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.
Which format does my machine use?
| Format | Machine brands | Stores thread colors? | Typical user |
|---|---|---|---|
| DST | Tajima, Barudan, SWF, Happy, Ricoma, 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 / HUS / VIP | Husqvarna Viking, Pfaff | 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 |
Stitch files vs working files
There are two kinds of embroidery files, and knowing the difference saves a lot of frustration:
- Stitch (machine) files such as DST, PES, EXP and JEF store needle positions and machine commands. The machine reads them directly. They can't be edited or resized much without losing quality, because the shapes behind the stitches aren't saved.
- Working (object) files such as EMB (Wilcom), PXF (Pulse) and the native formats of Hatch or Embrilliance store the shapes, stitch types and settings. Editing and resizing happens here, and new stitch files are generated from them.
If you plan to edit designs in Wilcom or Hatch yourself, ask us for the EMB working file. It's included free.
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.
Format guides
DST files (Tajima)
The universal commercial format. Stitches and commands, but no thread colors.
Learn morePES files (Brother & Baby Lock)
Brother and Baby Lock's format. Stores colors, used by most home machines.
Learn moreEXP files (Melco & Bernina)
Melco's expanded format, also read by many Bernina machines.
Learn moreJEF files (Janome)
Janome's home and multi-needle format, which includes colors and hoop codes.
Learn moreMachine brand guides
Brother embroidery machines
PES files, hoop limits and USB loading tips for PE800, SE-series and PR machines.
Learn moreJanome embroidery machines
JEF files with the right hoop code for Memory Craft, Skyline and MB-4/MB-7.
Learn moreTajima commercial machines
DST files tuned for Tajima multi-head production: trims, pathing and cap files.
Learn moreFAQ
Frequently asked questions
Still have a question? Email orders@digitizingdelight.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.