Group Names

Group Names is a new feature available in EDS IV. This feature is most commonly used to individualize uniforms for members of sports teams or corporate uniforms. The Group Names can be stored in a variety of different ways.

To Create Group Names

1. Open a new screen in EDS IV.

2. Click on the Tools drop down menu.

3. Select "Create Group Names".

4. "Group Names" is displayed in the layout screen.

Note: The Group Names will pick up the properties from the current settings in the Lettering Parameters.

5. Double click on the "Group Names" lettering.

6. The lettering Properties dialog box is displayed with "Group Names" text.

7. Choose the desired text values for the Group Names (example: Alphabet style, letter height, Column width, etc).

8. Click on the Group Names Tab.

9. The Group Names Tab is displayed.

10. To Add Names (use one of the following methods):

Add: Click on the Add Button. This will make a small edit window available to immediately type each name. You can type a list of names, separated by commas into that window. (Example; John Jones, Greg Smith, Paul Johnson) Click on the Add button again to insert the names into the Available Names list.

Paste: Click on the Paste Button. The names will be inserted in the Available Names list.

Note: Prior to doing this, the names must first be pasted to the clipboard from another application. When using another application, a carriage return is the same as typing a comma in the Add section.

Import: Click on the Import Button. The Open Dialog box is displayed to choose the directory and text files to insert. Click on the file and the names will be inserted in the Available Names list.

Note: Prior to doing this, the files need to be saved as a *.txt file from another application (for example NotePad). When using another application, a carriage return is the same as typing a comma in the Add section.

Clear: If clear is clicked, all the names from both Available and Selected areas will be emptied.

11. Once all the names have been added to the list:

• Click the All button (>>) to move all the names to the Selected Names box.

• Or, click on the specific name then click the (>) to send the names one at a time.

12. Choose First, Last or Both.

• The names displayed in the Selected Name list are the names that will sew.

• Even if only using the first name, always store the first and last name for added flexibility at a later time.

• To modify the Selected Name list, click on the (<<) button to empty the list of Selected Names. Or select a specific name and click the (<) button delete it from the list.

• If "Copy to Clipboard" is clicked, the names in the Selected Name list will go to the Clipboard to be used in another application.

13. Select a "Condensed and Expanded Save As Option" (see explanations below). When saving just lettering, it does not matter which Option is selected.

Condensed and Expanded Save As Options:

Design, Name, Design, Name . . .

When saved in this format, the design and Group names are saved together. The embroidery machine will sew the Design, the first named typed, the design, the next name and so on.

Design, Name, Name . . .

When saved in this format the machine will sew the Design once and the each name saved. This format is usually used for multi-head machines when the same design is sewn on all the heads and then each name sewn on each garment.

Name, Name . . .

When saved in this format, the design will not be saved with the Group Names. This usually means the design is already sewn on the garment, then you decide you want group names added. This is typically used for a single head machine.

Design Only

When saved in this format, the design sews where you place it in relation to the names for a later time. This is typically used for a multi-head machine.

File for each Selected Name

When saved in this format, each name will be saved as a separate design. The first two characters of multiple group name files are numeric, i.e. 01Bill.exp 02Mary.exp, etc. These files can be used at a later date.

Note: After the design has been saved in Condensed or Expanded format, a color change command will be inserted after each Group Name.

14. Click on OK or Apply (The names will not be shown on the screen until the lettering is saved).

15. Click on File and Save As.

16. Type the filename and desired directory to save in.

17. Select condensed or expanded (the file must be saved as condensed or expanded format before it can be stitched.)

18. Click on OK.

Note: The last name displayed in the Selected Name list will display in the layout screen.

19. Click on File and Close the design.

20. Re-Open the design in EDS IV.

21. The Design will open with the names on top of each other with color changes added.

22. Send the file to the machine.

23. When programming the design to sew, use a P as Color 1 (in the machine Color menu) to force the machine to stop after sewing each name. This will enable you to insert the next hoop and press start to sew the next name. (Melco embroidery machines only)

To add names to an existing design

1. Open any design or create the design to stitch the names with.

2. Click on the Tools drop down menu.

3. Select "Create Group Names".

4. "Group Names" is displayed in the layout screen.

Note: The Group Names will pick up the properties from the current settings in Lettering Parameters.

5. Left click and drag the eight handled box (Group Names) to the correct position on the layout screen.

6. Double click on the "Group Names" lettering.

7. The Lettering Properties dialog box is displayed with "Group Names" text.

Follow steps 8 -23 in the Create Group names to complete.