File formats
Embroidery file formats: which one does your machine need?
Your machine brand decides your format. DST is for most commercial multi-needle machines. PES is for Brother and Baby Lock, JEF for Janome, EXP for Bernina, VP3 for Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff, and XXX for Singer. Stitch and Threads makes all 6 from one upload.
Last updated · The Stitch and Threads team
Real results, on real products
SampleTiger mascot
Classic
9,273 stitches · 5 threads · 50 mm wide
SampleSurf sunset badge
Bold Outline
14,105 stitches · 5 threads · 90 mm wide
SampleHappy bee
Soft & Light
4,567 stitches · 5 threads · 90 mm wide
SampleRose monogram
Classic
7,515 stitches · 3 threads · 90 mm wide
Mockup: our rendered stitches on a product photo, at true size. Sample designs, not customer work.
At a glance
Which machines read which embroidery format?
| Format | Machines | Thread colors in our file | Typical users |
|---|---|---|---|
| DST | Most commercial multi-needle machines: Tajima, Melco | No thread colors. Only color stops: the operator chooses the thread for each needle. | Embroidery shops, uniform makers and sellers with multi-needle machines |
| PES | Brother, Baby Lock | The nearest color from Brother's thread chart. | Home embroiderers and small home businesses with Brother or Baby Lock machines |
| JEF | Janome | The nearest color from Janome's thread chart. | Home embroiderers with Janome machines |
| EXP | Bernina | No thread colors. Color stops only. | Home embroiderers with Bernina machines |
| VP3 | Husqvarna Viking, Pfaff | The exact colors of the design. | Home embroiderers with Husqvarna Viking or Pfaff machines |
| XXX | Singer | The exact colors of the design. | Home embroiderers with Singer machines |
Our files are in the format each of these machines reads. Machines and fabrics vary, so do a test sew-out on scrap fabric before a real job.
Find yours
Which file does my machine need?
Pick your machine brand.
Your format appears here.
The basics
What is an embroidery file?
An embroidery file is a set of instructions for the needle. It isn't a picture: it lists every stitch, every jump (where the needle travels without sewing), every trim (where the thread is cut) and every color stop (where the machine pauses or changes needle).
That's why you can't simply rename a picture to .dst or .pes. Someone, or something, has to decide how each shape is stitched: that's digitizing.
How do the formats store thread colors?
The biggest difference between formats is color. Our DST and EXP files hold no colors, only the stops: someone at the machine chooses each thread. Our PES and JEF files use the nearest color from Brother's or Janome's thread chart. Our VP3 and XXX files store the exact colors of the design.
Can I get more than one format of the same design?
Yes. Stitch and Threads makes all 6 from the same upload. Downloading a design again, in any style or format, is free.
Questions people ask
Which format does my machine need?
DST for most commercial machines (Tajima, Melco), PES for Brother and Baby Lock, JEF for Janome and Elna, EXP for BERNINA and Melco, VP3 for Husqvarna Viking and PFAFF, and XXX for Singer.
Does DST store colors?
No. A DST file has color stops only: the operator chooses the thread for each needle. Our EXP files work the same way. PES and JEF use the nearest color from the brand's thread chart, and VP3 and XXX store the exact colors.
Can I download more than one format?
Yes. Downloading the same design again, in any style or format, is free.
Will the file fit my hoop?
Choose a width that fits your hoop. Common home hoops are about 4×4 in (100×100 mm), 5×7 in (130×180 mm) and 6×10 in (160×260 mm). Check your machine's manual.
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