Wilcom has been the industry standard in embroidery digitizing software for decades. The company has released several major versions over the years, with E4.2 being the latest, E3 being the previous generation, and E2 being an older legacy version that many users still run. If you are in the market for Wilcom embroidery software and wondering which version to buy, this comparison breaks down exactly what each version offers and why the choice is clearer than you might think.
You can get Wilcom E4.2, the latest and most capable version, for just $39.95 at https://embroiderysoft.com/b/wilcom-e4-2-embroidery-software.
**Wilcom E4.2 — The Current Flagship**
Wilcom E4.2 is the most recent major release and represents a significant leap forward in every measurable category. Here are the key features that set E4.2 apart from its predecessors.
64-bit Architecture: E4.2 is a true 64-bit application. This means it can access significantly more system memory than the 32-bit E2 and E3 versions. For practical purposes, this translates to the ability to work with much larger and more complex embroidery designs without encountering memory errors. If you regularly work with designs exceeding 50,000 stitches or multiple color layers, 64-bit support alone makes E4.2 the only viable option.
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2018 Integration: E4.2 includes a full licensed copy of CorelDRAW Graphics Suite 2018 integrated directly into the software. This allows you to switch between Wilcom’s embroidery digitizing tools and CorelDRAW’s vector design tools without leaving the application. Neither E2 nor E3 includes CorelDRAW integration. For designers who work with logos, text, and vector artwork as part of their embroidery workflow, this is an enormous productivity advantage.
Design Workflow Tools: E4.2 introduced a comprehensive design workflow system that helps you manage the entire embroidery production process — from receiving a customer order to digitizing, proofing, and production. This includes order tracking, color management, production notes, and automatic design optimization. E3 and E2 have no equivalent feature.
Team Names Advanced: If you do sports embroidery or team uniforms, E4.2 includes Team Names Advanced, a dedicated module for creating and managing team name designs with automatic sizing, sequencing, and production optimization. E3 has basic lettering tools but no dedicated team names module. E2 has very limited lettering capabilities.
3D Realistic Preview: E4.2 includes a photorealistic 3D preview that shows you exactly what the finished embroidery will look like before you stitch it. This preview accounts for thread texture, fabric type, stitch density, and lighting. E3 has a basic preview that does not account for these variables. E2 has no 3D preview at all.
Improved Digitizing Tools: The digitizing tools in E4.2 have been significantly refined. The auto-digitizing engine produces cleaner results with fewer manual corrections. The manual digitizing tools include more stitch types, better curve handling, and more precise control over stitch angles and density. The underlay system has been improved to reduce puckering and improve stitch quality on difficult fabrics.
Better Windows Compatibility: E4.2 is fully compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11, including the latest 24H2 update. E3 was designed for Windows 7 and 8 and can have compatibility issues with Windows 10 and 11. E2 was designed for Windows XP and is essentially incompatible with modern Windows versions without significant workarounds.
**Wilcom E3 — The Previous Generation**
Wilcom E3 was a capable product in its time and still has a loyal user base. Its key features include basic digitizing tools, lettering with a moderate font library, support for standard embroidery file formats, and a simple user interface. However, E3 has several critical limitations compared to E4.2.
The most significant limitation is that E3 is a 32-bit application. This means it can only address approximately 2 GB of RAM, regardless of how much your system has installed. For large designs, this is a hard ceiling that causes crashes and memory errors. E3 also lacks CorelDRAW integration, the Design Workflow system, Team Names Advanced, and the 3D realistic preview. It has not received any updates or patches in several years, meaning any bugs or compatibility issues with modern Windows versions will never be fixed.
E3 is still functional for simple digitizing tasks on older computers running Windows 7 or 8, but for any professional work on modern systems, it is outclassed by E4.2 in every category.
**Wilcom E2 — The Legacy Option**
Wilcom E2 is the oldest version still in circulation and is essentially a legacy product. It was designed for Windows XP and has severe compatibility issues with Windows 10 and 11. E2 uses a 32-bit architecture, has a very limited font library, lacks advanced digitizing tools, has no 3D preview, no CorelDRAW integration, and no modern file format support beyond the basics.
The only reason to use E2 today is if you have an older computer that cannot run E4.2 and you only do simple embroidery work. Even then, the limitations of E2 make it difficult to recommend over simply purchasing E4.2 on a modern computer.
**The Verdict: E4.2 Is the Clear Winner**
There is no scenario in which E2 or E3 is a better choice than E4.2. The 64-bit architecture, CorelDRAW integration, Design Workflow tools, 3D preview, and improved digitizing tools make E4.2 the only version suitable for professional embroidery work in 2025. The compatibility with Windows 10 and 11 also means you will not have to deal with the workaround-heavy experience of running older software on modern operating systems.
The official retail price of Wilcom E4.2 is significantly higher than what you might expect, but at https://embroiderysoft.com/b/wilcom-e4-2-embroidery-software you can get it for just $39.95 — an exceptional value for the most capable embroidery digitizing software on the market. Whether you are upgrading from E2, E3, or switching from a competitor entirely, E4.2 is the version to buy.
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