Brother Se400 Software For Mac



We have packed this software with so many time-saving features that will help you create more in less time. Imagine the capability to create your own fonts, stitches and designs - just once - to use many times on hats, pillows, shirts, and other fabrics. Most Brother models offer support for macOS Catalina (macOS v10.15.x). The charts below indicate that models offer support for macOS v10.15.x including drivers and utilities available for download. If you are using a recently released operating system on your computer, download and install the latest driver from the Downloads section.

  1. Brother Se400 Software For Mac Os
  2. Brother Se400 Software For Mac Windows 10
  3. Brother Se400 Monogram Software Free
  4. Free Software For Brother Se400
  5. Software For Se400 Brother Embroidery Machine
  6. Brother Se400 Software For Macbook Pro

I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the new USB port and downloading designs. This article will explain step-by-step how to download embroidery designs from your computer into a Brother SE400.

You can connect the Brother SE400 directly to your computer (PC or Mac) with the included USB cable. You can then download embroidery designs saved on your computer into the SE400 for stitching. You can also upgrade the internal software in the SE400 when Brother releases an upgrade.

NOTE: The USB port on the SE400 only accepts a USB cable that attaches to your computer. It is not compatible with USB drives, thumb or jump drives, memory sticks, etc.

Find Embroidery Designs that Work with the SE400

There are many websites where you can purchase embroidery designs and download them directly to your computer. Most sites have free designs you can try. You can also obtain designs on CDs. Designs on CD can either be saved to your computer first or copied directly to the SE400.

Make Sure the Design File Is Compatible with the Brother SE400:

.PES or .DST Embroidery Data File Format

The Brother SE400 can only read embroidery data files in .PES and .DST format. The best format for Brother embroidery machines is .PES because it contains information about the design such as number of stitches, number of colors, thread color names, and allows displaying an image of the design on the LCD panel.

Tajima (.dst) formats have some limitations that make them less convienent. Only the first eight characters of the file name are displayed in the LCD control panel. The image of the design cannot be displayed. Because the .dst format does not contain the thread color information, the design is displayed with Brother’s default thread color sequence. You will have to look at the design and pick the color you want for each displayed color.

Sometimes embroidery design files that you download from the Internet are “zipped.” You’ll know because the file name ends with “.zip”. On Mactinoshes and Windows XP and later, you can just double-click the file to “un-zip” it. (If this doesn’t work on Windows, you’ll need to install a free utility such as WinZip.) Then you’ll see the .pes files.

Design Fits in the 4×4 Inch Embroidery Area

Although the maximum embroidery size is commonly refered to as a 4×4 inch hoop size, it really doesn’t depend on the hoop. The embroidery unit of the Brother SE400 is physically incapable of embroidering a larger size because that’s the maximum amount the unit will move. The actual maximum size is 3.93 inches (9.98 cm or 99.8mm).

Check the File Name

The SE400 won’t recognize embroidery files with special characters in the name. If you have a file name with special characters, rename the file before uploading it to the machine. It’s safest to use only letters (upper and lowercase), numbers, “-”) and underscore (“_”) in file names.

Connect Your Computer to the Brother SE400

USB Cable Included
With The Brother SE400

Plug the square end
into the SE400.

Plug the flat end
into the computer.

The Brother SE400
Connected to the Computer

Plug the square end of the included USB cable into the USB port on the right side of the SE400. Plug the flat end of the cable into a USB port on your computer.

Make sure both the computer and the embroidery machine are turned on.

On the SE400 LCD screen, press the USB icon. This will take you to a screen that will give you information about the designs you’re downloading.

Look at the LCD Screen

It’s helpful to glance at the Brother SE400 touch screen while you’re copying files over. The message “Transmitting by USB” will appear briefly during the actual file transfer. And then you’ll see this screen giving information about the designs you have transferred over:

The first number at the top left of the screen is the total amount of memory you’ve used. The second number is the total amount of memory space. The SE400 can hold up to 12 designs or 476KB of data in its memory. After that you have to delete some old designs if you want to download more designs.

Next there is the button (looks like a pocket with an up arrow) for retreiving the pattern.

Under the button, there is the number of the current page and the total number of pages. Two designs are displayed on each page. In the photo above, I’ve uploaded three designs. So I’m on page 1 out of 2 pages.

At the bottom, there are images of the embroidery designs on the current page.

Copy the Embroidery Design Data Files to the Brother SE400

For Windows Computers (For Macintoshes, See Below.)

Back on your PC, you’ll have “Removable Disk” listed in “My Computer”:

Open the folder on your computer where you keep the embroidery files. Navigate to the particular design you want to download to the SE400. Right-click on the design file. Click on “Send to: Removable Disk”

Do not copy .zip files. You must unzip them first.

Do not copy folders to “Removable Disk.” The SE400 cannot recognize folders or find embroidery files in folders. The individual files must be added to “Removable Disk.”

Do not copy more than 12 designs to “Removable Disk.”

For Macintoshes (For PCs, Skip This Section.)

Although the manual says the SE400 is only compatible with PCs, it’ll work just fine with a Macintosh.

The SE400 will show up as an external hard drive, named “No Name.” Just drag and drop the embroidery files to this drive.

Do not copy .zip files. You must unzip them first. Just double-click it.

Do not copy folders to “No Name.” The SE400 cannot recognize folders or find embroidery files in folders. The individual files must be added to “No Name.”

Do not copy more than 12 designs to “No Name.”

A weird thing happens on the Macintosh. The Macintosh system puts invisible system files in “No Name” which the SE400 transfers over. So the amount of memory used can be 16 to 28KB when the machine is first connected to the computer, even before you’ve downloaded any designs. These files aren’t embroidery designs so there aren’t any images. Only the amount of memory used increases. This is isn’t a problem unless you’re pushing the memory limits with large embroidery files.

Retrieve the Embroidery Pattern

Move to the screen that displays the image of the embroidery design you want using the Next Page [<] and Previous Page [>] buttons on the right. Select the design by touching the image. The selected design will be displayed in reverse highlighting.

Then, press the Retrieve key (circled in red in the photo above).

The embroidery screen appears. From here you can check the colors, adjust the pattern, embroider it and/or save it to the machine’s memory.

Embroider the Design

You can either embroider the pattern now or save it in the SE400’s memory to use later. If you want to embroider it now, make any adjustments you like, set the machine up for embroidery, and press the Start button to begin stitching.

Saving Embroidery Designs

Unsaved designs are lost when the SE400 is turned off. So if you want to use a design again without copying it from your computer, you must save it to the SE400’s memory. This is a convenient way to save names and designs that you use frequently. Or if you’re starting a project or several projects that involve several designs, you can transfer them all over at once and save them. I do this so I don’t have to keep moving my computer next to the SE400 because I don’t have a large working space.

You can save up to 12 designs or 476KB of data.

After retrieving the design you want to save by pressing the Retrieve Key and going to the embroidery screen, press the Memory button. “Saving…” appears while the pattern is being saved.

Retrieving Saved Embroidery Designs

From the first menu, press the Retrieve Key.

The saved designs are displayed. Go to the design you want using the Previous and Next Keys. Select it by pressing it. You can then delete it or retrieve it to embroider.

Hope This Helps

I get a lot of questions about how to download designs into the Brother SE400 and the manual isn’t very clear. Being able to easily transfer designs from my computer with USB is very important to me because I’m always wanting something different. So I hope this article helps you do it too.

Now that you’ve saved your designs, you might want to delete some. See my article, “How to Remove a Saved Design“.

If you don’t have your embroidery machine yet, check out my Brother SE400 review for detailed information. Click here to see today’s price on Amazon.com.

Related Posts

Are you shopping for the best embroidery software for MAC or PC that 2021 has to offer?

Here are the best selling embroidery software options from the best brands on the market today and the top 10 best ranking embroidery digitizing software for this year!

Check out my TOP 10 embroidery software reviews, easy to navigate comparison chart to find the best Brother embroidery software, Embrilliance Essentials embroidery machine software, Amazing Designs embroidery software, Digitize n Stitch software, and much more!

Also, be sure to check out the best free embroidery software currently available.

Best Embroidery Software Comparison Chart

Here the top 10 embroidery software for MAC and PC in an easy to navigate PC and MAC embroidery software comparison chart:

MODELCHECK TODAY'S PRICEBEST FOROUR RATING

Embrilliance Essentials Embroidery Machine Software for MAC & PC

THE BEST Embroidery Software for MAC and PC4.9

Amazing Designs Letter it! Embroidery Machine Software
Best for Easy Lettering4.8

Brother Embroidery Software ELS Lettering & Monogramming Software
Best for Advanced Lettering4.8

Amazing Designs Monogramming Software Monogram it Stand Alone
Best for Monogramming4.6

Embrilliance Embroidery Digitizing Software Stitchartist Level 1
Best for Digitizing4.5

Embrilliance Software Enthusiast Editing, Design & Customize
Best for Editing4.4

BuzzXplore Embroidery Design Software for Managing Designs Version 2
Best for Managing Designs4.4

Amazing Designs Digitize n Stitch Software
Best for Converting Files4.5

Brother PE Design Software Digitizing & Photostitch Software Package
Best Bundle4.6

Embrilliance Thumbnailer (CD Version)
Best Cheap Software4.7

Top 10 Best Embroidery Digitizing Software Reviews

The best way to expand your design ability when working with the best sewing embroidery machine and to be able to customize your embroidery is to use the best embroidery software, of course!

There are plenty of types of embroidery software on the market today, including free embroidery software to paid versions.

Today I will concentrate on the best quality embroidery software, ten top-best embroidery designing software, and the best-ranking embroidery software.

Here are my top 10 best embroidery software reviews and the top ten most popular embroidery software options available this year:

1. Embrilliance Essentials Embroidery Machine Software for MAC and PC

My No.1 best Embrilliance embroidery software and the top-ranking Embrilliance software is, of course, the Embrilliance Essentials embroidery machine software for MAC and PC!

This comprehensive embroidery software comes with tonnes of features and functions that are super easy to use for both professionals and embroidery beginners.

Embrilliance Essentialsare compatible with both PC and MAC, which means, regardless of which computer you have, these guys got you covered! With this Essentials embroidery software, you have total control of your embroidery designs!

Best Selling Embrilliance Essentials Embroidery Machine Software for MAC and PC!

Features:

Embrilliance Essentials embroidery machine software allows for full control of editing, resizing with automatic stitch recalculation, merging, as well as overlapping your designs.

With this software, you can also add monogramming, lettering in Multi-Line, format appliques, colorize and convert thread brands on your designs, and remove understitching as well.

As a bonus, this software allows you to connect to your computerized embroidery machine. This means that the benefits of this Embrilliance Software for embroidery are endless!

Pros:

  • No.1 Bestselling Embrilliance Software
  • 12 Fonts included in the package
  • Colorize and convert thread brands on your designs
  • Easy to follow simulator (view the design before sewing)
  • Easy edit functions
  • Great for removing under-stitching
  • Compatible with both PC and MAC
  • Connectable to your computerized embroidery machine
  • Great value for money

Cons:

  • Basic computer skills are necessary here. The price is a little steep, but worth every dollar!

2. Amazing Designs Letter It! Embroidery Machine Software

Amazing Designs embroidery software, as the name suggests, is quite amazing! This software has proven itself to me time and time again!

With a tonne of features, this Amazing Designs embroidery software this is your go-to embroidery software when it comes to single or multi-line lettering or text embroidery.

Best selling Amazing Designs embroidery software!

Features:

Amazing Designs Letter It! Embroidery machine software allows you to create sensational single and multi-line embroidery lettering in a large variety of styles and fonts.

Some of the best layouts include the Vertical Text, Path Text, and the Circle, which are super easy to use and customize.

There are 35 lettering fonts, including normal styles and the whimsical as well. This embroidery software allows you to customize your designs with ease, and with the use of the stitch simulator print, you will be able to preview your design before stitch.

Pros:

  • Best selling Amazing Designs embroidery software
  • A whopping 35 fonts
  • Single and multi-line text
  • Can import designs from the web
  • Preview your designs
  • Great with Windows 7, Vista, and Windows XP

Cons:

  • Can be difficult to use for beginners

3. Brother Embroidery Software ELS Lettering & Monogramming Software

Brother Embroidery software ELS Version is packed to the brim with quality features and easy to use tools. I use Brother embroidery machines, and I swear by their products!

Not only this embroidery software is made by a very reputable and high ranking brand, but it is also ranking at the top of the leaderboard in its category!

Brother Se400 Software For Mac Os

This software is ranking as the best Brother SE400 embroidery software and the best embroidery software for Brother PE770 as well!

Best selling Brother embroidery software!

Features:

This Brother embroidery software comes with 20 built-in pre-digitized embroidery fonts, five monogramming styles, and 40+ decorative monogramming frames.

It also has three built-in text styles and 14 decorative patterns as well. Yup, it is packed to the brim!

This is a genuine Brother made accessory, and it is compatible with most of the computerized embroidery machines. This is the best embroidery software for Brother machines, of course.

Tip: Works best with a genuine Intel Pentium IV 2GHz and up, and with 1GB RAM. We need to connect to the internet for activation.

Pros:

  • Best selling Brother embroidery software
  • 20 built-in digitized embroidery fonts and three text styles
  • Five monogramming styles
  • 14 decorative patterns
  • 40 decorative monogramming frames
  • Compatible with most computerized embroidery machines
  • Great for Windows 7, Vista, and Windows XP

Cons:

  • Once you save a design, you cannot edit it again.
  • The fonts seem to be quite similar to each other.

4. Amazing Designs Monogramming Software Monogram It! Stand Alone

Amazing Designs monogramming software, as the name suggests, is an amazing monogramming software and highly recommended by thousands of happy users.

Monogramming is made easy with the right tool, and Amazing Designs Monogram it! The software has been made for the job!

Best monogram embroidery software this year!

Features:

Amazing Designs Letter It! comes with 24 monogramming fonts, including two applique fonts, 25 built-in monogramming frames, and 39 built-in embroidery designs.

This software allows you to create one-color monograms with up to 4 letters. You can also edit your designs till the heart is content by using rotate, flipping vertical and horizontal, and also play with the advanced coloring functions.

Tip: Requires Intel Pentium IV 2.0 GHz or up, 1GB RAM, and 1 GB HD space.

Pros:

  • Best monogram embroidery software
  • Draw Bar preview mode
  • 24 built-in monogram fonts & 2 applique fonts
  • 25 built-in monogram frames
  • 39 built-in embroidery designs
  • Flip vertical and horizontal, color advance and rotate designs
  • Great for Windows with 32 and 64bit versions

Cons:

  • Not suitable for MAC

5. Embrilliance Embroidery Digitizing Software StitchArtist Level 1

Embrilliance embroidery digitizing software StitchArtist is all about creating your customized embroidery designs and for a fraction of the price!

Embrilliance Stitch Artist software is your “build-your-own” amazing embroidery designing software!

This is one of the best embroidery digitizer software on the market today!

Best embroidery digitizing software!

Features:

The Embrilliance digitizing software allows you to create new or use the existing designs and alter the designs as you see fit. The software will guide you through the steps of creating new designs with ease. And I am not just saying that.

One of the best ways to get used to this Embrilliance software is to use a single-mode.

This way, you can create and edit, draw, rotate, set properties, and change the sizes of the design. Don’t worry here, though. The easy-to-follow guide will help you step by step.

Tip: Can read and write PES format for Brother JEP and SEW for Janome, SHV for Viking, HUS for Pfaff PCS and VIP formats, ART for Bernina, Commercial.DST and more!

Pros:

  • Best “create your own” embroidery software.
  • Reads and Writes a tonne of design formats
  • Includes World Weidner Embroidery Stabilizer Bundle
  • Stand Alone digitizing software.
  • Great for both PC and MAC

Cons:

  • Make sure to read the instructions properly before you start fiddling with “make your own” designs, as it can be tricky.

6. Embrilliance Software Enthusiast Editing, Design & Customize

Brother Se400 Software For Mac Windows 10

Embrilliance Enthusiast embroidery software is deservedly sitting in the top ten of the best embroidery software for MAC and PC.

And what’s even better, your license can let you run the program on multiple computers, including cross running on PC and the MAC.

Yes, this is a little bit more expansive embroidery software, but it is a monster of a package. Just check out the features!

Best embroidery software for customizing designs!

Features:

Embrilliance Enthusiast Software comes with an advanced threader editor, sizing controls (when combined with other titles), and advanced stitching properties as well.

The program also has fantastic stitch editing options, multi-hooping, baste hooping, Mirror X 4, and the precise position functions.

One of the best things about this program is that the license allows you to use it on multiple computers at the same time and cross-match PC with MAC as well.

Pros:

  • Best embroidery software for customizing designs
  • Advanced stitch properties
  • Advanced sizing controls
  • Advanced thread editor
  • Awesome stitch editing options
  • Multiple hooping, baste hoop, and Mirror X 4
  • Easy to use for beginners
  • Compatible with MAC and PC
  • Can be used on multiple computers at the same time

Cons:

  • The price tag is a bit steep, but it is proving to be worth it!

Brother Se400 Software For Mac

7. BuzzXplore Embroidery Design Software for Managing Designs Version 2

BuzzXplore embroidery design software is the best software for embroidery design management. This is one of the best tools to organize your embroidery designs on your computer and our favorite!

This management embroidery software is going to sort out all of your designs and allow you to browse through them similarly as the Windows Explorer does.

Best embroidery design software for managing designs!

Features:

Buzz Xplore embroidery design management software V2 Premier is the best tool for organizing and managing the embroidery designs.

The program comes with an embroidery drive writing, great convert embroidery formats, and graphics support.

The program has been designed with an easy-to-use user experience for effortless navigation and design locating.

Pros:

  • Best embroidery designs management software
  • Instant 3D viewer
  • Great embroidery drive writer, converter, and organizer
  • Drag-and-drop, copy-and-paste, rename, print, and sort with ease
  • This is a great tool to zip and unzip files
  • Graphics support
  • Compatible with Window 10 and Windows XP

Cons:

  • Although it is easy to use, be patient here! It may take a while to get used to the program at first.

8. Amazing Designs Digitize n Stitch Software

Amazing Designs Digitize n Stitch software is an auto-digitizing program that allows you to bring in your favorite scanned images or simple clip art and convert them to embroidery stitches!

This program has no limits. Regardless of how simple or intricate the design, you can create it with Digitize n Stitch!

Best embroidery software for converting files to embroidery designs and ranking as one of the best digitize embroidery software!

Features:

Digitize n Stitch software is designed to create unique applique, amazing embroidery designs, borders, and cross-stitching with ease. All you have to do is to click through the wizards, and you are ready to go.

This program allows for full control of the sizes of the designs, and it is compatible with most of the file formats, including JPG, BMP, PCX, TGA, TIF, WMF, EMF, AI, and Vector.

Tip: This is embroidery software for PC only, and it is compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10, Intel Pentium III and up, 256 MB RAM, and 1024 x 768 VD.

Pros:

Brother Se400 Monogram Software Free

  • The best embroidery software for converting files to stitches
  • 188 decorative applique stitches
  • Allows for merging digitized embroidery designs with new ones
  • Access to 301 icon designs
  • Easy to apply the applique
  • Beginner user-friendly
  • Compatible with most file formats

Cons:

  • Although it is easy to use, make sure to read through the instructions first. Also, they may need a faster computer to work properly and not lose out on time.

9. Brother PE-Design Software Digitizing & Photostitch Software Package

Ok, so this might be the most expansive Brother embroidery software package on sale this year, but it is worth it! All you got to do in three easy steps!

Scan your photos with the Flip-Pal portable scanner, digitize it with the Brother PE-Design Plus and stitch it with the premium embroidery Fleshtone thread! Sounds good? Because it is!

The best Brother embroidery digitizing software and PhotoStitch package!

Features:

Brother PE design embroidery software is a great tool for digitizing embroidery designs and patterns. The package includes everything that you need to scan, digitize, and create amazing customized embroidery art!

The bundle includes the Brother PE Desing Plus Digitizing/PhotoStitch and Flip-Pal mobile scanner. This is all that you need to get going!

Tip: Flip-Pal is a great tool to scan your family photos to ensure that they will never get lost or get old.

Pros:

  • Best Brother embroidery file converter
  • Best embroidery digitize software
  • Save money with this bundle
  • Premium embroidery Fleshtone thread
  • Easy to use and has amazing reviews
  • Great tool for digitizing
  • Full-featured photo stitch

Cons:

  • It is expansive! But is it a bundle, so it is the best value for money embroidery software.

10. Embrilliance Thumbnailer (CD Version)

If you are looking for cheap embroidery software, then the Embrilliance Thumbnailer is the right pick for you. This is the closest to the free embroidery software that you can get!

Free Software For Brother Se400

At the pocket-friendly price, this is a no-brainer for both beginners and advanced users.

The best cheap embroidery software on the market today.

Features:

Embrilliance Thumbnailer machine embroidery software is easy to install, and it comes with tonnes of great functions and tools. Although it is cheap software for embroidery, you will be able to produce quality designs.

Thumbnailer Embrilliance is compatible with 28 of the embroidery file formats, and it comes with six quilting formats as well. The program allows you to preview your designs as you go and will display embroidery formats in zipped folders as well.

Tip: Great with MAC OSX v:10.5 and up, Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10, Vista, and Windows XP.

Software For Se400 Brother Embroidery Machine

Pros:

  • Best cheap embroidery software
  • 28 embroidery formats
  • Six quilting formats
  • Progress preview
  • Compatible with PC and MAC
  • Easy to use

Cons:

  • No real issues here!
Brother se400 software for mac windows 10

What is Embroidery Software?

In plain words, Embroidery software is a program that can create an embroidery design that can be transferred to your embroidery machine, ready for stitching.

This software can help you create drawings, lettering, lines, and objects, as well as digitize (translate) images from a vector drawing, so you can create amazing embroidery designs!

What to Consider Before You Buy an Embroidery Software?

There are many things to look at before committing to buying the best embroidery software for your needs. If you are a beginner to the embroidery business, then you might want to look at basic embroidery software at first.

However, if you are an advanced embroidery software user, then you might look at more specific features of the program and check out what types of embroidery software are there and which will be more suitable to your line of work.

Here are some of the most important things to look at before buying embroider software:

Types of Embroidery Software:

Choosing the best embroidery software type can be tricky. A lot of the embroidery software specializes in one type of embroidery designs (like lettering, monogramming, or digitizing), while others combine the modules.

Here is a quick explanation of what embroidery software modules you should look at:

Digitizers

Digitizer software is designed essentially to translate (digitize) a vector format to a stitch format.

Vectorizers

Vectorizer software is designed to translate a bitmap image to a vector format (vectorize picture). This means that the picture goes through a linear transformation, making it ready for digitizing.

Editors

Editing software allows you to have full control of the creative part of the embroidery design. This is where you can usually start from scratch and progress through all of the vectorizing, digitizing, and creating final stitches.

Lettering

Monogram or lettering software is specifically designed to produce optimized stitching fonts.

Some of the software may include a combination of lettering and other modules, while specialized lettering embroidery software will concentrate purely on one thing. I would go with a specialist.

Compatibility with MAC or PC, and your Embroidery Machine:

The perfect embroidery software that you can get is the one that is compatible with your computer at home! Unfortunately, not all of the software is designed with that in mind.

While some are Windows (PC) specific, others can are compatible with the MAC as well.

Software

To avoid disappointment, make sure to check the compatibility of the software to your embroidery machine as well! Only after those things are ticked, then click the buy button.

Types of Patterns

Some of the embroidery software comes with an array of built-in features, including embroidery patterns, lettering, or designs. These can be edited to create your customized designs. This may be a deciding factor to consider before choosing the best embroidery software for your needs!

Price of the Software

We all know the saying, “You buy what you pay for!” and when it comes to getting a top embroidery software for your style of embroidery or needs, this is no different.

Depending on how advanced your skills are, or what type of software module you want to work with, the prices may vary. The best way to look at the prices of software is to not compromise the value of the program for how much it costs.

These programs are very much affordable, but some of them are cheaper than others. Please check out the comparison chart for the current prices on each item.

Product Support

Most of the top embroidery software brands will have great customer service, forums for questions and answers, and other methods of contact. Getting a quick and efficient customer service can be crucial when it comes to choosing the product.

Should you run into problems, you do not want to be stuck with unresolved issues. So make sure to check out the brands’ support system before you buy.

Brother Se400 Software For Macbook Pro

Licensed Copy Only!

As you may know, there are a large number of copy-cats on the market these days, and unfortunately, this includes the embroidery software too.

Make sure to check your copy before you buy, and should you have any issues, contact the products’ customer service as soon as possible for help.