WHY_CONVERT: EXP → DST
EXP is the native format for Melco and Bernina machines — popular in digitizing studios and specialty embroidery shops. But if you need to send designs to a production facility, contract embroiderer, or multi-head shop, they'll almost certainly need DST. DST is the universal language of commercial embroidery.
ThreadShifter converts EXP to DST in under a second. No software, no account, no limits. Upload your Melco EXP design and get a DST file that works on every commercial machine in the world.
PROCEDURE // 3_STEPS
1. UPLOAD YOUR EXP FILE
Drag and drop your Melco EXP file onto the converter, or click to browse. Files up to 50MB accepted. Works with any EXP file — Melco Amaya, Bravo, Bernina Deco, or any EXP-format embroidery design.
TROUBLESHOOTING: If upload fails, check the file extension is .exp and the file isn't corrupted. Some digitizing software adds proprietary headers to EXP files — ThreadShifter handles these transparently.
2. SELECT DST AS TARGET
Choose "DST (Tajima)" from the format selector. DST is the most universally compatible format — it works on Tajima, Barudan, SWF, Happy, and virtually every commercial machine.
PRO TIP: DST doesn't store hoop size metadata. Make sure your production facility knows the intended hoop dimensions.
3. DOWNLOAD & SEND TO PRODUCTION
Click "Convert & Download". Your DST file is ready instantly. Send it to your production facility, upload to your multi-head machine, or share with a contract embroiderer.
TROUBLESHOOTING: Most commercial machines read DST from USB or direct network transfer. Check with your production facility for their preferred file delivery method.
WHAT DST GIVES YOU THAT EXP DOESN'T
| Feature | EXP | DST |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Compatibility | ||
| Thread Color Info | ||
| Multi-Brand Machine Support | ||
| Commercial Production Ready | ||
| Compact File Size | ||
| Machine-Specific Settings | ||
| BEST FOR | Melco & Bernina Studios | Multi-Brand Production |
REAL_USER_SCENARIOS
SCENARIO 1: Digitizer Sending to Production
"I digitize on a Melco Amaya and export my designs as EXP files. When I send designs to my manufacturer for bulk production, they need DST — their Tajima multi-heads don't read EXP. ThreadShifter converts in seconds so I can deliver the right format immediately."
✓ THREADSHIFTER SOLVES THIS
SCENARIO 2: Contract Embroidery Service
"I run a contract embroidery service with Tajima machines. Clients sometimes send me EXP files from their Bernina or Melco setups. I use ThreadShifter to convert them to DST before loading them on my production line. Zero friction for my clients."
✓ THREADSHIFTER SOLVES THIS
SCENARIO 3: Selling Designs to Commercial Shops
"I design embroidery patterns on Melco equipment and sell them online. Most commercial buyers need DST format. ThreadShifter lets me offer both EXP and DST versions without any additional software or manual conversion steps."
✓ THREADSHIFTER SOLVES THIS
COMMON_USE_CASES
- • Converting Melco Amaya EXP designs for Tajima multi-head production
- • Adapting Bernina Deco EXP files for commercial embroidery facilities
- • Sending digitized designs from Melco studios to contract embroiderers
- • Creating DST versions of EXP designs for multi-brand machine compatibility
- • Preparing EXP designs for trade show or production vendor submission
- • Converting between Melco and Tajima formats in mixed-machine shops
UNDERSTANDING_THE_FORMATS
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 settings. EXP files are commonly created by professional digitizing software like Wilcom and Pulse. Melco machines (Amaya, Bravo, EMT) and Bernina Deco machines read EXP natively.
FILE EXTENSION: .exp • USED BY: Melco, Bernina
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 including Tajima, Barudan, SWF, and Happy. 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
COMPATIBLE_COMMERCIAL_MACHINES
ThreadShifter outputs DST format, the universal standard read by every commercial embroidery machine. Here are the leading brands:
TROUBLESHOOTING_GUIDE
COLOR DATA LOST AFTER CONVERSION
This is expected. DST files do not store thread color information — they only contain stitch coordinates. After conversion, your commercial machine will assign default colors. Use your machine's color palette to assign the correct threads. The stitch data itself is preserved perfectly.
MACHINE-SPECIFIC SETTINGS LOST
EXP files can store Melco-specific settings like needle bar assignments and hoop compensation. DST is a simpler format that doesn't support these. If your design relied on special Melco features, you may need to reconfigure these on your target DST machine.
DESIGN NOT LOADING ON COMMERCIAL MACHINE
Re-download the file first. If it still fails, the original EXP may contain unsupported stitch types. Check the DST file size — if it's extremely large, the design may exceed the machine's memory capacity. Most modern commercial machines handle DST files up to several hundred thousand stitches.
STITCH COUNT MISMATCH
DST uses a different stitch encoding method than EXP. The total stitch count may appear different on your DST machine's display, but the actual stitch data is preserved. This is a display difference, not a data loss issue.
FILE NAME ISSUES ON COMMERCIAL MACHINES
Some commercial machines have strict file naming requirements. Keep DST filenames under 8 characters (plus .dst extension) for maximum compatibility with older Tajima and Barudan machines. Avoid special characters and spaces in filenames.
WHAT_YOU_GET_WITH_THREADSHIFTER
- Instant Conversion: EXP to DST in under 2 milliseconds
- Stitch-Perfect Output: Every stitch preserved in universal DST format
- Universal Compatibility: Works on every commercial machine (Tajima, Barudan, SWF, Happy)
- Production Ready: Clean DST output optimized for multi-head machines
- 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