The Complete Guide to Embroidery File Formats
Everything you need to know about machine embroidery formats
Understanding Embroidery File Formats
Machine embroidery uses specialized file formats to store design information. Unlike regular image files (JPG, PNG), embroidery files contain stitch-by-stitch instructions that tell the machine exactly where to place each needle drop, what color thread to use, and how to move between design elements. Understanding these formats is crucial for anyone working with machine embroidery.
Why Are There So Many Formats?
Each embroidery machine manufacturer developed their own proprietary format optimized for their equipment's specific capabilities. This fragmentation creates challenges for embroiderers who need to use designs across different machines or share files with others. That's where file conversion tools like ThreadShifter become essential.
The Major Embroidery File Formats
DST - Tajima (Industry Standard)
Who uses it: Commercial embroidery machines, professional digitizers, production facilities
Characteristics: DST is the universal language of embroidery. It contains pure stitch data without color information, making it the most widely-compatible format. Almost every commercial machine can read DST files. File sizes are typically small and efficient.
Best for: Commercial production, sharing designs universally, professional embroidery services, multi-brand machine shops
PES - Brother
Who uses it: Brother and Baby Lock home embroidery machines
Characteristics: PES files are rich with information including stitch data, thread colors, design metadata, and Brother-specific settings. They're larger than DST but contain everything needed for home embroidery including on-screen previews.
Best for: Brother PE/SE/Innovis machines, home embroidery, designs with detailed color information
JEF - Janome
Who uses it: Janome and Elna embroidery machines
Characteristics: Janome's native format optimized for their machines. Includes full design data, colors, and Janome-specific features like automatic thread cutting and fabric type settings.
Best for: Janome Memory Craft, Skyline, Horizon series machines
EXP - Melco
Who uses it: Melco and Bernina commercial embroidery machines
Characteristics: Professional format for commercial production. EXP files are common in apparel decoration, promotional products, and commercial embroidery businesses.
Best for: Commercial production, professional digitizing, Melco/Bernina equipment
Other Formats
- XXX (Singer): Used by Singer Futura machines
- VP3 (Pfaff): Pfaff and Husqvarna Viking format
- U01 (Barudan): Industrial Barudan machines
- PEC (Brother): Older Brother format, simplified PES
Choosing the Right Format
The format you need depends on your embroidery machine:
- • Home Brother machines: Use PES
- • Commercial/Multi-brand shops: Use DST (universal)
- • Janome/Elna machines: Use JEF
- • Melco/Bernina commercial: Use EXP
- • Pfaff/Viking machines: Use VP3
Common Conversion Challenges
One of the biggest challenges in machine embroidery is file compatibility. You might receive a design in DST format but own a Brother machine that needs PES. Or purchase a design in PES but need it for your Melco commercial machine. Many embroidery software packages cost hundreds of dollars just for basic conversion capabilities.
ThreadShifter solves this problem completely for free. Convert between any supported formats instantly without expensive software, complicated installations, or technical knowledge.
File Format Best Practices
- • Always keep original files as backups before converting
- • Test converted files on your machine before production
- • Use DST for maximum compatibility when sharing
- • Check file size limits for your specific machine model
- • Preview designs in embroidery software when possible
- • Keep a library organized by machine format
The Future of Embroidery Formats
While the industry has long hoped for a single universal standard, machine manufacturers continue to use proprietary formats to optimize for their equipment's unique features. This means file conversion will remain essential for the foreseeable future. Tools like ThreadShifter make cross-platform embroidery work seamless and accessible to everyone.
Convert Any Embroidery Format
Support for all major formats - DST, PES, JEF, EXP, and more
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