
you will need a site key (in addition to the activation serial number) to complete the
activation.

Fill in the required activation information in the appropriate fields.

Type your individual activation serial number (that came with your copy of the Software)
into the Serial Number field.

Click the Activate Now button on the dialog. You see a warning about your internet
connection.

The Activation wizard dialog now has a new field for the site key. Contact technical support
to get your site key and click the activate button.
Deactivation

In the event you need to move your software to a new PC, you must first deactivate from
the current PC. To do this you click the Deactivate button at the bottom.

After the software has been deactivated you can install on your new computer with your
original serial number.
In the event that your old computer will not start or is destroyed, lost or stolen, Contact us
to arrange activation on the new computer.
Working with files

New

Click on this icon to start a new design.

Open

Click on this icon to open any existing embroidery file. You can select more than one
designs to bring them in.

Formats supported: Native outline formats, Artista (art), Style sheet (stl), Melco Scalable
(cnd), Melco DOS expanded (exp), Tajima (dst, dsb, dsz), Pfaff (ksm), Barudan Dos (dat &
U01), Happy (tap), Toyota (10o), Pfaff PC-Designer V2.0 & V2.1 PC (pcs), Singer PSW
(xxx), Pfaff Macintosh (pcm), Janome Scan-n-Sew PC/Elna Envision Scan PC (sew) Viking
DOS Customizer/Customizer 95 (hus), Viking D1 (shv), Toyota Poem/Singer EU/Dos
HuskyGram (csd), Baby Lock/Bernina Deco/Brother/Simplicity (pes), Janome/New Home
1000 (jef), Viking (vip, vp3, vp4), etc.

Save

Save an existing file in any of the formats listed below.

After you choose save it will choose the name and where to save it. To change that you will
need to rename the file, and choose where the file will be saved. You can also save a
portion of the design by selecting “Selection only box”.

Formats supported: Native outline formats, Style sheet (stl), Melco DOS expanded (exp),
Tajima (dst, dsb, dsz), Pfaff (ksm), Barudan Dos (dat & U01), Toyota (10o), Happy (tap),
Brother (phc), etc.

Save As
Use this function to save the file that you are currently working in. After you choose save
you will need to name the file, and choose where the file will be saved.

Merge

Merge or open an existing stitch file within an existing design.

Import Artwork

Use this to import vector artworks in AI, EPS, EMF, WMF, DXF, or PLT formats.

TT Font
Use this function to bring in True Type Fonts which can be converted into embroidery.
Load Backdrop

Use this function to import a bitmap for use as a backdrop to digitize your design.

Twain scanner
Use this function to bring in an image directly from your scanner.

Close
Use this function to close the file you are currently working on.

Close All
Use this function to close all of the files that are currently open.
Save As Image

Use this function to save your design as a JPG or as a transparent PNG. Change the dpi to
adjust the image resolution.

Send to machine

Use the option to send a design to an embroidery machine. If your machine is not listed
click on New button to setup a new one. To send a design with this option your machine
must support a serial port connection.
Batch Conversion

This function allows you to convert multiple files into another format in one operation.
Design Analysis

Use this option to get extended information about your design such as Stitch length ranges,
Sewing time etc.
Viewing designs

Refresh
This will redraw the design on your screen to make sure all changes that you have made are
currently shown.

Slow Redraw

This function makes the redraw tool show up on the top of your screen. You can click and
drag on the slider to see the sewing order of your design backwards or forwards. You can
also use the forward and back arrows to redraw automatically and click pause to stop
drawing. Move the speed slider to adjust the drawing speed.
To exit the slow redraw mode, right click or press Esc.

Zoom

The “Zoom Tool” enlarges or reduces the view of the active window.
The left click enlarges the view by 2 times each time it is used. The right click reduces the
view by 2 times each time itis used.
By clicking on and holding down the left mouse button, then dragging your mouse in any
direction, it will fit to screen the selected area.
You can also use the mouse wheel to zoom in or zoom out. Holding down the control and
using the wheel zooms in or out at the cursor position.

Pan

When pan is activated you can move around in your design by left clicking and dragging on
the screen without using the scroll keys. Pan can be activated at any time by holding the
Space bar.
Realistic View

This icon will allow you to toggle back and forth between seeing a realistic image of your
embroidery to a flat depiction of the design.

Grid

Turns Grid on or off. You can right click on Rulers to change the grid properties. You can
also select Tools menu, General Options and then Grid tab to change the grid settings.

Stitches

Turns Stitches on or off. If the stitches are turned off it will show the outlines only.

Stitch Ends

Turns Stitch ends or needle penetrations on or off.

Hoops

Use this icon to select a hoop size and bring it into your design space.
Also, this function allows you to create a custom hoop or choose an existing hoop and bring
it to the center of your design.

Commands

Turns Commands such as color changes and trims on or off.

Ruler

Activates the ruler and allows you to click on the beginning and drag to the end to get a
measurement of any part of your design.

Navigator

Navigator allows you to view areas of a design quickly by blending the Zoom and Pan tools
into one window. You can access the Navigator on a tab at the bottom left of the screen,
next to the Library and Color Sequence tabs.

You can move the blue box in the Navigator window to any area of the design.
Working with colors

Change a thread color on the palette

Left click on the color and a color selection window will come up choose the color and save.
The color on the palette will change to the new color.
Select the segment either from the sequence window or the design window. Then right click
on the thread color you wish to change it to and the segment will change to the new color.
You can toggle the left / right click behavior in General Options / View tab.
Click on the 'plus' button to append a new color. Click on the 'minus' button to remove any
unused color from the current design.
You can also insert a color change before the selected object or use the trim button to insert
a trim.
Click on the Screen icon to change the background color.

Match Colors

Use this option to auto match current colors to a new Thread Chart.
Palette Creator

Use this option to create your own color palette. You can import threads from existing
thread charts, change the color by clicking on the first cell and assign special attributes like
Metallic or Variegated.

The thread Width and Metallic settings are used in realistic view of designs.

The Variegated attribute lets you create multi color threads.

Editing tools

Select Tool

Click and drag a box around whatever you wish to select on the screen. Left click to select a
single object.
Use the beads around the box to apply transformations (resize, rotate, slant). Click on the
cross at the center to move the selected object.

You can also press and hold the Ctrl key to add more objects into the current selection.
Press and hold the Ctrl+Shift key to remove objects from the current selection.
Press and hold the shift key while dragging the selected objects to move them
horizontally or vertically.

You can also right click on a selected object to get additional options such as Copy, Paste
etc.

Lasso Tool

Use this tool to draw a line around a specific part of your design you wish to select. Right
click to end lasso select.
Shape Tool

This function will allow you to click and drag on the nodes in the outline format portions of
your design. This will change the shape of the object. Hit Enter (or Right click) to see the
changes in the outline shape.

The Green bead is the entry point and the Red the exit. All outline points are marked blue
and angle lines yellow.

Right click on the outline to find additional options such as Adding and Deleting points,
adding holes (for complex fills). Right click on an outline point to change the point attributes
(smooth, line etc).

You can also click and drag to multi select outline points.
Stitch Editing Tool

This function allows you to make changes to the manual stitch areas of your design, such as
adding commands changing colors and moving individual stitches. Right click to find options
such as Inserting or Deleting stitches.

On the properties you can change the command and the offsets of the selected stitch.

You can also click and drag to multi select stitches.

In the sequence view you can view and navigate to the special stitch commands.
Editing objects

Cut

This function will delete the selected item and place it on the clipboard.

Copy

This option will place a copy of the selected item on the clipboard.

Paste

This function will place whatever has been saved on the clipboard. It will be positioned
directly over the original (if pasted into the same window). Once the item has been
pasted, move the pointer over the original, hold down the left mouse button and drag the
copy to a new position.

Undo

Use Undo to cancel the last operation you performed.

Redo

Use Redo to retrieve the last operation you deleted.

Duplicate

This function will allow you to copy, re-size and re-orient any selected item on your screen
as many times as you wish, by clicking and dragging. To stop duplicating right click on your
mouse.
Insert
This function will allow you to paste anything you have on your clipboard into the sequence
view at the right of your screen, or on the design window itself.

Delete
This function will remove anything you have selected on your screen from your design.

Select All
This function selects your entire design.

Break up Text
This function will break up any selected group of text into individual letters which can be
moved or edited separately.

Transform
This function will allow you to resize, flip or rotate any selected item.

Rotate Left

Use this icon to rotate any selected design or portion of your design 90 degrees to the left.

Rotate Right

Use this icon to rotate any selected design or portion of your design 90 degrees to the right.

Flip Vertical

Use this icon to flip selected design or portion of your design upside down.

Flip Horizontal

Use this icon to flip selected design or portion of your sideways.

Optimize sequence

This icon is used to reorder the sequence of the selected segments of your design so that it
will sew out in a logical order.

Optimize entry exit

This will change the entry and exit points of the different selected segments of your design
so that it minimizes the distance between them.

Color Sort

This icon is used to minimize the amount of color changes in your design. This only changes
the order of fee standing selected segments. If segments are overlapping they will be
ignored.

Align

Use these buttons to align multiple selected objects. You can align objects to the left, right,
top, bottom and to the horizontal or vertical center.
Group

Use this function to group multiple selected objects.

Un Group

Use this function to ungroup grouped objects.

Shaping

Use these functions to apply shaping transformations on two selected objects. The
transformations that can be applied are Trim, Weld and Intersect.

Break-Apart

This option breaks-apart selected objects into individual objects.

Combine

This option combines individual objects into a single object.

Distribute

Use these functions to distribute Horizontal or Vertical spacing between objects. At least
tree objects must be selected.
Lettering

Text

The Text tool allows you to create lettering on a straight line or circle.
Click on the “T” icon for text. Click on the screen at the point at which you want your
lettering to begin (A Letter "A" will appear on the design page).
In the properties box on the right of the screen you can choose circle or line, choose the
height of your lettering and the font of your choice.

In the Text Properties Box, select the letter A in the text input box. Using your keyboard,
type the word(s) you want to add to the design.
Finally, set the text properties such as height, font style, etc and click Apply.

If you right click on the lettering you can also use the envelope tool to create a multitude of
shapes from bridge to pennant.

The handles on the text frame let you change the Height, the Width and Rotate the text.
Also, you can click on the black diamond handles to change individual letters or click on blue
diamonds to adjust the spacing.
Monogram Tool

The Monogram tool allows you to create monogramming on a straight line.

Click on the “M” icon for text. Click on the screen at the point at which you want
your monogramming to begin (The Letters "ABC" will appear on the design page).
In the properties box on the right of the screen you can choose the height of your lettering
and the font of your choice.

In the Text Properties Box, select the letters ABC in the text input box. Using your
keyboard, type the letters you want to add to the design.
Finally, set the text properties such as height, font style, etc and click Apply.

If you right click on the lettering you can also use the envelope tool to create a multitude of
shapes from bridge to pennant.
Name Drops

Use this feature to auto create name lists. Before you enter to Name Drops dialog you need
to create a text and adjust the settings (font, height, line spacing, etc.). Then select the
text object and click on the Name Drops button.

If you select two different text objects, the first will be used as Style A and the second as
Style B. This way you can apply different Font styles per line (A and B). Any additional
selected objects will be used as decoration.
Alternatively, you can start Name Drops without selecting any text object and use existing
Text Styles created from Text properties tab (next to Apply button):

In Name drops dialog enter the names in the grid and optionally select the Fit method to
make sure long names won’t go outside a specific area. Also, you can select a decoration
design, import the names from a .txt or .csv file or save the current configuration as a
Template for later use.

To see the preview of a name, click on the grid cell and then press the Preview button.

Finally, you can create all names (separated by Stop commands) and send them to the
current view or save them as multiple files.

In the design view you can quickly navigate from one Text object to another by selecting
the Text tool and then pressing the keys Ctrl+PageUp or Ctrl+PageDown. It will
automatically hide all objects except of the current text. To show all objects again go to
sequence view, right click and select View / Show All.
Bubble Text

The Bubble Text Tool is a fun and easy way to create text designs that you may recognize
as “Subway Art”. Select a shape, type the words and click Apply to create your design.

If you wish to keep two words together like ‘New York’ instead of space between use the
underscore symbol (e.g. New_York).

In this dialog you can also select the Orientation type, create your own font combo, apply
text envelopes, select a color theme, etc. You can even add decorations to your design.

Also, you can use your own shape by creating or importing an artwork in the main window.
Then you can select it and click on the Bubble Text button to bring it into the dialog.
Font Editor

Use this option to modify or create new fonts.

Click on Open to load an existing font. Then double click on letters to open them for editing.

You can adjust the vertical or horizontal offset by moving the magenta lines or the spacing
by moving the green lines. Also, you can change the Kerning or import spacing from True
type fonts.

Finally click on Save button to store your font changes.

To create a Font click on New button and select a true type font to use it as template.
When creating a font you should use Run and Satin paths. In some special cases you can
also use complex fills.
Digitizing tools

Use the Digitizing tools to create outlines filled with stitches. In General Options / Digitizing
tab you can select the default input type (Quick, Bezier, etc.) and several other input
options.
Curve points are marked with blue circles and corners with blue rectangles.
While inputting points you can press Backspace to delete your last point or Esc to reject the
entire path.

Manual run stitch

To use this tool, left click on your mouse where ever you want to place a new stitch.
The distance between clicks will be the length of each stitch. Finish with Enter or Right click.

Running stitch

To use this tool, left click on your mouse where ever you want change the direction of your
running stitch.
Press the Ctrl button to create curved lines. Finish with Enter or Right click.
To create a new branch press the letter “N”.
You can change the length of each individual stitch in the properties box. You can also select
in properties the running stitch type (motif etc) and a pattern.

Classic Satin

To use this tool, left click on your mouse on the left and then right side of the satin stitch
you wish to create.
Each time you wish to change either direction or width add another set of clicks (left and
then right).
For curved satin stitches hold down the Ctrl key. Finish with Enter or Right click. To create a
new branch, press the letter “N”.

In Fill tab in properties you can change the density, the fill type and the pattern. In
Underlay tab you can select the underlay type and in Pull. comp tab the pull compensation
for your fill. In General tab you can also change the density profile to apply a gradient fill.
In Column tab you can set a jagged type and select between different splitting options.

Satin

To create a satin stitch using this method left click on the first side of the satin and when
you reach the end right click and then define the second side of the satin.
For curved satin stitches hold down the Ctrl key. Finish with Enter or Right click. To create a
new branch press the letter “N”.

In advanced mode you are also able to input angle lines and the entry / exit points.

In Fill tab in properties you can change the density, the fill type and the pattern. In
Underlay tab you can select the underlay type and in Pull. comp tab the pull compensation
for your fill.
In General tab you can also change the density profile to apply a gradient fill.
In Column tab you can set a jagged type and select between different splitting options.

Steil

To create a steil stitch left click on the center of the steil (hold the Ctrl key for curves).
When you are finished Enter or Right click.
To create a new branch, press the letter “N”.
In Steil tab in properties you can define the width of the steil and change the density. In
Underlay tab you can select the underlay type and in Pull. comp tab the pull compensation.

Complex Fill

The create a complex fill, define the outside shape by left clicking (hold the Ctrl key for
curves).
If you wish a hole or void within your fill, after you finish the outside shape hit the letter “H”
and define the interior shape.
Repeat as many times as you have holes. When you have finished Enter or Right click to
complete.

In Advanced input mode you can also set the angle line and the entry / exit points.

In Fill tab in properties you can change the density, the fill type and the pattern. In
Underlay tab you can select the underlay type and in Pull. comp tab the pull compensation
for your fill.
In General tab you can also change the density profile to apply a gradient fill.

Applique

Define the shape of your applique by left clicking (hold the Ctrl key for curves). When you
are finished Enter or Right click to end. To create a new branch press the letter “N”.

In properties in Applique tab you can define the width and the top stitching type. You can
also turn on or off the positioning and the tack down stitching.

Sequin Run

Create the sequin run by left clicking (hold the Ctrl key for curves). Enter or Right click to
finish.
To create a new branch, press the letter “N”.
Use the properties box to define the size of your sequins and the pattern of the tack down.

Sequin Fill

The create a sequin fill, define the outside shape by left clicking (hold the Ctrl key for
curves). If you wish a hole or void within your fill, after you finish the outside shape hit the
letter “H” and define the interior shape.
Repeat as many times as you have holes and when you have finished Enter or Right click to
complete.

Use the properties box to define the size of your sequins and pattern of tack down.

Cross Stitch Fill

The create a cross stitch fill, define the outside shape by left clicking (hold the Ctrl key for
curves). If you wish a hole or void within your fill. After you finish the outside shape hit the
letter “H” and define the interior shape. Repeat as many times as you have holes and when
you have finished Enter or Right click to complete.

Use the properties box to define the size of your cross stitches.

Artwork Tool

The artwork tool consists of a pen to draw shapes, and ellipse to draw circles and ellipses
and a rectangle toll to draw rectangles and squares.
To force a square or circle hold down the Ctrl key.

The symbol Tool

The symbol tool contains pre-digitized objects, which you can add to your designs and re-
size and re-orient.
It is similar in nature to copying an object. The main difference is you have control over the
size and angle of the design while placing it inside the design page.
You can Left click to add a copy or Left click and drag to re-size and re-orient the objects.
You can create your own if you have a motif that you use often.
The Magic Wand

This tool works with the backdrop you import. This function automatically traces perimeters
of shapes without the need to manually enter each individual point. It is activated after
choosing a digitizing tool.

Bead Tool

The Bead tool lets you create mark stitches to help you manually place beads on the fabric.

Note Tool

The Note tool lets you add information text to your design.

Carousel

The carousel tool will place any selected whatever design segments or group of design
segments you have selected onto a circle.

Repeat

This function allows you to repeat any selected design so that it can be sewn out as patches
or name tags. This is for sewing multiple designs for use with a patch frame.

Auto-Baste

This function will add a basting stitch that will outline your finished design. It will sew out
first to attach your fabric to the stabilizer before you start to digitize your design. This is
used to ensure that the fabric doesn’t move within the hoop as it is sewing.
Start/Stop

This icon is used to set where you want you design to stop and start. To view the Start/Stop
location of any design, simply click on the icon toggling it on. The default Start /Stop
position of the design is center start and center stop.

Auto Lockstitch mode

When this icon is activated it will place a lock stitch at every trim and color change when
saving the design in a machine format (DST, EXP etc).
Split Design

Use this feature when a design is too large to fit within a hoop. Select the hoop, adjust the
layout and click on Split preview. You can now click on each hoop to see the actual splitting.

Finally, click on Save to output your multiple designs.

Properties Pane

The Properties pane changes depending on the object(s) you may have selected. After
changing a setting for the selected object(s) you should click on the Apply button to apply
the new settings.

Use fill tab to change the stitch type and the density of Satins and Complex fills.
In Run tab you can change the settings of the running stitches.
In Underlay tab you can select various underlay types for Complex Fills and Satins.

In properties you can also find Tabs with settings for Steil, Applique, Sequin, Blending, Pull
Compensation, Commands etc.
Applique Cutter

Use this option to create cutting outlines for your applique designs. Click on Save to export
the outlines in PLT, SVG, DXF etc. vector formats. If you select as Hoop a standard Paper
size like A4 you can also export the outlines in Adobe PDF format.
Working with images

Backdrop tool

This function allows you to change any of the parameters of your backdrop image such as
size or rotation. You can right click to transform the backdrop or to select another image as
backdrop.

Backdrop Show/Hide

Turns Backdrop on or off.

Auto digitizing Wizard

This tool walks you through the steps to automatically digitize any bitmap image.
In the first page of the wizard you can select the image to be converted. Also, you can
select the output stitch type. In Auto mode, large areas are converted to complex fills and
narrow ones to satin paths. You can also convert all areas to Cross Stitches or Artworks.
In the second page you can set the size and transform the bitmap.
Finally, in the third page you can set the number of colors or edit the image.
Stitched Snapshots

Use this feature to convert your photos into embroidery.

Open an image, adjust the width and height, select the color mode (color, gray, sepia etc.)
and optionally the maximum number of color changes. You can also change the brightness
or contrast and apply a special mask (ellipse, heart, etc.).

The available stitch styles are Stippling and Hatching.

Finally, you should click on Show / Hide Preview button to generate the stitches. The
resolution slider lets you adjust the output stitch count.
Sequence View

This is a panel where you are able to see the sequence in which the design will sew out.
If you expand the view for a color segment you will see a list of all stitch types used to
create that element in the order in which it will sew out.

Plus Icon
Use this to expand or collapse the objects grouped by color.

Eye Icon
Use this to turn on or off the view of an object.

Lock Icon
Use this to lock or unlock the objects in the sequence. When locked you cannot select that
object or change the properties.

Moving Elements
To move an element left click and hold while dragging to the desired location. Release the
mouse to drop at the desired position.
Showing thumbnails

Hover the cursor over the icons to show a large preview.

You can finally right click on an item to get additional functionality such as Show All,
Collapse All etc.
Design Library

The Design Library is a feature that enables a design to be added into any project on the
open design screen with a simple drag and drop. Folders may be added to the design library
and designs may be added to existing folders.

You can right click on a folder to create a new folder, rename or add designs. Click and drag
a design icon to merge it into the current design or double click on a design icon to directly
open it in a new window.

Select Find on the right click menu to search for designs using the database.
Database

In Design Library you can right click on a folder and then select Find to search for designs
using the database.

You can search using file names, keywords and notes (in native formats only), stitch counts
etc. The output will be shown in Results folder.
Printing designs

Print
Use this function to print out your designs.

Print Preview

Use this function to see what your printout is going to look like before you print.

Print Settings
This function allows you to choose what information you wish to print out with the design,
(Start point, size, thread colors, etc.)
General Options

This is probably the most powerful tool in the entire software program, because you can use
this to customize the software to perform in the way that you are most comfortable.
Included within this section are seven different tabs, I will explain each one separately.

Environment tab
Units: (metric or inches)

Default Style: This section contains many different preset combinations for many different
fabrics, just choose the fabric you are currently working on and the design will be
customized for that fabric.

Default thread chart: Match this up with the thread brand you will be using,

Auto-match thread color on loading: Click this box if you want the program to match up the
closest colors to those in your design.

Image Editing program: This defaults to Paint, you can change this to whatever software
program you have loaded on your computer.

Drawing Tab
You can choose a color for the program to use to highlight your selected items.

Auto-Baste Tab
You can set the length of your basting stitches and how far from the edge of the embroidery
you want them placed.

Color Sort Tab

This defaults to 5% which is the amount that you want to overlap when you color sort your
design.

Machine Tab
This allows you to set the tolerance for jumps and trim, remove short stitches, set your
frame out and set the distance and type of boring device.

Grid Tab
Choose size of grid, turn snap to on or off, show as lines or dots.
Digitizing Tab
Outline Input Mode-Options Simple Draw, Bezier, and freehand are the three different ways
to create a straight line and curve during the digitizing process.

Complex fill: You have two choices as to what degree of control you have in the creation of
complex fills.
Standard: This will choose the start and stop points and the angle of the stitches
automatically, 90 degrees is the default angle.
Advanced: This will allow you to choose the angle of the stitches and the start stop point
manually.

Satin Stitches: You have two choices as to what degree of control you have in the creation
of satin stitches.
Standard: This will automatically put in the stitch direction as perpendicular to the two
outside lines used to create the satin stitch, when you are using satin (3)
Advanced: This will allow you to choose the start and stop pint and the angle of all of the
stitches manually.