A while back, Liz asked for feedback about what YOU, the dedicated Janome fans and users, wanted to see here on Janome Life: what questions you had; what topics you want to see on janomelife and what information you’d like to learn more about.
One popular topic that was requested is Janome’s fabulous software companion to the Janome MC 15000 Quiltmaker (and it’s previous versions), Horizon Link Suite – a CD which comes with the machine to install on your PC laptop or desktop.
Over the next few posts I’ll discuss each category of Horizon Link Suite (HLS) (EmbLink Tool, Pattern Combo Tool, AcuFil Tool, Stitch Composer, Screen Saver Tool, MC15000 Help Movie, Jsmc862 Installer) to help you get the most from this very fun and useful tool.
If you have a Version 1 or Version 2 Janome MC 15000, you’ve likely already taken advantage of the optional free update to version 3 Quiltmaker, which included an email link to update your Horizon Link Suite to the latest version, Version 1.31.
To check which version you have, open Horizon Link Suite, and position your mouse at the top left of your screen where it says “Horizon Link Suite” in small letters.
Right click.
A new box will open and scroll to the bottom where it says “About Horizon Link Suite”.
Right Click.
A box will open stating which version you have. The latest version is 1.31. Again, the link to update HLS would have been emailed to you if you chose to have your Version 1 or 2 Janome MC 15000 updated to Version 3 Quiltmaker.
If you have a brand new Janome MC 15000 Quiltmaker right out of the box, your Horizon Link Suite CD will have Version 1.31 printed on the label, so you won’t need to go through this step.
If you have Version 1 or Version 2 Janome MC 15000, you don’t have to update your HLS, but there are some fun, useful things included with the update, so why not take advantage? This was also a FREE update, by the way!
Now, before I get into it, I’ll address a burning question about HLS so we don’t get inundated with the same question and/or complaint afterwards. No, Horizon Link Suite will NOT work with your MAC computer; it’s only compatible with Windows operating system. Why? The answer to that is above my pay-grade, I’m afraid, but, rather than focus on what one might see as a drawback, I’d rather just embrace it and go with what will work. Many MAC users buy a small, inexpensive laptop with which to use Horizon Link Suite – it doesn’t need to be fancy with a lot of bells and whistles.
I’m also asked if owners of the Janome MC 15000 Quiltmaker HAVE to use Horizon Link Suite, and the simple answer is “no”, you don’t have to use it, but I think it’s a real shame not to. As the Top of the Line model, the machine is a big investment, so you might as well take full advantage of what it comes with and what it has to offer – which is a LOT! It’s like Christmas with so many boxes to open!
Horizon Link Suite allows you to take all the amazing designs and editing capabilities which are on the Janome MC 15000 Quiltmaker (including version 1 and version 2) and use them with the convenience of actually being away from the machine. Sit in your favourite easy chair, in the family room while the kids watch tv, wherever. There’s SO much you can do with your machine, without actually sitting in front of it. How cool is that?! That’s the power of Horizon Link Suite, well, only part of it. There’s also some really FUN and COOL things you can do with it, too, so I hope you’ll “Follow” us on Janome Life so you won’t miss a post!
Today was just an overview, but next time I’ll delve into EmbLink Tool.
Until next time, Happy Sewing!
Janome Life 
I had my MC15000 upgrade to the Quiltmaker in 2018. After receiving this email I checked and have 1.20. How do I update to the 1.31 horizon Link Suite? I cannot find that on the Janome Global site. Thank you!!
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Hi Ann,
You should speak to the dealer where you had your MC15000 upgraded. They were supposed to register your upgrade which generated an email to you with the link to the 1.31 upgrade. No, you won’t find it on the global site as it is only for owners of the Mc15000 Quilt Maker.
Another possibility is that the email went into your spam or junk folders – depends how you have your computer set up for receiving emails.
Liz
JANOME CANADA
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Liz, thank you so much for the rapid response. I will check with my dealer.
Thanks again, Ann McAdory
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Hi Ann,
If your dealer is unable to help you, send me another message and I will see what I can do to send you the link.
Liz
JANOME CANADA
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I have the cd for version 1.01 but my laptop computer does not have a cd drive. Is it possible to download version 1.31?
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Hi Mary,
Unfortunately not – the CD is part of the items when you purchase the Janome machine so we would not make that available online for a wider audience who do not own the machine. You will either need to ask someone to save it onto a USB stick for you or you might consider purchasing an external CD drive.
Liz
JANOME CANADA
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Excited to get all the information
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Morning Liz! Will you be doing any write ups on the software that comes with the 500e machines? A number of ladies I know have purchased machines here in Edmonton and all have questions about what they can do with this software. Some of the ladies were totally unaware that they had the program until I mention it to them. I do an embroidery club once a month and I show them how to do different things like using different products, placement, etc. No our store doesn’t sell machines however anyone can attend with any type of machines.
Education is sadly lacking especially for Janome…there is Pfaff clubs and Bernina clubs but no Janome club.
I have also driven to Calgary twice this year to attend OESD World of Embroidery event and it is a day full of information complete with samples, tools, designs, stabilizers, etc. I realize that it’s not geared towards Bernina but everything they are talking about can be used on Janome machines or any machine. It’s sad that other places don’t offer events like this…
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Hi Laura,
The Embroidery Editor which comes with the Janome 500E and the new 550E is really quite simple to use. If you install it and then open it up, you will see a little blue question mark in the top right corner of the screen. There is info there on how to use the software. Our Janome dealers are the first place to go for lessons on how to use this software.
Yes, we can consider doing a blog post on the software but I’m not sure when that will be published. We are currently busy with other projects but I will add it to the list.
We are also now offering seminars direct to consumers at our Oakville, Ontario Education and Learning Centre. We can certainly add Embroidery Editor to the list of requested topics to cover.
I have already been asked to offer online classes but our energies are currently focused on the seminars in Oakville. We may possibly offer online training in 2020.
Thank you for your input.
Liz
JANOME CANADA
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Looking forward to it 🙂
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Is there an upgrade for the Janome 12000?
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Hi Belinda
Did you check the Jnaome global website – the updates are posted there and there is one applicable to the Mc12000. https://www.janome.co.jp/e/e_downloads/software.html
Liz
JANOME CANADA
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