Beta

.exp file

What is an EXP embroidery file?

An EXP file is the embroidery file that Bernina machines read. It holds the stitches, the jumps and trims, and the color stops. An EXP file from Stitch and Threads does not store thread colors: the machine pauses at each color stop, and you choose the thread.

Last updated · The Stitch and Threads team

Real results, on real products

  • Mockup: the tiger mascot sample, stitched in Classic, on a capSample

    Tiger mascot

    Classic

    9,273 stitches · 5 threads · 50 mm wide

  • Mockup: the surf sunset badge sample, stitched in Bold Outline, on a t-shirtSample

    Surf sunset badge

    Bold Outline

    14,105 stitches · 5 threads · 90 mm wide

  • Mockup: the happy bee sample, stitched in Soft & Light, on a toteSample

    Happy bee

    Soft & Light

    4,567 stitches · 5 threads · 90 mm wide

  • Mockup: the rose monogram sample, stitched in Classic, on a poloSample

    Rose 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.

Which machines use EXP files?

EXP is the format Bernina embroidery machines read.

If you sew on a Bernina, download EXP. Because our EXP file has no colors, keep your own color list beside the machine.

Brand names only show which machines read each format. Check your machine's manual for the formats it reads.

What's inside an EXP file?

An EXP file holds the stitches, the jumps and trims, and a color stop at every color change.

Our EXP files store no colors, only the stops. In that way they work like DST: the file says when to change thread, and you decide which thread.

Before you sew, look at the stitched preview in Stitch and Threads and note the colors in order. That list is your thread plan.

Thread colors in our EXP file: No thread colors. Color stops only.

  • StitchesEach needle move, as a short step from the last one.
  • Jumps and trimsWhere the needle travels without sewing, and where the thread is cut.
  • Color stopsWhere the machine pauses or changes needle.
  • ColorsNo (color stops only)

How do I turn my art into an EXP file?

Three steps, in the browser. No software to learn.
  1. 01

    Upload your art

    A PNG or JPG, up to 25 MB. Logos, lettering, clip art and line drawings work best.

  2. 02

    Pick a style and size

    See it stitched in 4 styles, for most designs in about a minute. Choose a width from 10 to 400 mm.

    Sample
  3. 03

    Download EXP

    Pick a style. Downloading uses one of your 5 free designs.

Tips for sewing EXP files

  • Write down the color order.

    The stitched preview shows the colors of your design. Note them in sewing order, because the EXP file won't carry them.

  • Use underlay styles on soft fabrics.

    Classic and Bold Outline sew underlay first: stitches under the visible ones that hold the fabric steady. Soft & Light has none, which makes it lighter.

  • Stretchy fabric pulls more.

    Thread pulls the fabric in as it sews, so shapes are made slightly wider. Our styles use 0.20 to 0.25 mm of pull compensation. Stretchy fabrics usually need more, so test first.

  • Do a test sew-out.

    A preview is a realistic render, not a photo of a sew-out. Thread, fabric, stabilizer and machine all change the result.

What does a design look like before you save it as EXP?

Two real results from our digitizer, with their numbers.
  • Stitched render on fabric of a brown fill coffee cup with satin lettering in brown and gold
    Rendered preview from the stitch file. Not a photo.

    Morning Brew · Classic · 90 × 36 mm

    2,556 stitches · 3 threads · ~5 min · Tee, left chest

  • Stitched render on fabric of a round patch: green fill mountains and a gold sun inside a navy satin ring with arched lettering
    Rendered preview from the stitch file. Not a photo.

    Ridge Line patch · Classic · 90 × 90 mm

    10,295 stitches · 6 threads · ~19 min · Hoodie, chest

A render shows exactly what's in the stitch file. Fabric, stabilizer and your machine still shape the final result, so always run a test stitch first.

These artworks are our own fictional designs, not customer work.

EXP file questions

Which machines read EXP files?

Bernina embroidery machines read EXP files.

Does an EXP file have thread colors?

No. An EXP file from Stitch and Threads stores color stops only. You choose the thread at each stop.

How do I make an EXP file from my logo?

Upload the logo as a PNG or JPG, pick one of the 4 styles, and download EXP. Downloading needs a free account.

Is EXP the same as DST?

They are different formats for different machines. Ours have one thing in common: neither stores thread colors, only color stops.

Your AI digitizer

Drop your art. Download EXP.

Try 5 designs free · Free account, no card.

Drop your artwork

Related formats and pages