Why This Matters

Embroidery businesses rely on dependable tools, and trusted files are a core part of that experience.

By using genuine licensed Wilcom software, you benefit from:

• A smooth and reliable workflow
• Access to ongoing innovation and software updates
• Protection from corrupted or unsafe files
• A fair and high-quality embroidery industry for everyone

Files created or modified using pirated software are often unpredictable, corrupted, or unsafe. These security measures help protect your work and your business.

“I would love to see a feature that completely removes pirate versions of the software. Piracy harms both the market and the embroidery industry, and eliminating it would help ensure fair and ethical competition.”

— Eva S.

If You See a “This design cannot be opened.” Message

If EmbroideryStudio displays a “This design cannot be opened.” message, it means the file was created or modified using an illegal pirated version of the software.

To resolve this:

1. Contact the person or company who supplied the file
2. Ask them to recreate the design using a genuine licensed version of Wilcom software
3. Open the new file normally in your licensed software

Wilcom can’t restore or guarantee recovery of files that fail this integrity check

Working With Files You Can Trust

• Files created using genuine licensed Wilcom software will open safely
• Only files identified as created or modified using pirated software will be blocked
• You can safely collaborate with partners who also use licensed software

If you work with outside digitizers or contractors, we recommend confirming that they use genuine licensed Wilcom software. This helps prevent workflow interruptions and ensures the files you receive meet professional standards.

What is Genuine Licensed Wilcom Software?

Genuine Wilcom software is software that is licensed by Wilcom, certified as authentic by Wilcom, and published and supported by Wilcom.

Reliability

Using genuine licensed Wilcom software ensures that the software you purchase is stable, secure, and reliable. Wilcom’s 45+ years of experience are behind every licensed copy to ensure you receive the best-performing embroidery software available.

Access to Updates

Only genuine licensed Wilcom software provides access to the latest updates, features, product support, and enhancements that help you remain competitive in the embroidery industry.

Be Part of the Wilcom Community

Licensed users gain access to new innovations and offerings reserved exclusively for genuine customers, helping you keep pace with evolving technology and continually expand your capabilities.

Learn More

What is Pirated Software?

Pirated software is illegal software.

It refers to software that is sold, distributed, or shared by individuals or organisations that do not own the rights to the software.

Pirated software is often:

• Incomplete or modified versions of the genuine software
• Unstable or unreliable
• Outdated and unsupported
• Distributed by unauthorised sellers / unlicensed distributors / unauthorised third parties

Pirated software is frequently sold online for much less than the price of genuine software. If the price seems too good to be true, it usually is.

Be cautious of deals offered through unofficial channels or marketplaces. These copies are often outdated, unsupported, or unlicensed.

How Pirated Software Affects Our Customers

“I am unable to update my version of Wilcom, since unfair competition has taken a large number of clients, which prevents me from investing and upgrading as I would like.”

— Eva S.

Pirated software creates unfair competition for businesses that invest in genuine Wilcom tools.

Licensed customers support ongoing development, professional support, and product innovation. Businesses using pirated software avoid those costs and can undercut legitimate pricing in the marketplace.

This makes it harder for legitimate embroidery businesses to compete fairly.

Addressing piracy helps protect the value of genuine software and support a healthier, more sustainable embroidery industry for everyone who chooses to operate legitimately.