Reference guide
Embroidery file formats and types explained
Every embroidery machine brand reads its own file format: Tajima uses DST, Brother and Baby Lock use PES, Janome uses JEF, Melco uses EXP, and Husqvarna Viking uses VP3 or HUS. The stitches inside are similar, but the formats store thread colors, hoop sizes and commands differently. When you order from us, every format is included free.
Format finder
Which format does my machine use?
Pick your machine brand, or scan the table. Whatever it reads, it’s included free with every order.
What machine do you sew on?
Choose a brand above to see its file format.
| Format | Machine brands | Stores thread colors? | Typical user |
|---|---|---|---|
| DST | Tajima, Barudan, SWF, Happy, Ricoma and most commercial multi-needle machines | No (color changes only) | Commercial shops |
| PES | Brother, Baby Lock, some Bernina (Deco) | Yes | Home and small business |
| EXP | Melco, Bernina (older models) | No (Bernina uses a companion file) | Commercial and Bernina owners |
| JEF | Janome, Elna and some Kenmore | Yes | Home and small business |
| VP3 | Husqvarna Viking, Pfaff (also HUS and VIP) | Yes | Home |
| XXX | Singer (Futura and others), Compucon | Yes | Home |
| ART | Bernina (native working format) | Yes | Bernina owners |
| EMB | Wilcom software (working file, not a machine format) | Yes, plus objects | Digitizers and shops that edit |
Two kinds of files
Stitch files vs working files
Knowing the difference saves a lot of frustration when a design needs changing.
What your machine reads
Stitch (machine) files
- Your machine reads it directly
- Stores needle positions, trims and color stops
- No shapes behind the stitches, so edits are limited
- Resize only about ±10% before quality drops
Best for: sewing the design
What digitizers edit
Working (object) files
- Stores the shapes, stitch types and settings
- Resize and edit freely; stitches are regenerated
- A machine can’t sew it until it’s exported
Best for: editing, resizing and making new formats
Editing designs in Wilcom or Hatch yourself? Ask us for the EMB working file. It’s included free. Other working formats include PXF (Pulse) and the native Hatch and Embrilliance files.
Converting
Can I convert one format to another?
Yes, and the stitches will survive the trip. But some information may not: DST has no thread colors, so converting DST to PES gives you default colors that you’ll need to set. Some formats also carry hoop information that a machine will check.
It’s always cleaner to export each format from the original working file, which is what we do.
Starting from a JPG or PNG instead? Read how to convert an image to an embroidery file.
How we do it
Colors, trims and hoop info right in every format.
File-to-file conversion
Thread colors are lost; you set them by hand.
Go deeper
Format and machine guides
File formats
DST files (Tajima)
The universal commercial format. Stitches and commands, but no thread colors.
Read the guide PESPES files (Brother & Baby Lock)
Brother and Baby Lock's format. Stores colors, used by most home machines.
Read the guide EXPEXP files (Melco & Bernina)
Melco's expanded format, also read by many Bernina machines.
Read the guide JEFJEF files (Janome)
Janome's home and multi-needle format, which includes colors and hoop codes.
Read the guideMachine brands
Brother embroidery machines
PES files, hoop limits and USB loading tips for PE800, SE-series and PR machines.
Read the guideJanome embroidery machines
JEF files with the right hoop code for Memory Craft, Skyline and MB-4/MB-7.
Read the guideTajima commercial machines
DST files tuned for Tajima multi-head production: trims, pathing and cap files.
Read the guideFAQ
File formats FAQs
Still have a question? Email digitizingdelight@gmail.com and a digitizer will answer, usually within an hour.
What is the most common embroidery file format?
DST is the most widely accepted commercial format, because nearly every multi-needle machine can read it. For home machines, PES (Brother and Baby Lock) is the most common.
Do I have to pay extra for different formats?
Not with us. Every order includes all the formats you need.
Can I open an embroidery file on my computer?
You need embroidery software or a free viewer. Brother, Janome and others offer free viewers, and there are free third-party options. We also send a PDF preview with every file, so you can see it without special software.
Send your logo. Get a file that sews right.
Free quote within an hour during business hours. Stitch files in 24 hours. Pay after you approve the preview.