What Are Machine Embroidery File Formats, A Complete Guide

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William

Do you know how to communicate with machines to obtain desired embroidery outcomes? The embroidery file format contains instructions for machines to execute their tasks. In this guide, we will explain what machine embroidery file formats are and their categories. This post also explains the importance of using the correct embroidery format in machine embroidery. So, let's find the best file format to work with your embroidery machine.

What is the embroidery file format?

An embroidery file also known as a stitch or digitized file, is designed to send to your embroidery machine. It has the details of all the parameters used by the machine to transform a virtual image into real embroidery. Information it includes:

Where the needle should be for creating stitches
What color to pick
Where to stop and go etc.

Digitized files serve as the machine's language, enabling it to comprehend commands for creating a design. A file format consists of a three-word extension for saving digitized embroidery files. Different embroidery machine brands require specific embroidery file formats. So one format cannot be used universally across all brands.

Examples include DST, PES, EXP, HUS, EXP, XXX, EMB, JEF, etc. DST and PES are the most widely used file formats compatible with various embroidery machine brands.

Categories of file formats:

There are three main formats determined by machine type and usage. Each format type has its benefits and drawbacks.

Expanded File format

A digitized file for a commercial embroidery machine is saved in an expanded file format. Examples include:

.dst
.pes
.exp

For example, here we have a digitized design file.

When we open it in an expanded format, it only has information about stitches.

Drawback:

This file format lacks color information for any stitches. The expansion lacks data on walk or complex fills, making it impossible to represent the shape of the design parts.

Proprietary file format

You can call proprietary file formats brand-specific formats. They store information on color sequences, stitch types, and design components. Examples of proprietary embroidery file format:

.ART (Janome machine)
.DST (Data stitch Tajima)
.TCF (Tajima combined format)
.DSB (Barudan machine)
.DAT (Barudan machine)
.PCM (Pfaff machine)

Such file formats aim to provide users with specialized support in troubleshooting. It ensures smooth machine operation and exceptional end product.

Note: DST and DSB formats are also compatible with BAi embroidery machines.

Machine file format

As the name suggests, machine file formats are confined to specific brands. Also called the machine default format. The file format contains commands that instruct the machine on what to embroider. Instruction includes size, placement, hoop size, number of stitches, thread changes, colors, and stop/start points. For example:

.HUS is a format used for Husqvarna Viking machines.
.JEF is a default format of Janome machine
.XXX is the default format of the Singer embroidery machine
.PES is a default format of brother embroidery machine

A Complete Guide on Machine Embroidery Thread & Their Usage

Other versions include:

.shv- Husqvarna Viking designer 1 machine format

.vip- Husquvarna/ Pfaff machine format

.vp3- Husqvarna/ Pfaff machine format

.vp4- Ptaff embroidery machine file format

.jef+ -Memory craft machine file format

.exp- Melco machine format.

.dsb- Barudan machine format

.tbf- Tajima binary stitch file format

.zsk- Zsk embroidery machine format

.csd- Compatible with pfaff, Singer and Husquvarna viking machines.

Native file format

A digitized file when made and saved into a software format, is called native file format. Your embroidery machine cannot make any changes with this file but the software does. You can keep a copy of digitized details in the native format that requires editing. You can later convert it to an expanded or machine file format for embroidery preparation. Example include:

.JAN (Janome)
.EMB (the embroidery file format used by Wilcom)
.EMD (digitized file format used by Elna Xquisit software)
.DSZ (digitized design file format used by orchids, Wilcom software)
.CND (Melco digitizing software format)

Drawback:

However, the disadvantage is that you are not able to edit a native file that is created by someone else. Your software may lack certain features, resulting in reduced flexibility when working with that file format.

Why does having a compatible embroidery file format matter?

For a lot of embroidery machine models, a variety of file formats also exists. But the first step is to always find the right file format. And reading a specific brand's manual is very helpful for making the right choice. The file format is designed to facilitate easy stitching while maintaining high quality. Let's break into the reason embroidery file formats came into existence.

Quality control over design

The benefit of embroidery file formats is to give you full control over how design will stitch out. You just have to use your digitizing skills including color selection, stitch density, angle and spacing, etc. Your machine always follows that digital path to create a masterpiece. But it is only possible when given commands are readable by your machine.

Hassle-free stitching

Having a compatible file format results in smooth embroidery. As each file format has some limits to store data, you have to be careful. A digitized file format that includes all necessary data, such as stitches, colors, and shapes, simplifies the design process. Using the incorrect file format can lead to misprints in design steps, resulting in alterations to stitch and color order. Therefore, a machine-compatible format ensures trouble-free embroidery.

Enjoy customized embroidery

You can easily make an embroidery file from JPG, PNG, or SVG to dst or per file. This conversion paves a new way to on-demand custom embroidery. You can order custom designs from a reliable website like Emdigitizer and receive a digitized file in your preferred format. It saves time and money while ensuring precision and accuracy.

Also, review a blog for guidance on converting images into embroidery files.

Are embroidery file formats convertible?

Not all embroidery formats are convertible. However, some files require conversion to be stitchable. For example, the DST (stitch-based) file simply contains stitch data. To get it ready for embroidery, export or save it as an EMB file first. It is beneficial to retain both stitch data and color details in one file. We have figured out the following methods that facilitate embroidery file format conversions.

Also, review a blog for guidance on converting image to embroidery file

Using an online file format converter tool
Using Embroidery digitizing software
Outsourcing

Not all online converter tools provide the desired result. You will always be at risk of losing the quality, accuracy, and scalability of the design file. So, the other option left is to invest in high-end embroidery digitizing software. If your budget is limited, outsourcing is a safe alternative.

Emdigitizer provides high-quality digitizing files in whatever format you want. Email us your design in any format (JPG, PNG, Docs, etc.) with your preferred size and turnaround time. And enjoy hassle-free embroidery!

Conclusion

Embroidery file formats are codes or commands in a machine's native language. The machine interprets and executes instructions to produce a tangible design on specified materials. Multiple formats make it easier for users to work with any embroidery machine model.

For inquiries about embroidery file formats or outsourcing conversion, please contact us via email. Also, visit the website and get a free quote for all the mentioned embroidery digitizing services.

FAQs

How to choose a compatible file format for my machine?

The only way to choose the right embroidery file format is to read your machine's manual. For Brother embroidery machines, the appropriate file formats are .dst, .pes, and .phc. (.phc only works if you download the design file from embroidery)

Can I convert one embroidery file format to another?

Yes, but not all embroidery file formats are convertible. You can only convert one machine file format to another. There are both free and paid online converters and digitizing software. Examples of free file format converters are:

Embroidermodder
Wilcom true sizer
My editor
Dime embroidery toolshed
Inkstitch

Paid software is:

Embird
Embrilliance
Filestar (paid tool)

Which embroidery file format stores more data about the design?

A native file format contains all the instructions needed to create a design, unlike an expanded or machine file. The native files are also editable.

What is the compatible format for Zsk and singer embroidery machines?

Zsk machine models are compatible with multiple formats like .zsk, .dst, .cnd, .dsz, and .exp, etc.
Singer machines models support .xxx, .csd, .pcs, .exp, .hus, .dst, .vp3 etc.

Why is DST a common embroidery file format?

DST is a commonly used embroidery format due to its compatibility with multiple embroidery machines. It works with popular machine brands such as Brother, SWF, BAi, Brother, ZSK, Bernina, etc.