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.xxx file

What is an XXX embroidery file?

An XXX file is the embroidery file that Singer machines read. It holds the stitches, the jumps and trims, and the color stops. An XXX file from Stitch and Threads also stores the exact colors of your design.

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 XXX files?

XXX is the format Singer embroidery machines read.

The name looks odd, but it's simply the file extension: your design arrives as a file ending in .xxx.

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

What's inside an XXX file?

An XXX file holds the stitches, the jumps and trims, and the color stops where the machine pauses for a new thread.

Our XXX files store the exact colors of the design, like our VP3 files. They don't round to a thread chart.

Fewer colors mean fewer stops. Line Art, for example, uses one thread in our sample, so it sews without a single rethread.

Thread colors in our XXX file: The exact colors of the design.

  • 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.
  • ColorsExact colors

How do I turn my art into an XXX 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 XXX

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

Tips for sewing XXX files

  • Count your rethreads.

    Each color is a stop on a single-needle machine. Stitch and Threads shows the number of threads per style, so you can see how many stops to expect.

  • Estimate before you sew.

    Every style shows an estimated sewing time. In our sample badge at 90 mm, it ranges from about 1.5 min (Line Art) to about 13 min (Bold Outline).

  • Clean art, clean stitches.

    Logos, lettering, clip art and line drawings work best. Upload the biggest, cleanest image you have.

  • Test on scrap first.

    A preview is a realistic render, not a sew-out. Sew a test on a scrap of the same fabric and stabilizer.

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

Two real results from our digitizer, with their numbers.
  • 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

  • Stitched render on fabric of a flower sprig sewn as dark green satin lines in one color
    Rendered preview from the stitch file. Not a photo.

    Botanical sprig · Classic · 45 × 107 mm

    2,468 stitches · 1 thread · ~5 min · Tote

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.

XXX file questions

Which machines read XXX files?

Singer embroidery machines read XXX files.

Does an XXX file have colors?

Yes. An XXX file from Stitch and Threads stores the exact colors of the design.

How do I make an XXX file from a picture?

Upload a PNG or JPG to Stitch and Threads, pick a style, and download XXX. Every free account gets 5 free designs, no card.

Why is the format called XXX?

XXX is the file extension of the format Singer machines read. Your download ends in .xxx.

Your AI digitizer

Drop your art. Download XXX.

Try 5 designs free · Free account, no card.

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