Digitizing
Embroidery file formats explained: DST, PES, EXP, JEF and more
Most commercial embroidery machines (Tajima, Barudan, SWF, Ricoma, Happy) use DST. Brother and Baby Lock home machines use PES. Janome uses JEF, Melco uses EXP, Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff use VP3, and Singer uses XXX. Your machine manual lists the formats it reads.
Format chart
| Format | Machines | Stores thread colors? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DST | Tajima and most commercial multi-needle machines | No — color changes only | The industry standard for production |
| PES | Brother, Baby Lock | Yes | Most common home/hobby format |
| EXP | Melco, some Bernina | No — color changes only | Common on Melco commercial machines |
| JEF | Janome | Yes | |
| VP3 | Husqvarna Viking, Pfaff | Yes | Replaced the older HUS/VIP formats |
| HUS | Older Husqvarna Viking | Yes | Legacy |
| XXX | Singer | Yes | |
| PEC | Brother (older) | Yes | Usually embedded inside PES |
| ART | Bernina | Yes | Bernina’s native format |
| EMB | Wilcom software | Yes | Editable source file, not a machine format |
Machine files vs source files
There are two kinds of embroidery files:
Machine (stitch) files — DST, PES, JEF, EXP and the rest. They contain stitch coordinates and color changes. They’re what you load into the machine, but they’re hard to edit: resizing more than about 10–20% changes the density and often ruins the result.
Source (object) files — such as Wilcom EMB. They store the design as editable shapes with stitch settings. A digitizer can change size, text or density cleanly and re-export any machine format.
If you’re likely to reorder a design in different sizes, ask your digitizer whether they keep the source file. At PatchLogix we keep yours on file, so resizes and format changes are quick.
Why DST doesn’t show your colors
DST records when the machine should change color, not which color. That’s why DST designs open in rainbow colors on screen. Your digitizer should send a thread chart or preview image showing the intended colors — we include one with every file.
Can I convert between formats?
Yes, with embroidery software — but converting a stitch file only translates stitches; it doesn’t improve them, and conversions can lose color information or trim commands. The safest option is to have the digitizer export the format directly from the source file.
Which format should I ask for?
- Check your machine manual, or the file types listed on its USB screen.
- Tell your digitizer the machine brand and model.
- If you run multiple machines, ask for every format you need — reputable digitizers include them at no charge.
Every PatchLogix digitizing order includes DST, PES, EXP, JEF, VP3, HUS, XXX, PEC, CND and EMB (on request).
FAQ
What is a DST file?
DST (Data Stitch Tajima) is a stitch file format created for Tajima machines that is now read by almost all commercial embroidery machines.
Can a Brother machine read DST files?
Many Brother models can read DST, but PES is their native format and keeps color information, so PES is recommended.
Can I open a PES or DST file on my computer?
You need embroidery software or a free embroidery file viewer to see the design. Standard image programs can’t open them.