Abstract: A method and a computer-readable media product are provided to enable controlled access to an embroidery design. The product includes a computer-readable storage medium, on which encrypted data defining the embroidery design is stored. Design specification data on the embroidery design is also stored on the computer-readable storage medium in the clear, i.e., unencrypted form. The design specification data includes information on stitch count, size, and a number of colors embodied in the embroidery design. A user can freely access the design specification data to determine whether to purchase a password to unlock the embroidery design. If so, the user purchases the password, which enables decryption of the encrypted embroidery design into a clear graphic format.