Embroidery file formats by machine
Embroidery machines read different file types. DST is the most widely supported on commercial machines, PES is used by Brother and Babylock, and JEF is used by Janome.
| Format | Machines | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DST | Tajima and most commercial machines | Industry standard. Stitch data only, no thread colors. |
| DSB | Barudan | Barudan commercial format. |
| DSZ | ZSK | ZSK commercial format. |
| EXP | Melco and Bernina | Common on Melco commercial machines. |
| PES | Brother and Babylock | Includes thread colors. Very common on small machines. |
| JEF | Janome | Janome home and small commercial machines. |
| SEW | Janome and Elna | Older Janome and Elna machines. |
| HUS | Husqvarna Viking | Older Husqvarna Viking machines. |
| VP3 | Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff | Newer Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff machines. |
| PCS | Pfaff | Older Pfaff machines. |
| EMB | Wilcom software | Editable working file, not a machine file. |
| OFM | Melco software | Editable working file for Melco software. |
| CND | Melco | Melco condensed format. |
Check your machine manual if you are not sure. We can supply any format listed here.
Which embroidery file format should I choose?
Choose the format your machine reads. If you are unsure, DST works on most commercial machines. Brother machines use PES and Janome machines use JEF.
Can you convert my design to another format?
Yes. Tell us the format you need in the order form.
Send your artwork and get a free quote
Take a photo or choose a file. We reply by email with a price before any work starts.