Free embroidery file converter
Change DST to PES, PES to DST, EXP, JEF, VP3 and dozens more, right here on this page. No sign-up, no watermarks, and your designs never leave your computer.
- Private. Files are converted on your own device, not uploaded.
- Free. Convert as many files as you like.
- 44 formats. Opens files from almost every machine brand.
Add your embroidery files
Drag your files into the hoop
or
DST, PES, EXP, JEF, VP3, HUS and 38 more
Download your files
Your converted files will appear here as soon as you add them in step 1.
Which embroidery format does my machine use?
Every machine brand reads its own file type. Find yours below, then pick that format in step 2. If your machine is not listed, its manual will name the file type under “embroidery data” or “design files”.
| Machine brand | File format | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Brother, Baby Lock | PES | The most common home format. A few older Brother models and card writers use PEC instead. |
| Bernette | PES, EXP or DST | It depends on the model. Your manual lists the formats it reads. |
| Janome, Elna | JEF | Older Janome models also read SEW, which this tool can open. |
| Husqvarna Viking, Pfaff | VP3 | Older Husqvarna machines use HUS and older Pfaff use PCS; both open here. |
| Singer | XXX | Used by Singer Futura and most Singer embroidery models. |
| Bernina, Melco | EXP | Bernina's own ART files can't be opened here. Save them as EXP in Bernina software first. |
| Tajima, Ricoma, SWF, Happy, Barudan and most multi-needle machines | DST | The industry standard. Barudan also reads U01; Toyota uses 10O and 100, which open here. |
See all 44 file types this converter can open
10O, 100 and Toyota; BRO (Bits & Volts); DAT (Sunstar, Barudan); DSB and DST (Tajima); DSZ and ZXY (ZSK); EMD (Elna); EXP (Melco, Bernina); EXY (Eltac); FXY (Fortron); GT (Gold Thread); HUS and SHV (Husqvarna Viking); INB (Inbro); JEF, JPX and SEW (Janome); KSM, MAX, PCD, PCM, PCQ, PCS, SPX and VP3 (Pfaff); MIT (Mitsubishi); NEW (Ameco); PEC, PES, PHB, PHC and PMV (Brother); STC (Gunold); STX (Data Stitch); TAP (Happy); TBF (Tajima); U01 (Barudan); XXX (Singer); ZHS (Zeng Hsing); plus CSV, JSON and G-code stitch data.
Converting a file is not the same as digitizing it
A converter copies every stitch from one file type to another, exactly where it was. It can't add stitches that were never there, which is why it can't turn a logo or photo into embroidery, and why a design rarely sews well if you stretch it much bigger or smaller.
That job is called digitizing: a person plans each stitch for your fabric and size, sets the density, underlay and pull compensation, and orders the colours so the machine trims less. A well-digitized design sews faster, breaks fewer threads and puckers less.
That's what we do at Indian Digitizer. Send us your artwork and we'll return it ready to stitch in every format you need, including PES, DST, EXP and JEF.
About Indian Digitizer
Indian Digitizer is a family-run embroidery digitizing studio that has been turning artwork into stitch files since 1999. We started with two Pfaff computerized embroidery machines and have since digitized nearly 40,000 designs for left chests, caps, towels, sportswear, jackets and quilts.
Embroiderers, print shops and small businesses in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, South America and Singapore send us their logos and artwork. We also sell ready-made embroidery designs in all the popular machine formats, and you can read what customers say about us on Trustpilot.
We built this converter because our customers kept asking how to open a file on a different machine. It's free for everyone, and if you ever need a design made from scratch, we're happy to help.
Questions people ask
Is this embroidery converter really free?
Yes. There's no sign-up, no watermark and no limit on how many files you convert.
Are my embroidery files uploaded anywhere?
No. The converter runs inside your web browser, so your designs are read and converted on your own computer, tablet or phone. Nothing is sent to us or anyone else, which also makes it safe for customer logos.
Why did the colours change when I converted my DST file?
DST and EXP files only store stitches and the stops between colours, not the thread colours themselves. The converter gives each colour a stand-in from the same default palette Wilcom uses, starting with dark green, blue and red, so you can tell the colours apart. Pick your real thread colours on your machine before you stitch.
Which format should I choose for my Brother machine?
Choose PES. It works on Brother and Baby Lock home machines. If an older Brother machine doesn't show the design, try PEC. The table above lists other brands.
Will the converted design sew the same as the original?
The stitches are copied exactly, so the design sews the same. Some formats store less information than others, though. Converting to DST or EXP drops the thread colours, and a few formats handle trims differently. As with any new file, do a test stitch-out on scrap fabric first.
Can I resize a design while converting it?
Not here, and we don't recommend resizing stitch files by more than about 10%. The density and underlay were planned for the original size, so a stretched design can look gappy and a shrunk one can turn stiff and break needles. For a new size, have the design re-digitized; we do that from $15.
Can I turn a JPG or PNG picture into an embroidery file?
Not with a converter. Turning a picture into stitches is digitizing, and it's done by a person who plans every stitch. Indian Digitizer digitizes artwork at flat rates from $15, usually within 4 hours, and you can download a free sample design to see the quality of our work before you order.
Can this converter open Wilcom EMB files?
No. EMB is Wilcom's editable working file and its layout isn't public. Ask whoever digitized the design for a machine file such as DST or PES, then convert that here.
Does it work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. It works in any up-to-date browser, including Safari on iPhone and iPad and Chrome on Android. Tap “Choose files” to pick designs from your device.