Master Baby Lock Design Suite: Create Custom Embroidery with Fills & Motifs

1. Introduction: Unlock Creative Embroidery with Baby Lock Design Suite

Imagine transforming your favorite artwork into intricate, stitchable masterpieces—without the frustration of complex digitizing. That’s the promise of the babylock embroidery software. This guide will walk you through how Design Suite revolutionizes embroidery by providing ready-to-use fills and motifs, streamlining installation, and opening new creative possibilities with IQ Designer and Palette 11. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, you’ll discover how to access, integrate, and maximize these collections for custom quilting, garment embellishment, and more. Ready to turn inspiration into embroidery? Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

• 1. Introduction: Unlock Creative Embroidery with Baby Lock Design Suite
• 2. What is Baby Lock Design Suite? Core Features & Components
• 3. Installing & Accessing Design Suite Files: Step-by-Step Guide
• 4. Design Suite in Action: Stitchouts & Project Applications
• 5. Compatibility Deep Dive: Machines & Software Requirements
• 6. Purchasing Guide: Collections, Pricing & Themes
• 7. Beginner’s Guide: Creating Designs from Scratch
• 8. Conclusion: Elevate Your Embroidery Toolkit
• 9. FAQ: Baby Lock Design Suite Essentials

2. What is Baby Lock Design Suite? Core Features & Components

The Baby Lock Design Suite is a thoughtfully curated collection of digitizable artwork files—fills and motifs—designed to supercharge your embroidery and quilting projects. Instead of starting from scratch, you gain instant access to babylock embroidery designs that seamlessly integrate with Baby Lock’s IQ Designer and Palette 11 software. Here’s how it all breaks down:

2.1 Artwork Files Demystified: Fills vs. Motifs

At the heart of every Design Suite collection are two types of artwork files: fills and motifs. But what’s the difference, and why does it matter for your creative workflow?

• Fills: Think of fills as repeating patterns that cover large areas of fabric. They’re perfect for backgrounds, quilt blocks, or anywhere you want a subtle (or bold!) texture. For example, the Holiday Collection includes geometric webs, swirling “BOO” bats, and festive candy corn—each designed to add personality and depth to your projects.
• Motifs: Motifs are standalone decorative elements—imagine a parade of baby owls, candy corn, or pumpkin pies—used to accentuate borders, lines, or specific regions. These motifs can transform a plain border into a playful edge or add whimsical flair to garments and home décor.

Each themed collection—be it Geometric, Holiday, or Fabric Confetti—packs 20 unique fills and 20 motifs, giving you a robust palette to mix and match. Want a Halloween tic-tac-toe board with ghost motifs and spiderweb fills? Or a Thanksgiving runner featuring turkeys and wheat? The possibilities are as limitless as your imagination.

2.2 Software Integration & File Formats

One of the most exciting aspects of the Design Suite is how effortlessly it integrates with Baby Lock’s creative ecosystem.

• IQ Designer Compatibility: To use these files, you’ll need a Baby Lock Solaris Vision (version 3+), a Solaris 1 or 2 upgraded to version 3, or Palette 11 software. These platforms recognize the proprietary Design Suite format—distinct from standard embroidery files like .PES or .EXP. That means you’re working with artwork, not pre-digitized stitch files, giving you total control over how each fill or motif is rendered in stitches.
• USB Delivery & Access: Each collection arrives on a USB stick, neatly organized by theme. You’ll find:
  • Fills and motif files
  • Printed instructional sheets
  • QR codes linking to video tutorials for visual learners

When you’re ready to create, simply insert the USB, access the “Custom” tab within your software, and select your desired artwork. The process is designed to be intuitive—even for those new to digital embroidery.

• Creative Flexibility: Once imported, you can scale, rotate, and edit these fills and motifs using all the familiar IQ Designer or Palette 11 tools. Want to resize a motif or shift a fill’s orientation? It’s as easy as a few taps—no advanced digitizing skills required.

2.3 Licensing and Practical Limitations

Before you let your creativity run wild, it’s important to understand a few practical guidelines:

• Non-Commercial Use: Design Suite files are licensed for individual, non-commercial use. You can personalize gifts, decorate your home, or make items for friends and family, but commercial production or resale of digitized files requires explicit Baby Lock approval.
• Non-Returnable USB Policy: Once opened, USB sticks are non-returnable. This policy underscores the importance of verifying your machine’s compatibility and firmware version before purchasing.
• Version Verification: Not all Baby Lock machines or software versions support Design Suite files. Always double-check your machine’s firmware (e.g., Solaris Vision v3+) or Palette 11 version to ensure seamless integration.
• Proprietary Format: Remember, these are not standard embroidery files. You’ll need to use them within IQ Designer or Palette 11—attempting to load them as .PES or .EXP files won’t work.

In summary: The Baby Lock Design Suite is your shortcut to professional-grade embroidery fills and motifs, delivered in a user-friendly, highly customizable format. With themed collections, seamless software integration, and clear usage guidelines, it’s never been easier to turn inspiration into stitchable art.

3. Installing & Accessing Design Suite Files: Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to bring your new fills and motifs to life? Let’s walk through how to install and access your Design Suite files on both Baby Lock machines and Palette 11 software. Whether you’re working directly on a baby lock solaris vision or leveraging Palette 11’s editing power, these steps will get you stitching in no time.

3.1 Machine Setup (baby lock solaris vision/Upgraded Models)

**Getting Started:** 1. **Update Firmware:** Before anything else, ensure your baby lock solaris vision or Solaris 1/2 is upgraded to version 3 or higher. Firmware updates (e.g., from 3.51 to 4.03) are typically loaded via thumb drive—check Baby Lock’s support page for the latest version. 2. **Insert USB:** Plug the Design Suite USB stick into your machine’s USB port. Treat this USB as your “coveted” collection—avoid adding or deleting files to keep everything organized. 3. **Navigation Path:** - On your machine, enter **IQ Designer**. - Navigate to **Fill Settings** → **Extras** → **Custom Tab** → **USB**. - Select your desired collection (e.g., Halloween, Thanksgiving, Holiday, Winter). - Choose between fills or motifs, then import your selection. 4. **Apply & Edit:** Once loaded, fills appear under Fill Settings and motifs under Line Properties. You can now scale, rotate, and customize these elements using all the editing tools at your disposal. **Troubleshooting Tip:** If your USB appears empty, double-check that the files are correctly placed in the root directory and that your firmware is up to date. Sometimes, a simple machine restart after USB insertion resolves recognition issues.

3.2 Palette 11 Software Workflow

If you prefer designing on your computer, Palette 11 offers a robust workflow: - **WLAN Import/Export:** Transfer patterns wirelessly to multi-needle machines, streamlining the process for high-volume or multi-design projects. - **Editing Tools:** Palette 11 lets you modify built-in decorative fills, create custom stitch patterns, and convert fill inclination lines to curves for complex designs. You can also combine Design Suite fills/motifs with your own artwork for truly unique results. - **Windows-Only Requirement:** Palette 11 is compatible exclusively with Windows OS. Mac users will need to use Windows emulation (e.g., Boot Camp). - **Design Suite vs. Palette 11:** While Design Suite provides pre-made artwork, Palette 11 is your playground for custom digitizing and advanced editing. Use them together for maximum creative freedom.

3.3 Design Database Transfer Tool Tips

For those with WLAN-compatible machines (e.g., Altair, Solaris 2), the **Design Database Transfer** tool is a game-changer: - **Wireless File Management:** Organize, rename, and transfer designs (including .PES, .PHC, .DST, and more) wirelessly from your computer to your machine. - **Supported Formats:** The tool supports a broad range of embroidery file types, making it easy to manage both Design Suite artwork and traditional stitch files. - **Cross-Platform Limitations:** Design Database Transfer is Windows-only; Mac users must rely on Windows emulation. **Best Practices:** - Regularly back up your designs using the tool’s folder management features. - Keep your software and firmware updated for optimal compatibility. - Scan QR codes on the USB instructions for video walkthroughs and troubleshooting help. --- With these steps, you’re set to unlock the full potential of the Baby Lock Design Suite—no guesswork, no frustration, just pure creative flow. Ready to see what you can stitch up next?

4. Design Suite in Action: Stitchouts & Project Applications

Let’s move from theory to thread—this is where the Baby Lock Design Suite truly shines. Whether you’re a quilter, garment decorator, or home décor enthusiast, seeing these fills and motifs stitched out transforms digital artwork into tactile, eye-catching results. Let’s explore real-world applications, hands-on techniques, and how to get professional results every time.

4.1 Evaluating Stitch Quality: Holiday & Geometric Collections

If you’ve ever wondered whether digital fills and motifs can deliver on their promise of crisp detail and vibrant personality, the Holiday and Geometric collections will put your doubts to rest. Each collection includes 20 fills and 20 motifs, meticulously crafted for high-resolution stitchouts—think Halloween bats swirling across a quilt block, or candy corn fills bringing playful texture to a festive runner.

Hands-On Demonstrations: YouTube creators like Michelle Gilmartin showcase just how easy it is to bring these designs to life on the Solaris or Luminaire. Using IQ Designer, you simply select a shape (like a square), then access the “Custom” tab to load fills or motifs from your USB. The process is intuitive: fills populate the background, while motifs outline or accentuate.

• Precision & Detail: Motifs such as owls, bats, and “BOO” text maintain their sharpness even at different sizes. The fills—whether geometric webs or candy corn—provide consistent coverage without distortion.
• Color Customization: Want to switch up your palette? Use the bucket tool in IQ Designer to recolor fills instantly, matching your project’s theme or mood.
• Scalability: Whether you’re working on a tiny garment accent or a full quilt, these designs scale beautifully. Adjust spacing, size, and orientation for a perfect fit—no advanced digitizing skills required.

Project Inspiration: Picture a Halloween-themed tic-tac-toe board, where each square is filled with candy corn and bordered by ghost motifs. Or imagine a Thanksgiving runner, with “Give Thanks” fills and pumpkin pie motifs dancing along the edge. The visual impact is immediate, and the stitch quality is consistently professional.

Pro Tip: Once you import a fill or motif, it stays in your machine’s custom folder—no need to keep the USB plugged in for every use. And with QR code resources included in each collection, you can access video tutorials for step-by-step guidance.

4.2 Creative Techniques for Quilting & Decor

Ready to level up your quilting or home décor projects? The Design Suite’s versatility shines brightest in creative applications—think personalized table runners, book-themed quilts, or even trapunto blocks stitched entirely in the hoop.

Motif Magic: Collections like Fabric Confetti offer whimsical motifs—birds, owls, swirls—that add charm to quilt blocks or table runners. The Hobbies #1 set brings themed fills and motifs (books, scissors, sewing machines) that are perfect for personalized gifts or decor.

How It’s Done:

• Table Runners: YouTube demonstrations (like Patricia Hayes’ book-themed runner) show how to layer a quilt sandwich, hoop your project, and use IQ Designer to fill large areas with a chosen motif—say, a bookshelf pattern. Adjust fill density and spacing for a custom look, then use motifs to create borders or accent lines.
• Quilting in the Hoop: The fills aren’t just for backgrounds—they can be the star of the show. Use the sizing and pattern shift tools to enlarge or reposition motifs, ensuring seamless repeats across your quilt.
• Decorative Stitching: Motifs can be used as edge treatments or to highlight specific shapes—think of a row of pumpkin pies circling a Thanksgiving centerpiece, or candy canes outlining a holiday placemat.

Resourceful Learning: Every USB collection includes QR codes linking to instructional videos and design previews. These guides walk you through everything from importing fills to fine-tuning motif placement, ensuring even beginners can achieve polished results.

Efficiency Tip: For large quilting projects, maintaining even tension is key. This is where a high-quality magnetic embroidery hoop—like MaggieFrame—can make all the difference. By providing uniform pressure and quick setup, MaggieFrame hoops help prevent fabric distortion, especially on layered projects. You’ll spend less time fussing with hooping and more time enjoying your creative flow.

4.3 Optimizing Garment Embroidery Stability

When it comes to embroidering garments—especially thick or textured fabrics like denim and towels—fabric tension can make or break your results. Uneven pressure leads to puckering, misalignment, and wasted materials. Enter the game-changer: magnetic hoops for babylock like MaggieFrame.

The Challenge: Traditional screw-based hoops often struggle to grip bulky or slippery fabrics. Adjustments are tedious, and the risk of hoop burn or shifting is high—particularly when working with plush towels or multi-layered garments.

The Solution: MaggieFrame Magnetic Hoops MaggieFrame’s powerful magnetic system automatically adapts to varying fabric thicknesses, securing even the most challenging materials with even pressure. Here’s why it’s a must-have for garment embroidery:

• Even Pressure, Reduced Distortion: The magnetic force distributes tension uniformly, minimizing puckering and ensuring your motifs and fills stitch out crisp and flat—no matter the fabric.
• Time-Saving Efficiency: Hooping a garment with MaggieFrame takes just 30 seconds, compared to the 3 minutes often needed with traditional hoops. That’s a 90% reduction in setup time, freeing you to focus on creativity rather than mechanics.
• Effortless Operation: No more wrestling with screws or risking repetitive strain. Simply position your fabric, snap the hoop in place, and you’re ready to stitch.

Real-World Results: Users worldwide praise MaggieFrame for transforming their embroidery workflow—especially when tackling high-volume orders or intricate garment designs. The combination of Baby Lock Design Suite’s customizable fills and motifs with MaggieFrame’s stability ensures your finished pieces look as good as they feel.

Curious to see it in action? Search for MaggieFrame demonstration videos to watch the magnetic hooping process and see how easy it is to achieve flawless results on everything from T-shirts to towels.

5. Compatibility Deep Dive: Machines & Software Requirements

Before you invest in a new collection or start planning your next project, it’s crucial to ensure your machine and software setup are fully compatible with the Baby Lock Design Suite. Here’s a comprehensive look at what works—and what to watch out for.

5.1 Baby Lock vs. Brother Machine Support

Baby Lock Machines:

• Solaris Vision: Fully compatible with all Design Suite collections (Hobbies, Team Sports, Holiday Fills, and more) right out of the box.
• Solaris 1/2: Requires Upgrade Kit 3 to enable Design Suite imports. Without this upgrade, the files won’t be recognized.
• Solaris 2 (check babylock solaris 2 price): Explicitly supported for wireless design management via the Design Database Transfer tool.

BROTHER MACHINES:

• Luminaire 3: Direct support for Design Suite collections.
• Luminaire 1/2: Must be upgraded to version 3 for compatibility.
• PE Design 11: Supported for importing Design Suite files.

Altair: While Altair supports wireless design management through Design Database Transfer, there’s no direct mention of compatibility with Design Suite collections. If you’re using Altair, verify with your dealer or Baby Lock’s official documentation before purchasing.

Quick Reference Table:

Key Takeaway: Always check your machine’s firmware version and upgrade status before purchasing a Design Suite collection. Compatibility hinges on having the latest updates—don’t skip this step!

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5.2 System Architecture & Version Pitfalls

Operating System Requirements:

• Palette 11: Runs on Windows 7, 8.1, or 10 (32-bit or 64-bit). Older Palette versions (like 5 or 6) require 32-bit systems and won’t work on modern 64-bit computers.
• Design Database Transfer: Compatible with Windows 8.1, 10, and 11 (both 32- and 64-bit). Supports a wide range of embroidery file formats (PES, PHC, PHX, DST, EXP, PCS, HUS, VIP, and more).

Mac Users: Baby Lock does not provide native Mac support. If you’re on a Mac, you’ll need to use Windows emulation tools (like Boot Camp or Parallels) to run Palette 11 or Design Database Transfer.

How to Check Your System Type:

• On Windows 10, click the Start menu, go to Settings → System → About, and look for “System Type” to confirm if you’re running a 32-bit or 64-bit OS.
• For firmware and software version checks, refer to your machine’s settings or consult Baby Lock’s official support resources.

Upgrade Verification: Before purchasing, always verify:

• Your machine’s firmware version (e.g., Solaris Vision v3+)
• Your software version (Palette 11)
• System architecture (32- or 64-bit)

Potential Pitfalls:

• Attempting to use Design Suite files on non-upgraded machines will result in errors or empty USB folders.
• Mac users who skip emulation setup will be unable to access Palette 11 or manage Design Suite files.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about compatibility, reach out to your Baby Lock dealer or consult the official documentation. A quick check now saves hours of troubleshooting later!

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6. Purchasing Guide: Collections, Pricing & Themes

With so many tempting themes and motifs, choosing the right Design Suite collection is half the fun. Here’s how to navigate your options, understand pricing, and make the most of your investment.

6.1 Seasonal & Specialty Collections Breakdown

What’s Included: Each Baby Lock Design Suite collection packs a creative punch—20 decorative fills and 20 companion motifs—organized by theme. Whether you’re stitching for the holidays, celebrating hobbies, or seeking nature-inspired designs, there’s a set for every project.

Where to Buy: Design Suite collections are available through authorized Baby Lock retailers—both online and in-store. Popular shops include A1 Vacuum & Sewing, Leabu Sewing Center, and Quality Sewing.

What’s in the Box:

• 1 USB drive with all fill/motif designs
• Instructional sheets and a graphic sheet of thumbnails
• QR code linking to tutorial videos for easy setup and inspiration

Compatibility Reminder: These are proprietary files (not standard embroidery formats) and require compatible Baby Lock or Brother machines/software. Double-check your setup before purchasing!

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6.2 Budgeting for Long-Term Value

Cost vs. Time Savings: At $99 per collection, Design Suite may seem like an investment—but consider the alternative: hours spent digitizing custom fills or motifs from scratch. With pre-made, high-quality artwork at your fingertips, you’ll dramatically reduce design time and avoid the learning curve of advanced digitizing.

Long-Term Value:

• Reusable Designs: Each fill and motif can be recolored, resized, and combined in endless ways, multiplying your creative options.
• Thematic Expansion: New collections—like Hobbies #1 or Holiday #2—keep expanding your design library, ensuring you’ll never run out of fresh ideas.
• No Embroidery File Limitations: While these are not standard embroidery files, their integration with IQ Designer and Palette 11 means you have full control over stitch settings and applications.

Smart Shopping Tip: Cross-reference retailer descriptions to confirm you’re getting the themes and motifs you want. Some listings highlight Brother compatibility, others focus on Baby Lock—always match your machine and software for a seamless experience.

Bottom Line: Investing in the Baby Lock Design Suite isn’t just about acquiring new designs—it’s about unlocking time, flexibility, and creative freedom for every project ahead.

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7. Beginner’s Guide: Creating Designs from Scratch

Embarking on your first custom embroidery project with Baby Lock Design Suite? Don’t worry—whether you’re using IQ Designer on your machine or Palette 11 software on your PC, the process is more intuitive (and fun) than you might think. Let’s break down the essentials and then dive into some advanced tricks for making your fills and motifs truly shine.

7.1 IQ Designer/Palette 11 Workflow Essentials

Ready to transform inspiration into stitches? Here’s how to take an idea from a doodle or clip art all the way to a stunning, stitchable design:

• Planning Your Design
  • Start with a Vision: Decide if you’re creating a quilt block, a decorative motif, or a personalized appliqué. Sketch your idea or gather clip art, scanned fabric patterns, or original drawings as your base.
  • Choose Your Tools: In IQ Designer, you can use built-in shapes (over 30 options), import .jpg images, or draw freehand with the stylus. Palette 11’s Design Center offers similar flexibility for PC-based design.
• Importing & Outlining Artwork
  • Palette 11:
    • Import your chosen image and adjust resolution or contrast for crisp tracing.
    • Use auto-trace for quick outlines or manually trace with your stylus for precision.
  • IQ Designer:
    • Draw directly on the touchscreen, pick from built-in shapes, or scan artwork/fabric with the machine’s scanner.
    • Import .jpg files and trace outlines, either automatically or by hand.
• Assigning Stitches
  • Choose Line & Fill Types:
    • Assign line types (like satin, stem, or running stitch) to outlines and fill types (such as satin, crosshatch, or decorative fills) to larger areas.
    • In Palette 11, the Background Fill Wizard lets you select from dozens of built-in decorative fills—or even create your own.
  • Customize:
    • Adjust stitch order, density, and color using the Select tool and on-screen handles.
    • Add geometric elements or tweak shapes for the perfect look.
• Combining Fills & Motifs
  • Mix and match Design Suite fills and motifs for unique effects. Want candy corn fills with pumpkin pie motifs? Just assign the fill to your background and motifs to borders or accent lines.
  • Use the bucket tool to fill areas instantly, and preview how your design will stitch out.
• Finalizing & Stitching
  • Use babylock troubleshooting guides to preview stitch order and avoid thread breaks or surprises.
  • Test and adjust stitch density—especially on thin or thick fabrics—to prevent distortion.
  • Save your design (to machine memory or USB) before converting to embroidery stitches, so you can tweak it later if needed.

Best Practices:

• Start simple—try a single-color design before layering in complex fills.
• Use the handles for precise adjustments.
• Leverage Baby Lock’s QR code tutorials and official classes for extra tips.

By following these steps, even beginners can craft professional-quality embroidery designs—no digitizing degree required. It’s like having a magic wand for your sewing room!

7.2 Advanced Techniques: Scaling & Positioning Motifs

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to play with scale and placement—unlocking the true creative power of the Design Suite. Let’s peek behind the curtain at how seasoned creators fine-tune their motifs for seamless, eye-catching results.

• Resizing Motifs (50–200%)
  • In both IQ Designer and Palette 11, you can enlarge or shrink motifs to fit your project—whether you want tiny books scattered across a quilt or bold owls marching around a border.
  • Use the size adjustment tools: enter a specific percentage (e.g., 130% for a slightly larger pattern) or drag handles to visually resize.
  • Keep the “maintain density and fill pattern” option checked to ensure your stitches stay crisp, even as you scale up or down.
• Pattern Shifting & Alignment
  • Sometimes, resizing alone isn’t enough—especially if you want motifs to line up perfectly from one hooping to the next.
  • Use the pattern shift or position offset tools to nudge your motif left, right, up, or down. This is especially handy for edge-to-edge quilting, as shown in Patricia Hayes’ table runner video.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment: shift the pattern until you see a pleasing, continuous repeat, then jot down the settings so you can replicate them in future sections.
• Motif Alignment for Seamless Repeats
  • Before stitching, preview your design to see how motifs align at the edges. Adjust spacing or shift positions to avoid awkward cut-offs or overlaps.
  • For multi-hoop projects, make your fill area slightly smaller than the embroidery field—this gives you wiggle room for perfect alignment when re-hooping.
• Saving & Managing Custom Patterns
  • Save your edited motifs and fills as design files (not just stitch files) so you can revisit and tweak them later.
  • Remember, you can only store a limited number of custom fills/motifs on your machine at once—delete only after your project is complete, or take a photo of your settings for reference.

Pro Tip: If you’re working on layered projects or thick fabrics, maintaining even tension is crucial for flawless stitchouts. This is where a magnetic embroidery hoop like MaggieFrame can be a game-changer, ensuring your motifs and fills stay perfectly aligned and distortion-free.

With these advanced techniques, you’re not just following patterns—you’re orchestrating them. The only limit? Your imagination. So go ahead—resize, shift, and align your way to embroidery greatness!

8. Conclusion: Elevate Your Embroidery Toolkit

The Baby Lock Design Suite isn’t just a collection of artwork—it’s your passport to creative freedom. By streamlining the design process in IQ Designer and Palette 11, you can turn inspiration into custom fills and motifs with ease. Remember to double-check compatibility, experiment with scaling and alignment, and embrace the power of advanced tools like MaggieFrame magnetic hoops for garment stability. Whether you’re quilting, embellishing garments, or crafting one-of-a-kind gifts, the Design Suite empowers you to stitch your story—one motif at a time.

9. FAQ: Baby Lock Design Suite Essentials

9.1 Q: Can I use Design Suite with Brother PE-Design 11?

A: Yes, as long as your software is upgraded to version 3 or higher, you can import and use Design Suite fills and motifs.

9.2 Q: Are these embroidery files?

A: No, Design Suite collections provide proprietary fills and motifs—these are artwork files, not standard embroidery stitch files like .PES or .EXP.

9.3 Q: How many designs are included per collection?

A: Each collection features 20 unique fills and 20 motifs, giving you a robust palette for creative projects.

9.4 Q: Can motifs be resized?

A: Absolutely! You can resize motifs using stitch settings in IQ Designer or Palette 11, typically from 50% to 200% of the original size.

9.5 Q: Is Mac supported?

A: Palette 11 and related tools are Windows-only. Mac users can run the software via Windows emulation (such as Boot Camp or Parallels).