What is an embroidery file format?

An embroidery file is a machine-readable stitch sequence that tells an embroidery machine exactly where to put each stitch, in what order, what stitch type, what color, and where to trim. Unlike a vector logo (.ai, .eps, .svg) that describes shapes, an embroidery file describes physical stitches. The machine can't read a logo — it needs the stitch file.

DST is a widely supported commercial embroidery stitch format associated with Tajima systems. Machine and software compatibility vary, so ask the production partner which format and version they prefer.

EXP is used with Melco and other compatible embroidery workflows. Stored information and production results depend on the software, machine, export settings, and operator review.

JEF (Janome Embroidery Format) is the native format for Janome home and semi-commercial machines. JEF files include color information that DST doesn't. If you're embroidering on a Janome MB-4, MB-7, or similar machine, JEF is the right format.

PES (Brother Embroidery System) is the native format for Brother and Babylock home embroidery machines. PES includes color and design information. PES files are the most common home-embroidery format on the consumer market — but commercial shops typically convert PES to DST for production.

Which file format should I send my embroidery shop?

Ask the production partner which format, version, color information, and source assets they need for the exact machine and workflow.

Can I just send a JPG or PNG of my logo?

A shop may accept a JPG or PNG as source artwork, but it usually must create or obtain a compatible stitch file before production. Digitizing price and terms vary.

Do I get to keep the digitized embroidery file?

Ownership, retention, access, delivery, portability, reuse, and repeat-order terms vary. Require a written agreement that states each term before paying for digitizing.

How-To

Embroidery File Formats Explained: DST, EXP, JEF, PES

A working technical guide to embroidery stitch file formats — what each one does, which machines use them, and how to know your file is right.

Bighorn Threads Team8 min readMay 9, 2026

Commercial embroidery machine reading a DST stitch file with thread cones loaded

What an Embroidery Stitch File Actually Is

An embroidery machine doesn't see your logo. It sees a sequence of instructions:

Move the needle to coordinate (X, Y).
Drop the needle, lay a stitch.
Move to next coordinate.
At stitch #1,247, pause and wait for thread color change.
At stitch #2,930, trim and jump to next location.

The stitch file contains production instructions. Stitch count and supported file formats depend on the exact design, software, machine, and production partner. Confirm the required format before approval.

For the upstream side — turning a logo into a stitch file in the first place — see our logo digitizing 101 guide.

DST: A Widely Supported Commercial Format

Format: Tajima Data Stitch (.dst)

Origin: Tajima — the dominant commercial embroidery machine maker.

What it stores: Stitch coordinates, stitch types (running, satin, fill), color change stops, jump stitches, trim commands.

What it doesn't store: Specific thread colors. DST stores "color stop" markers but the operator picks the actual thread.

Many commercial embroidery systems support DST natively or through conversion. Compatibility, commands, color handling, and output still depend on the software, machine, export, and operator review.

EXP — Melco Native

Format: Melco Expanded (.exp)

Origin: Melco — Denver-based commercial embroidery machine manufacturer.

What it stores: Everything DST does, plus more granular trim and color information specific to Melco's Acti-Feed thread tensioning system.

Melco's Amaya, EMT, and Bravo X commercial machines run native EXP. Most Melco shops also accept DST and convert. The difference in output between native EXP and converted DST on a Melco machine is small but noticeable on tight-tolerance work.

JEF — Janome Native

Format: Janome Embroidery Format (.jef)

Origin: Janome — Japanese sewing and embroidery machine maker.

What it stores: Stitch data plus specific color references mapped to Janome thread color codes.

JEF is the native format for Janome home and semi-commercial machines (MB-4, MB-7, Memory Craft series). Janome multi-needle setups in small commercial shops use JEF natively. Most don't accept DST without conversion.

PES — Brother Native

Format: Brother Embroidery System (.pes)

Origin: Brother and Babylock home embroidery lines.

What it stores: Stitch data plus thread color information mapped to Brother's color library.

PES is the most common home-embroidery format. Brother PE-series and Babylock machines are the dominant home-machine brands, so the format proliferated. Brother's PR-series commercial machines also accept PES, but most professional shops use DST for commercial production and PES only for home-machine work.

Format Quick-Reference Table

Format	Native Brand	Stores Color?	Universal?
DST	Tajima	Color stops, not fixed thread colors	Widely supported
EXP	Melco	Yes (Melco palette)	Most commercial accept
JEF	Janome	Yes (Janome palette)	Janome only natively
PES	Brother / Babylock	Yes (Brother palette)	Brother + some commercial

Other Formats You'll See

EMB — Wilcom, the dominant digitizing software. EMB is the working/source format with full design data. Most shops digitize in EMB and export to DST for production.
VP3 / VP4 — Husqvarna Viking / Pfaff home machines.
XXX — Singer Futura.
HUS — older Husqvarna Viking format.
SEW — Janome legacy format, predecessor to JEF.
VIP — older Viking format used on some Pfaff machines.

What to Send Your Shop

If your shop already digitized your logo, ask what format they kept. If you're sending a logo for first-time digitizing, send the highest-quality vector you have — see our vector logo file setup guide.

After digitizing:

Request the agreed delivery files. Confirm format, version, access method, and machine compatibility in writing.
Ask about the editable source. Source-file availability and portability depend on the software and partner agreement.
Document every file term. Ownership, retention, access, delivery, reuse, changes, and repeat-order fees vary. Require a written agreement.

Embroidery digitizing in Las Vegas

Bighorn Threads coordinates logo digitizing and embroidery through selected production partners. Confirm format, ownership, retention, access, delivery, reuse, and repeat-order terms in writing.

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