An image file is not a stitch file
This is the most common mix-up. A JPG, PNG, PDF or even a vector AI file describes what a design looks like. An embroidery file describes how to sew it: the position of every needle point, the stitch types, the order shapes are sewn in, and where the machine should stop to change color or trim thread.
You can't convert one into the other by changing the file extension or running it through a free converter. Getting from artwork to a stitch file is what embroidery digitizing is. Once a design has been digitized, though, converting it between embroidery formats is routine.
The common machine formats
Most formats are tied to a machine brand. These are the ones we're asked for most often:
| Format | Typically used by | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| DST | Tajima and most commercial multi-head machines | The closest thing to a universal format. Stores stitches and commands but not true thread colors. |
| PES | Brother and Baby Lock | Very common on home and small-business machines. Stores color information. |
| EXP | Melco and some Bernina machines | Common in commercial shops running Melco equipment. |
| JEF | Janome | Used across Janome's embroidery machines. |
| VP3 | Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff | Newer format for these brands; stores color information. |
| XXX | Singer | Used by many Singer embroidery machines. |
Machines and software change over time, and many newer machines read more than one format. Treat the table as a starting point and check what your own machine accepts.
Why DST files don't show your colors
DST is the standard in commercial embroidery, but it doesn't store real thread colors. It only tells the machine when to stop for a color change. When you open a DST file, the colors you see are often defaults chosen by the software, which can be confusing if you were expecting your brand colors.
That's why a good digitizer sends a thread color chart with the file. It lists each color stop in order, so the operator knows which thread to load at each step. Formats like PES and VP3 do store colors, but a chart is still useful when you're matching specific thread brands.
How to find out which format you need
- Check the machine's manual or spec sheet. It will list the file types it reads.
- Look at files that already work. If you've stitched designs before, check the extension of those files on your USB stick or in your software.
- Ask your embroiderer. If someone else is stitching your order, ask them. They'll know straight away.
- Still not sure? Ask for DST plus your machine's brand format. Most commercial shops can run DST.
We deliver DST, PES, EXP, JEF, XXX, VP3 and others on request, and you can have several formats from one order at no extra cost.
Converting between formats
Once a design is digitized, exporting it to another machine format is usually safe, because the stitches themselves don't change. Things to watch for:
- Converting is not resizing. Changing the format keeps the size the same. Changing the size by more than about 10–15% is a different matter and can cause density problems. Ask for a file at the new size instead.
- Colors may not carry over. Converting from DST to a color-aware format won't magically recover the right colors. Use the color chart.
- Hoop size still applies. A file that fits a large commercial hoop won't fit a small home machine hoop, whatever the format.
Machine files vs working files
The formats above are machine files: the finished instructions a machine runs. Digitizing software also has its own working or source format, which keeps the shapes and settings editable. Machine files are what you need to stitch. If you think you'll want major edits later, it's worth asking your digitizer what they can provide and whether edits to an existing design are included.
Quick checklist before you order
- Confirm the format your machine or embroiderer needs.
- Know the stitched size you want, because formats don't change size.
- Ask for a color chart with DST files.
- Request every format you might need in the same order.
Next step: our guide to preparing your logo for digitizing covers what to send along with your format.
Need a file in the right format?
Tell us your machine and send your logo. We'll digitize it and include every format you need at no extra cost.
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