Confused about DST, PES, JEF or EXP files? We have compiled this guide to explain every aspect of embroidery file formats and teach you how to choose the right one for your machine!
Have you ever opened up a folder of embroidery files, only to find dozens of three-letter extensions? You're not alone - anybody who has worked with embroidery digitizing, or even a home machine, has run into the upsetting situation where an embroidery file wasn't compatible with their design software or embroidery machine!
The reason for this is simple: different software uses different embroidery file formats. These file formats are typically proprietary to specific manufacturers, meaning you may run into difficulty trying to open a file not intended for your software or machine.
This guide aims to explain what embroidery file formats are, give an overview of the different file formats such as DST, PES, EXP, JEF, or VP3, and explain how to choose the right one for your needs. We will also cover other important topics relating to file formats and embroidery. This guide is intended for anybody with an interest in machine embroidery or custom patches.
What Are Embroidery File Formats?
An embroidery file is not a picture file - it contains information for your machine to follow in order to recreate an image with thread. Every embroidery file has to contain instructions for the following:
- Needle movement
- Color changes
- Density of stitches
- Placement of stitches
The process of creating an embroidery file is commonly referred to as digitizing. It is essentially giving your embroidery machine a recipe of how to recreate a design with thread.
You may think of it as a recipe - an embroidery file is like a recipe that tells your machine what to do. The different file formats are simply different recipes that tell Tajima, Brother, Janome, or other sewing machines how to replicate the design.
Why File Format Actually Matters
The file format is extremely important - using the wrong file or a poorly converted file can lead to poor results! Different file formats can lead to the following issues:
- Misplaced stitches
- Poor or mixed color changes
- Inappropriate density leading to puckered or loosely stitched fabric
- Files that your machine won't read or has issues reading
In most cases, especially for cap embroidery, 3d puff embroidery or custom patches production, file format mishaps lead to wasted time and resources.
DST File Format (Tajima)
The DST file format is one of the most widespread commercial embroidery file formats out there. DST files were originally exclusive to Tajima machines, but today they are used across the industry and are compatible with most commercial embroidery machines out there.
There are several reasons why DST file formats are useful for commercial embroidery digitizing:
- They are compatible with most commercial or industrial machines
- They are widely accepted by digitizing services that sell embroidery designs
- They do not include color information (numbers dictate when to change colors)
The third reason might raise some questions - most people would assume that embroidery files would include color information, not numbers! DST files, however, do not store color information as numbers - they dictate when to change colors, and you will usually need a text file or chart that indicates what color corresponds to what number.
If you run a commercial embroidery shop, or have commercial-grade machines at your disposal, DST file formats are right up your alley.
PES File Format (Brother)
The PES file format is the native file format for all Brother sewing machines. This means it is one of the most common file formats out there for home use, and a popular choice for digitizing services.
PES file formats are great for simpler home designs and logos - most people who work with them have no issues using them with the babylock (sister company to brother) embroidery software. If you want to sell embroidered home items or logos on etsy, you can't go wrong with a PES file format!
Another major pro for PES file formats is that they usually store color information as colors, not numbers - unlike many other file formats.
EXP File Format (Melco/Bernina)
The EXP file format is another major file format that is usually reserved for commercial embroidery digitizing. It used to be exclusively used for Melco machines, however, it is sometimes used in other commercial shops as well.
Similar to DST file formats, EXP file formats dictate colors as numbers, not colors. This means that you may need to include a text file or chart that dictates what number corresponds to what color.
If you want to digitize files in EXP file format, make sure to double check your machine's compatibility before doing so. While it might not be used as often as DST file formats, EXP file formats are sometimes preferred in semi-commercial shops that use Melco machines.
JEF File Format (Janome)
Janome machines use JEF file formats. They are similar to PES file formats in that they dictate colors as colors, not numbers. There is another file format called JEF+ that is used for larger Janome hoops.
JEF file formats work well for most home embroiderers, and most digitizing services will be able to recognize them.
VP3 File Format (Husqvarna Viking/Pfaff)
VP3 file formats are used by Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff embroidery machines. They are one of the more modern file formats out there, and dictate colors as colors rather than numbers. This makes them great for intricate details such as small lettering.
While VP3 file formats are not as common as the other file formats out there, they are a good choice if you want to create or use files with intricate details.
Other Common Formats You Might Run Into
Other than the major file formats outlined above, there are several other file formats that you might come across if you work with specific machines or digitizing services.
- Format What It's Used For
- XXX Singer machines
- HUS Some older Husqvarna machines
- VIP Older Pfaff machines
- SEW Janome or Elna machines
- ART Bernina embroidery software
It is unlikely that you will run into these file formats very often however, knowing what they mean is a good first step to recognizing them!
How to Choose the Right Format
Let's summarize the previous section with a convenient guide on what to look for in an embroidery file:
Who Should Use It What to Look For
- Tajima or commercial multi-head machines DST file formats, which are widely used and accepted
- Brother or Babylock (home) PES file formats, which store colors directly
- Melco or Bernina EXP file formats, which are typically used for commercial embroidery
- Janome JEF file formats, which are compatible with Janome-specific machines
- Husqvarna Viking or Pfaff VP3 file formats, which are typically used for newer Viking machines
If you are using an embroidery digitizing service, make sure to specify what type of machine you have so that they can give you the appropriate file formats. Most digitizing services will be able to provide multiple file formats, so ask around and choose the option that works best for you.
Converting Between Embroidery File Formats
In some cases, you might want to use one file on a different machine - or even software! There are many online services that allow you to convert between file formats for free. Unfortunately, there are also many pitfalls that come with file conversion, outlined below:
- File conversion utilities rarely adjust stitch density or other important settings
- Some file formats dictate colors as numbers while others dictate them as colors
- It is usually best to have separate files digitized for each machine or software
When it comes to logo digitizing, it is best to start with a file that has been digitized specifically for your machine, rather than trying to convert between file formats.
Common Mistakes People Make with Embroidery Files
Some mistakes tend to occur more often than others when it comes to working with new embroidery files. Below are some of the biggest mistakes that people tend to make when working with embroidery file formats:
- Thinking that all file formats are compatible with all machines
- Not knowing what to do with the color charts that sometimes come with DST or EXP files
- Using automatically generated files for logos, only to be disappointed with the final result
- Not testing a sample design before using a file for a larger embroidery project
- Not double checking that the hoop size is appropriate for the file
As a beginner, it is always good to test a design on a smaller piece of fabric before investing the time and resources into a larger embroidery project - especially if you are using an embroidery digitizing service. This lets you spot potential issues before it is too late!
Machine Embroidery Files and Custom Patches
Files for machine embroidery aren't the only ones that need to be specially formed - files for custom patch embroidery also need special considerations. When it comes to patches, there are two types: iron on patches and sew on patches. Both require different settings in order to achieve the best results.
In terms of making patches, most commercial patches are made on multi-head machines using DST file formats. There are several additional considerations to keep in mind when dealing with patch embroidery:
- Make sure that the file includes instructions for borders or merrowed edges if you want them;
- Consider the fill density for smaller patches;
- Pay extra attention to color separation if you are working with multi-thread patches.
One important consideration for custom patch embroidery is 3D puff embroidery - it requires special underlay and pull settings that can only be achieved with specially programmed machines.
FAQs
1. What is the most common embroidery file format?
DST is the most common embroidery file format, as it is compatible with most commercial machines.
2. Can I convert a PES file to DST?
Yes, there are several online tools that allow you to convert between file formats. With that said, it is usually best to have files digitized separately for each machine.
3. Which embroidery file format is best for Brother machines? Brother machines use PES file formats.
4. Do embroidery files include thread colors?
It depends on the file format - some dictate colors as numbers while others dictate them as colors.
5. What format do embroidery digitizing services typically use?
Most embroidery digitizing services use DST file formats by default, although many offer other formats upon request.
6. Can one embroidery file work on multiple types of machines?
Not directly - each brand of machine has its own file format.
7. What is the best file format for cap embroidery?
It depends on your machine, but DST file formats are commonly used for commercial cap embroidery.
8. Why does my embroidery file look wrong after I converted it?
File conversion utilities often mess with stitch density and other settings - it is best to have files digitized specifically for a machine rather than converted.
9. Do I need separate files for 3D puff embroidery?
Yes, you do - 3D puff embroidery requires special underlay and pull settings that file conversion utilities are not designed for.
10. What file format should I request for a logo digitizing project?
Ask the digitizing service for a file format recommendation, or request DST file formats if you are unsure.
Conclusion
And that's a wrap! By now, you should have a better understanding of embroidery file formats, including major file formats such as DST, PES, EXP, JEF, and VP3, as well as an overview of how to choose the right file format for your machine!. We hope this guide was helpful in explaining why different file formats matter to different machines, and how that affects your embroidery projects.
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