Mastering Batch Embroidery: The Name Drop Feature in PE-DESIGN NEXT

· EmbroideryHoop
Mastering Batch Embroidery: The Name Drop Feature in PE-DESIGN NEXT
Discover how Brother’s PE-DESIGN NEXT software simplifies group embroidery projects. This step-by-step guide shows how to use the Name Drop feature to produce perfectly aligned designs for every team member—without repetitive editing.

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Table of Contents
  1. Why Use the Name Drop Feature in PE-DESIGN NEXT?
  2. Step 1: Setting Up Your Workspace
  3. Step 2: Creating Your Master Design Template
  4. Step 3: Activating and Configuring Name Drop
  5. Step 4: Batch Processing Your Name List
  6. Step 5: Transferring Designs to Your Machine
  7. From the Comments

Why Use the Name Drop Feature in PE-DESIGN NEXT?

Group embroidery orders are fun to fulfill—but only when they don’t lead to hours of repetitive editing. With Name Drop, you design once and produce many.

Intro screen of PE-DESIGN NEXT video
The tutorial opens by explaining why consistent placement matters for teams.

Uniform text placement is key for consistent, professional results—especially across dozens of pieces for teams or corporate orders. For embroiderers upgrading their toolkit, a well-paired accessory like magnetic hoops for brother embroidery machines can also enhance efficiency when moving from software to machine stitching.

Ensuring Consistency for Team and Corporate Apparel

Once activated, the Name Drop field ensures that every name aligns in exactly the same position relative to your logo or design centerpiece. Whether you’re using traditional clamps or newer tech like magnetic embroidery hoops for brother pr1055x, you’ll appreciate how precise software placement becomes the foundation for clean results.

Saving Time on Large, Personalized Orders

Bulk edits vanish with Name Drop—you simply enter the full list of names once. From sports teams to sponsor giveaways, this feature saves you hours of manual rework. Think of it as automation for creativity.


Step 1: Setting Up Your Workspace

Before creativity begins, proper setup ensures smooth execution. Select ‘Layout & Editing’ when PE-DESIGN NEXT launches, then click New to start.

Design Settings window in PE-DESIGN NEXT
Select your machine type and hoop size before starting.

Opening Layout & Editing

The video begins by guiding you through the workspace setup—ideal for those exploring new workflows with software-driven embroidery design.

Configuring Machine Type and Hoop Size

Under Design Settings, choose your machine type (for example, multi-needle) and your project’s hoop size (130 × 180 mm). Once done, you’re set for layout precision. Combining this setup with professional gear like brother pr1055x helps ensure your embroidery output stays consistent whether on hats, polos, or team jerseys.


Step 2: Creating Your Master Design Template

Begin with your base artwork. In this tutorial, a soccer ball from the built-in library is used.

Import soccer ball from Sports category
The soccer ball pattern imported from the built-in Design Library adds a sporty touch.

Importing a Graphic from the Design Library

Choose Import Pattern Tool → From Design Library, select the Sports category, and pick an emblem that fits your theme.

Adding a Team Name with Arc Text Transformation

Click the Text Tool, type your team or group name above the logo, then apply the Arc Text transformation from the Text Attributes panel.

Applying arc text transformation
The Arc Text transformation gives your team name a bold, professional curve.
Adjusting text curve using diamond handle
Fine-tune the curvature for a perfect layout above your emblem.

Use the on-screen diamond handle to perfect the curve.

Software transformations like this mirror the control you’d have when hooping with precision tools such as brother magnetic hoop.

Placing a Placeholder for Individual Names

Below the logo, type the longest name from your list—this will define the maximum width your text needs to accommodate.

Positioning the placeholder name below the soccer ball
The placeholder name ‘Hannah Marie’ ensures accurate text sizing.
💡 Typing the longest name first ensures even the briefest names stay centered and don’t look adrift.

Step 3: Activating and Configuring Name Drop

Here lies the magic of the tutorial. With your longest-name placeholder ready, simply select the bottom text and open the Text Attributes window. Scroll until you find Name Drop, then check the box.

Activating Name Drop feature
The red dashed outline shows the Name Drop field is active.

A red dashed outline appears—this marks your dynamic field. If available, check Maintain Aspect Ratio so all future substitutions keep the same proportions.

Saving Your Master Template File

Use File → Save As to store your base project. Name it clearly (e.g., “Lady Raiders Master”) so you can return to it anytime.

Saving the Name Drop template
Save your master design template for future batch personalization.
⚠️ Don’t skip saving before adding names—you want this untouched template as a fallback.

Step 4: Batch Processing Your Name List

This stage converts creativity to productivity.

Using the Name Drop List to Enter Names

Select the Name Drop List button. In the new window, type or import each participant’s name.

Name Drop List dialog window
Where you’ll enter or import multiple names to personalize each file.
Completed Name Drop List
Each name added will generate its own custom design file.

If you’re handling dozens of customized shirts, using an import CSV option keeps your naming accurate and reduces typos. It’s as smart as pairing your digital prep with efficient hardware like brother embroidery machine.

Exporting All Designs to a Folder with One Click

When all names are entered, click To Folder… to choose a save location and base filename.

Choosing output folder for export
Easily send all designs to a chosen folder with one click.

A progress window will show each file being created—every design automatically personalized with a new name.

Progress bar showing export
A progress bar confirms multiple personalized files are being created.
✅ Confirm each new .PES file appears in your target directory before moving to the next step.

Step 5: Transferring Designs to Your Machine

With all your files exported, the Design Database tool takes over. Open it via the Option menu, navigate to your saved folder, and select your designs.

Design Database showing new files
All exported designs appear here—ready for transfer.
Design Database navigation
Navigating through the design folders before transfer.

Hold Ctrl to multi-select, then click the Write to USB Disk button.

Selecting multiple design files
Select multiple designs to queue them for transfer.
Writing designs to USB disc
Transfer complete—your USB is ready for the embroidery machine.

Within seconds, you’ll have a portable drive full of perfectly aligned, uniquely named designs.

If you’re using different embroidery systems beyond Brother, this same workflow pairs beautifully with machines that accept USB transfer—like those compatible with barudan embroidery machine hoops or janome embroidery machine.


From the Comments

(No viewer comments were available for this video, but common community advice includes saving a fresh template for each new project and checking alignment preview before export.)


Final Thoughts

Brother’s Name Drop function in PE-DESIGN NEXT is a quiet revolution for embroiderers who juggle personalization at scale. It keeps your fonts uniform, your layouts identical, and your production stress-free. Combine that with reliable on-machine alignment support—perhaps through tools like magnetic embroidery hoops—and you’ll transform how you handle team and group orders.

With clean digital planning and well-aligned hooping, every jersey, apron, or tote begins to tell a unified story—stitched perfectly, name after name.