The machine trace run is used to verify the placement and size of the embroidery on the fabric before the actual sewing begins. After activating this function, the embroidery hoop with the hooped fabric starts to move and traces the exact outer boundaries of the selected design, without the needle sewing. The user thus gains a clear idea of how much area the embroidery will cover and whether it is correctly placed, for example, on a shirt collar. This way, collision of the needle with the hoop or incorrect placement of the design can be prevented. For this function, the term 'trace' is also sometimes used, meaning to outline or follow a path.