Sales of Kaleidoscope Kreator and all companion products ended on October 31st, 2019 (more info). If you have an unused prepaid download card for one of our products, it is still valid and can be redeemed here.

If you need a new download for a previously-purchased item, see below.

We are still currently providing (e-mail only) product support to existing Kaleidoscope Kreator customers. If you are having an issue and cannot find a solution in the FAQs below, please submit your question via our Technical Support page.

If you still have the download instructions e-mail that we sent you, try clicking on the download link again. If the link has expired, it will automatically redirect you to a web form where you can request a new download for that item (or all of the items in a multiple-item order).

If you didn't make a backup and you don't have your original download instructions e-mail, you can use our Technical Support page to request new downloads for your purchased items. Please include any information (order numbers, old e-mail addresses, name changes, etc.) that might help us locate your records in our database.

If nothing happens when you click on the download link (or a blank window briefly appears), try right-clicking on the link and then selecting Save link as to save the file to your hard drive.

You can view recent downloads by pressing <Ctrl+J> in your browser. If it says that the file "can't be downloaded securely", choose Keep or Keep anyway:

If you are using AOL Mail, your default account settings may be disabling the download link. To fix this, click on the link and when you see the Links Are Disabled pop-up, click on Always enable links for this sender:

To make a backup of your download product, copy the setup file that you downloaded (for example, "kksetup_v305A_dl.exe") onto a USB drive or CD, and keep it with a copy of your download instructions.

To reinstall a download product from your backup (or to test that the backup you just made is good), insert the USB drive or CD and use Windows File Explorer to view its contents. Look for the setup file for the product and double-click it (or right-click and choose "Open") to start the installation.

TIP: If you purchased multiple download products, you can copy all of their setup files onto the same backup device.

More information on how to burn a CD can be found on Microsoft's website here.

Yes, our End User License Agreement (EULA) allows you to install your licensed software onto two (2) computers (for example, a desktop and a laptop), as long as both are owned by you and not in use at the same time. The complete EULA can be found here.

Most browsers will save downloaded files to your "Downloads" folder by default. If you're having trouble locating a downloaded file, try opening your browser and pressing <Ctrl+J> to view recent downloads.

If you see an "Error reading setup initialization file" or similar Windows error when attempting to run the setup file, the download may have been interrupted or corrupted during the transfer.

Try the download again, making sure to choose the "Save" option to save the setup file to your hard drive. Then right-click the file and choose "Properties". In the Properties window, you should see a "Digital Signatures" tab listing one or more signatures from Kaleidoscope Collections, LLC.

If the Digitial Signatures tab is not displayed, the download is being corrupted or interrupted before the transfer can complete. Try temporarily disabling any anti-virus or anti-malware programs and then perform the download again. IMPORTANT: Be sure to immediately re-enable these protections when you are done.

If the digital signature(s) are correct, but you still can't run the setup file, select the "General" tab in the Properties window. If there is a note saying "This file came from another computer and might be blocked to help protect this computer", click the "Unblock" checkbox, then click OK.

Older versions of Kaleidoscope Kreator (prior to Kaleidoscope Kreator 3) are not supported on modern Windows platforms.

During installation, you may see compatibility alerts for a component called "Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1". This is a Microsoft component that older versions of KK depend on and will attempt to install if necessary. In some cases you can still proceed with the installation, but do so at your own risk.

Newer computers often do not include an optical drive. If you have the CD version of Kaleidoscope Kreator (or a Template Pack add-on), please use our Technical Support page to request a download replacement. In your request, be sure to include the Name and License Key that came with the CD.

If Kaleidoscope Kreator 3 displays the following message on start up:

This error may occur if you installed a Maintenance Update while KK3 was still running. To fix this problem, re-install the Maintenance Update by following these steps:

1. First, make sure that KK3 is not running. Please note that this problem sometimes leaves a lingering KK3 process running in the background, so you'll need to start the Windows Task Manager, select the Processes tab, and if you see any processes named "KalKreator3.exe" highlight them and click End Process.
2. Now re-install the Maintenance Update by running its setup file again. If you didn't save this file to your hard drive earlier, you can download another copy here.
3. Follow the prompts to complete the re-installation of the Maintenance Update.

The .NET Framework is a common component from Microsoft that Kaleidoscope Kreator (and many other Windows applications) depends upon in order to function correctly. Kaleidoscope Kreator 3 requires .NET Framework 2.0, which is included by default on Windows Vista and Windows 7.

On Windows XP computers, the Kaleidoscope Kreator 3 setup utility checks to see if .NET Framework 2.0 is already installed on your computer, and only installs it as needed.

On Windows 8/8.1 computers, some early versions of the Kaleidoscope Kreator 3 setup utility may require the .NET Framework 3.5, which Windows will download and enable "on demand" via Windows Update.

To redeem a prepaid download card, please click here.

You only need to redeem a prepaid download card once. From that point on, your purchase is recorded in our system. If you need to install your purchased downloads again (and you didn't make a backup), click the "Request New Download" button to request a new set of download links and instructions for that item.

Make sure that you enter both the name and license key exactly as they are shown in your download instructions (or on the label inside the CD packaging). All letters must be entered in UPPER CASE, and there should not be any extra spaces before or after the values you enter:

In addition to Kaleidoscope Kreator itself, each add-on Template Pack also comes with its own name and license key values. The License Verification window will indicate which component is being unlocked - make sure you are entering the name and license key values that correspond to the requested component:

If you purchased Kaleidoscope Kreator 3 or a Template Pack as a Prepaid Download Card, make sure you are entering the License Key shown in your download instructions e-mail, and not the code from the download card.

You may also have license key problems if you installed the KK3 Maintenance Update without first unlocking KK3. In this case, you will need to remove and then re-install KK3:

1. First make sure that you have your KK3 CD (or the downloaded KK3 setup file) handy.
2. From the Windows Control Panel, start "Programs and Features" (or "Add or Remove Programs" on Windows XP) and highlight the "Kaleidoscope Kreator 3.0" entry and click Uninstall (or Remove) to uninstall it.
   
3. Now re-install Kaleidoscope Kreator 3.
4. (Important) Start Kaleidoscope Kreator 3 and enter the name and license key from your CD packaging or download instructions e-mail. You must do this before proceeding to the next step. Then exit Kaleidoscope Kreator.
5. Now download and re-install the KK3 Maintenance Update (you can download another copy here).

On some older Windows computers, you may see the following message after entering the name and license key:

To fix this problem, follow these steps:

1. Exit Kaleidoscope Kreator 3 if it is running.
2. Start Windows File Explorer and navigate to the Program Files folder for Kaleidoscope Kreator. On a 64-bit Windows computer this would typically be:
   
     C:\Program Files (x86)\Kaleidoscope Collections\Kal Kreator 3\
   
   otherwise on 32-bit Windows:
   
     C:\Program Files\Kaleidoscope Collections\Kal Kreator 3\
3. In that folder look for an application file named KalKreator3.exe (it will have a blue-and-pink icon associated with it).
4. Right-click on that file, and in the pop-up menu select Run as administrator. If you see a User Account Control prompt, click "Yes" or "Continue".
5. When Kaleidoscope Kreator starts you should see the License Verification window again - enter the name and license key values to unlock the components.
6. Finally, exit Kaleidoscope Kreator and then start it again as you normally would to confirm that the license information has now been updated.

A label containing a name and license key should be found on the inside of your CD packaging.

We've had occasional reports of missing license labels - if yours is missing, please contact us and we'll send you a new one ASAP.

NOTE: For Kaleidoscope Kreator 2.0 CDs the label should be attached to the Quick Start Guide insert.

Yes, but only if you have the original factory CD for a previous version of Kaleidoscope Kreator. In this case the Kaleidoscope Kreator 3 Upgrade can directly scan and validate that CD to satisfy its upgrade requirement.

NOTE: The following method will not work if your previous KK version was purchased as a download.

• Install the Kaleidoscope Kreator 3 (KK3) Upgrade
• Unlock the KK3 Upgrade with the name and license key for that product.
• Once the name and license key are accepted, it will check your computer for a previous installed version of KK.  When it doesn't find one, KK3 will prompt you for the installation CD for a previous KK version.
• Insert the CD for the previous KK into your CD/DVD drive. Once your computer detects the CD, you may see an "AutoPlay" window or the main menu for the CD.  Close this window, but leave the CD in the drive.
• Now back in KK3, make sure the correct drive is selected (usually there’s only one) and click OK to proceed.  KK3 will then validate the earlier KK CD.
• If you are prompted for the name and license key for that earlier KK version, enter both values exactly as they are shown on the label inside the packaging of that earlier KK CD, then click “Unlock”.

If you are upgrading from a downloaded copy of Kaleidoscope Kreator 2.0, you'll need to correctly install and unlock that earlier version before performing the upgrade. If you didn't make a backup of your KK 2.0 download, please contact us.

If you are having problems unlocking the Kaleidoscope Kreator 3 Upgrade product on a 64-bit Windows Vista computer, please contact us. Some early revisions of the KK3 Upgrade product may not function correctly on this particular Windows Vista platform.

For computers running other versions of Windows, the KK3 Upgrade may not detect the presence of a previous KK version if:

• Your computer has been restored after a disk failure
• Program files from the previous version of KK are missing, renamed or moved
• The previous version of KK was installed without using its setup utility

If you have the original factory CD for a previous KK version, the KK3 Upgrade can directly validate that CD to to satisfy its upgrade requirement. See above for details.

If you are upgrading from a downloaded copy of Kaleidoscope Kreator 2.0, you'll need to correctly install and unlock that earlier version before performing the upgrade. If you didn't make a backup of your KK 2.0 download, or if you have already tried reinstalling KK 2.0 and KK3 still won't recognize it, please contact us.

Yes. Although Kaleidoscope Kreator 3 uses a new format for its add-on template packs, it can convert your existing KK 2.0 Frame Frenzy and Quilters' Polygons template packs to this new format so you can continue to use them.

When you first unlock Kaleidoscope Kreator 3, it will ask if you want to convert earlier template packs. If your KK 2.0 template packs are already installed, clicking "Proceed" will convert them automatically. If you choose to skip this step, you can perform the conversion later by selecting "Tools->Convert Earlier Template Packs..." on the KK3 menu bar.

You can also convert a KK 2.0 template pack directly from its installation CD:

• Insert the CD for the template pack into your CD/DVD drive. Once your computer detects the CD, you may see an "AutoPlay" window or the main menu for the CD.  Close this window, but leave the CD in the drive.
• Start KK3 and select "Tools->Convert Earlier Template Packs...".
• Read the introductory text and then click "Proceed".
• KK3 will attempt to convert Frame Frenzy first, then Quilters' Polygons. Read the title and text of the dialog carefully to make sure it's asking for the correct template pack installation CD. If it's not, click "Skip/Cancel".
• After KK3 validates the installation CD, it will ask you for the name and license key that came with it (found on the label inside the CD packaging). Enter both values exactly as they are shown on the label, then click "Unlock".
• If you see a "User Account Control" prompt, click "Continue".

Once the template pack conversion has completed, you will see the new shapes in the Select Kaleidoscope Shape window (you may need to close and restart KK3 first).

Only partially. Because of the extensive design changes that were made for KK3, we weren’t able to fully support opening KK 2.0 workspaces in KK3.  The image, rotation and shape are retrieved, but the scale and positioning may be incorrect.

The file extension for KK3 workspaces is .kk3.

If your Kaleidoscope Kreator CD and CD packaging do not indicate any version, then you have the original version (also referred to as Kaleidoscope Kreator 1.0).

Here are the cover graphics for the different versions of Kaleidoscope Kreator:

Original

Version 2

Version 3

Kaleidoscope Kreator 3 is supported on Windows 10, Windows 8/8.1, Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP (with SP3 or later) computers*.

Other system requirements:

• 512 MB of RAM (1 GB recommended)
• 45 MB of available hard disk space
• 1024x768 minimum display resolution

  *Does not include Windows RT or Windows 10 Mobile devices

Kaleidoscope Kreator is a Windows-only program. To use Kaleidoscope Kreator on your Mac, you'll need to set up your Mac to run Windows (e.g., by using Boot Camp, Parallels Desktop®, VMWare Fusion® or VirtualBox).

A free maintenance update is available for Kaleidoscope Kreator 3 that addresses a small number of issues that were found since KK3 was initially released.

The latest maintenance update (305570) was released in October 2015.

Click here to download the latest Kaleidoscope Kreator 3 maintenance update

A free maintenance update is still also available for very early versions of Kaleidoscope Kreator 2.0 that includes a number of performance improvements and fixes to known problems.

This maintenance update was released in August 2006. Subsequent versions of Kaleidoscope Kreator 2.0 (build 2.0.1.0 and later) already contain these improvements and fixes.

Click here to download the Kaleidoscope Kreator 2.0 maintenance update

If your template pack CD came in a plastic DVD-style case, or if the CD itself has a copyright of 2008 or earlier, then the template pack was originally for Kaleidoscope Kreator 2.0 and must be "converted" before it can be used with Kaleidoscope Kreator 3.

KK3 has a built-in utility that can perform this conversion directly from the template pack CD. This procedure is described here.

If you are installing a KK 2.0 Quilters' Polygons Template Pack on a computer with Windows Vista or a later version of Windows, you may see an error similar to the following:

If you are installing from a CD and wish to use this template pack with Kaleidoscope Kreator 3, please follow the conversion procedure described here.

Otherwise, please contact us to get an updated version of the Template Pack setup file for use on these platforms.

Embroidery Collections contain digitized kaleidoscope designs for your embroidery machine. Since the designs are already digitized, they can be loaded directly to your machine without needing any digitizing software.

Each Embroidery Collection is available in ART, DST, EXP, HUS, JEF, PES, VIP and VP3 machine formats, and the embroidery designs themselves come in sizes that will fit in a 4-, 5-, 6- or 8-inch hoop.

Our kaleidoscope embroidery designs look great when stitched onto regular fabric, but they have also been specially tailored to enhance kaleidoscopes printed on fabric using Kaleidoscope Kreator 3 (see below).

Each design in an Embroidery Collection is specially tailored to match a shape in the corresponding Template Pack for Kaleidoscope Kreator 3. For example, the designs in the Filigrees Embroidery Collection match the shapes in the Filigrees Template Pack for KK3 (sold separately).

This means you can print a kaleidoscope onto fabric using KK3, put that fabric in your hoop, and then further embellish it with a matching embroidery design. Each Embroidery Collection includes detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to stablize your fabric, design and print your kaleidoscope, position the fabric in the hoop, and stitch the design on top (see "Instructions-For-KK3.pdf" in the downloaded .zip file).

Embroidery Collections contain digitized designs for your embroidery machine. Template Packs add shapes to Kaleidoscope Kreator 3. These are independent products, and are sold separately*

For example, if you purchased the Snowflakes Embroidery Collection, and want to have the same shapes available in KK3, you will need to get the Snowflakes Template Pack as well.

*Some of our retailers may carry prepaid download cards for an "Embroidery Bundle", which includes both an Embroidery Collection and corresponding Template Pack.

Kaleidoscope Kreator 3's help system includes a Getting Started guide that has step-by-step instructions on making your first kaleidoscope, and a Reference Guide with detailed descriptions of each feature. To access the help system, click "Help" on the KK3 menu bar, then select either "Getting Started..." or "Kaleidoscope Kreator Help...".

A printable PDF version of these documents is available here.

The KK3 CD includes a "Quick Start" video that demonstrates basic usage, and a "What's New" video that highlights new features in this latest version of Kaleidoscope Kreator. Both of these videos are also available on our website here.

To find the sample photos on the Kaleidoscope Kreator CD, put the CD in the CDROM drive, then click on the Open Image button in the toolbar on the left and browse to the CD drive. The photos are in the Sample Photos folder on the CD.

The same basic technique is used to find your own photos. Click on the Open Image button and then browse to find your photos on your hard drive.

Windows and Windows Vista are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.