Overview

Hatch Embroidery is designed for Microsoft Windows and does not run natively on macOS.

However, Hatch Embroidery can be used on an Apple silicon Mac by running Windows through virtualization software such as Parallels Desktop. 

What is required?

To run Hatch Embroidery on a Mac with an Apple M1, M2, M3, M4 or M5 processor, you will need:

• A compatible Apple silicon Mac
• The latest version of Parallels Desktop
• Windows 11 ARM Edition
• Hatch Embroidery installed inside the Windows virtual machine

Apple silicon Macs must use the ARM edition of Windows. Hatch cannot be installed directly in macOS.

How much memory does my Mac need?

Your Mac should have:

• Minimum: 32 GB of physical RAM
• Recommended: 32 GB or more for improved performance

The Mac’s physical RAM is shared between macOS, Parallels and the Windows virtual machine. More physical RAM gives the Mac greater capacity to run both operating systems and Hatch at the same time.

However, the amount of memory that can be assigned to Windows also depends on your Parallels Desktop edition.

Which Parallels Desktop edition should I use?

Parallels Desktop is available in different editions with different virtual-machine resource limits:

The Standard Edition can assign a maximum of 8 GB of RAM to the Windows virtual machine, even when the Mac has more physical memory and is not recommended.

For larger or more complex embroidery designs, improved multitasking or better overall performance, we recommend:

• A Mac with at least 32 GB of physical RAM
• Parallels Desktop Pro Edition
• Assigning additional RAM to Windows while leaving sufficient memory available for macOS

The Pro Edition supports up to 128 GB of virtual RAM per virtual machine. The amount you can assign in practice depends on how much physical RAM is installed in your Mac. You should not allocate all available Mac memory to Windows.

Important configuration notes

For the best results:

• Install Hatch inside the Windows virtual machine—not in macOS.
• Use Windows 11 ARM Edition on Apple silicon Macs.
• Use the latest supported version of Parallels Desktop.
• Keep Windows 11 fully updated.
• Ensure the Windows virtual machine has sufficient RAM, CPU and storage resources.
• Leave enough memory available for macOS and other applications.

Performance and stability depend on the Mac model, its physical RAM, the resources assigned to Windows and the Parallels configuration. Outdated Windows or Parallels versions may cause instability or unexpected behaviour.

Can I use the Hatch trial on a Mac?

No - The Hatch trial is not supported when running Hatch on a Mac through Parallels Desktop.

If you would like to use Hatch on this configuration, you will need to purchase the software. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available if the setup does not meet your expectations. Please review the applicable purchase and refund terms before buying.

What does Hatch Support cover?

Hatch Support can assist with:

• Installing Hatch after Windows has been set up and fully updated
• Hatch features and functionality
• Licensing and activation
• Investigating and escalating confirmed Hatch software issues

Hatch Support does not provide assistance with:

• Installing or updating Parallels Desktop
• Installing, configuring or updating Windows or macOS
• Creating or configuring the Windows virtual machine
• Allocating virtual CPU or RAM
• Mac hardware, drivers or performance issues
• Problems caused by Parallels, Windows ARM or the virtual-machine environment

For help with these areas, contact Apple, Microsoft or Parallels Support as appropriate.

Support statement

Running Hatch in Windows 11 ARM through Parallels Desktop on an Apple silicon Mac is a supported workaround, but it is not a native configuration.

Hatch Support covers the Hatch software within the Windows environment. Performance and stability depend on the Mac hardware, Parallels Desktop edition and virtual-machine configuration. Issues relating to macOS, Parallels Desktop, Windows installation or VM configuration may need to be referred to Apple, Microsoft or Parallels Support.

If you experience an issue that appears to be related to Hatch, contact Hatch Support for investigation and possible escalation.