File Formats
What is a PES embroidery file?
PES is the embroidery file format used by Brother and Baby Lock machines, from home models like the PE800 and SE2000 to Brother's PR multi-needle range. Unlike DST, a PES file stores thread colors from Brother's palette, so the machine shows each color on screen. The design must also fit your machine's hoop.
PES (Brother) at a glance
| Created by | Brother (PE-Design software) |
|---|---|
| Read by | Brother and Baby Lock home and multi-needle machines; some Bernina Deco models |
| Thread colors | Stored (Brother thread palette) |
| Common hoop limits | 4"×4" (SE600/SE630), 5"×7" (PE800, PE900, SE2000), larger on high-end and PR models |
| Loading | USB stick, direct USB cable, or wireless on newer models |
What's inside a PES file
A PES file contains the stitches plus the thread color for each color stop, the design's size and name, and (depending on the version) extra information for Brother's PE-Design software. Your machine reads the stitch section and shows the colors on screen as it sews.
Hoop size matters
The most common reason a PES file "won't open" on a home machine is that the design is bigger than the machine's largest hoop. A design that's 5.5" tall won't load on a 4"×4" machine. Tell us your machine model and we'll size the design to fit, or split it if it's too big.
Check your manual for exact limits. Some models' hoops are slightly smaller than their nominal size.
| Brother SE600 / SE630 / SE700 | 4"×4" max |
|---|---|
| Brother PE800 / PE900 / SE1900 / SE2000 | 5"×7" max |
| Brother PR multi-needle (e.g. PR680W, PR1055X) | Up to about 8"×12" (model dependent), plus cap frames |
Loading PES files onto your machine
- Download the PES from your order email and unzip it if needed.
- Copy it to a USB stick (FAT32 formatted). Some older machines prefer the file at the top level, not in a folder.
- Insert the stick, go to the embroidery menu and choose the USB icon.
Our Brother machine guide has more model-specific tips.
Get a PES of your logo or photo
We hand-digitize your artwork and deliver a PES sized for your hoop, with colors mapped to Brother threads, within 24 hours. From $20.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Still have a question? Email orders@digitizingdelight.com and a digitizer will answer, usually within an hour.
Why won't my Brother machine read my PES file?
The usual causes are: the design is larger than your hoop, the file is inside a zipped folder, or the USB stick isn't FAT32. Some older machines also need the file at the top level of the stick.
Can I convert PES to DST?
Yes. Stitches convert cleanly. We include both PES and DST with every order.
Do Baby Lock machines use PES?
Yes. Baby Lock machines are built on Brother platforms and read PES files.
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