How to Create Basic Lettering in Forte Digitizing Software

In this video, we explain how to create basic lettering in Forte Digitizing Software. We can add lettering to a design in three ways: by selecting Lettering from the Tools menu, pressing the 5 key on the keyboard, or clicking the lettering icon in the work area. After we click where the lettering should be placed, a text window appears so we can begin entering and formatting the text.

We then walk through the first five basic steps for embroidering letters. First, we enter the text in the text box. Second, we choose the font from the active font list, where Forte offers a large selection and displays each font style as it is selected. Third, we choose the baseline the text will follow. Straight places the text on a horizontal line, Arc places it on a curve, Bridge keeps the tops of the characters uniform while shaping the bottoms, and Bezier creates a custom curved line by dragging the control circles beneath the text. We also show how options such as Follow Baseline, arc radius, Bottom Arc, bridge percentage, and Top Bridge affect the lettering layout. Fourth, we set the character size based on the height of the capital letter, and fifth, we adjust character spacing. When kerning is checked, spacing is measured between the closest point connection; otherwise, it is measured between the imaginary rectangles around each character.

Finally, we cover steps six through nine under the Stitches tab. We set the density to control how many rows of stitches fill the lettering, and we set the stitch length for the running stitch used in the underlay. We also review lock stitch and trim options, which can be applied between each letter, word, or line. Last, we add or adjust underlay. When enabled, Forte can automatically generate center walk, edge walk, and narrow column underlay, and we can choose one, two, or all three types depending on the lettering.