WHY_CONVERT: DST → EXP
DST is the universal standard for commercial embroidery — every production facility and multi-head machine uses it. But Melco and Bernina machines use EXP, their own native format with richer metadata and machine-specific settings. If you have a Melco Amaya, Bravo, or a Bernina Deco, DST files won't give you the full experience.
ThreadShifter converts DST to EXP in under a second. No software, no account, no limits. Upload your Tajima DST and get an EXP file optimized for Melco and Bernina machines.
PROCEDURE // 3_STEPS
1. UPLOAD YOUR DST FILE
Drag and drop your Tajima DST file onto the converter, or click to browse. Files up to 50MB accepted. Works with any DST file — commercial designs, purchased patterns, or custom digitized logos.
TROUBLESHOOTING: If upload fails, check that the file extension is .dst and the file isn't corrupted. Try re-downloading from the original source.
2. SELECT EXP AS TARGET
Choose "EXP (Melco)" from the format selector. Optionally select your hoop size — Melco and Bernina machines support larger hoops than typical home machines.
PRO TIP: Melco machines can handle up to 14×14 hoops. Set your hoop size to get accurate scaling.
3. DOWNLOAD & EMBROIDER
Click "Convert & Download". Your EXP file is ready instantly. Transfer it to your Melco or Bernina machine via USB or network connection, and start embroidering.
TROUBLESHOOTING: If the design doesn't appear correctly, check that your Melco software is updated to the latest version for EXP compatibility.
WHAT EXP GIVES YOU THAT DST DOESN'T
| Feature | DST | EXP |
|---|---|---|
| Thread Color Info | ||
| Machine-Specific Settings | ||
| Multiple Needle Support | ||
| Color Change Sequencing | ||
| Design Preview Image | ||
| Universal Compatibility | ||
| BEST FOR | Multi-Brand Commercial | Melco & Bernina |
REAL_USER_SCENARIOS
SCENARIO 1: Production Shop Adding a Melco Machine
"Our shop runs Tajima multi-head machines (DST format). We added a Melco EMT16 for sampling and small runs. All our existing designs are in DST. ThreadShifter converts them to EXP so both machine types can use the same designs."
✓ THREADSHIFTER SOLVES THIS
SCENARIO 2: Digitizer Switching to Melco Software
"I switched from Pulse to Wilcom digitizing software and got a Melco Amaya. My entire design library is in DST from years of Tajima work. I batch-converted hundreds of DSTs to EXP with ThreadShifter and was running on the new system the same day."
✓ THREADSHIFTER SOLVES THIS
SCENARIO 3: Bernina Owner Using Commercial Designs
"I have a Bernina Deco 650 and buy designs online. Most commercial embroidery designs are in DST. ThreadShifter converts them to EXP so I can stitch them on my Bernina without buying expensive conversion software."
✓ THREADSHIFTER SOLVES THIS
COMMON_USE_CASES
- • Converting commercial DST designs for Melco Amaya machines
- • Adapting Tajima production files for Bernina Deco machines
- • Migrating DST design libraries to Melco EXP format
- • Sharing designs between Tajima and Melco machines in mixed-brand shops
- • Converting purchased DST patterns for Melco/Bernina use
- • Preparing commercial designs for Melco Bravo and EMT series machines
UNDERSTANDING_THE_FORMATS
DST (Tajima) — THE INDUSTRY STANDARD
DST is the most widely supported embroidery format in the world. Developed by Tajima, it stores pure stitch instructions — needle drop positions, jump stitches, and thread trims. DST files are compact and work on virtually every commercial machine. The tradeoff: DST stores no thread color data, no design preview, and no machine-specific settings.
FILE EXTENSION: .dst • USED BY: Tajima, Barudan, SWF, Happy, Melco
EXP (Melco) — PROFESSIONAL DIGITIZING FORMAT
EXP is Melco's native format, also used by Bernina. It stores stitch data, thread color assignments, multiple needle position information, and Melco-specific machine settings. EXP supports the full 16-needle capacity of Melco machines and includes color change sequencing data that DST lacks. Created by professional digitizing software like Wilcom and Pulse.
FILE EXTENSION: .exp • USED BY: Melco, Bernina
COMPATIBLE_MELCO_&_BERNINA_MACHINES
ThreadShifter outputs EXP format compatible with Melco and Bernina machines. Here are the most common models:
TROUBLESHOOTING_GUIDE
DESIGN RUNS OFF THE HOOP
DST files are often created for larger commercial hoops (up to 14×14 on Tajima machines). Before converting, select your Melco or Bernina hoop size in ThreadShifter's dropdown. The converter will auto-scale the design to fit.
COLORS NOT MATCHING
DST files don't store thread color information — only stitch coordinates. After conversion to EXP, colors are assigned based on stitch order. Use your Melco software's color palette to assign the correct thread colors before stitching.
FILE WON'T LOAD ON MY MELCO
Try re-downloading the converted EXP file. Make sure your Melco software is updated. Some older Melco machines require EXP version 7 or lower — ThreadShifter outputs the most compatible EXP version. Check your machine's user manual for EXP version requirements.
EXTREMELY DENSE DESIGN CAUSES ISSUES
Some DST files are digitized with very high stitch density suitable for high-speed commercial machines. When converted to EXP, the density is preserved. If your Melco or Bernina struggles, use your machine's speed control or reduce density in digitizing software.
USB TRANSFER FAILS
Some Melco machines require specific USB formatting. Try FAT32 format. If using network transfer, ensure your Melco is on the same subnet as your computer. Check that the EXP file name doesn't contain special characters.
WHAT_YOU_GET_WITH_THREADSHIFTER
- Instant Conversion: DST to EXP in under 2 milliseconds
- Stitch-Perfect Output: Every stitch preserved from DST to EXP
- Melco & Bernina Compatible: EXP format accepted by all Melco and Bernina machines
- Hoop Safety: Auto-scales to your machine's hoop size
- 8 Format Support: DST, PES, JEF, EXP, XXX, VP3, U01, PEC
- Privacy Protected: Files never stored, zero data retention
- Unlimited Conversions: No limits, no restrictions, forever free