We’ve used PCStitch 7 for many portraits and had good results, It’s now up to version 10, Getting the color palette right can take some trial and error.
I actually considered writing this type of software with a friend in the early 1990’s with a friend, but I moved before we got anywhere with it. Apparently, there was a small, but good market!
can you use PC stitch to design original designs too? I’ve always wanted to do stuff like that, but I don’t think I’m creative enough :( The work of some cross stitch designers just pusts me in awe.