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What do you do if you need an embroidery design in a different file format?
Convert it, of course!
Thankfully, converting embroidery machine file formats from one machine file format to another is often straightforward.
And, there are so many free embroidery file format converters!
Check out my five favorites below.
Table of Contents
Converting Image Files vs. Converting Machine Files
Before you get too excited about how easy it is to convert files, it’s important to know what you can and cannot convert.
Converting an image file (.jpg, gif, .bmp, .png, etc.) to an embroidery file cannot be done with basic embroidery file conversion software. The reason is that image files don’t contain stitch information, which embroidery machines need to work.
To convert image files, you need an embroidery digitizing program or a high-end embroidery machine with onscreen auto-digitizing and editing capabilities.
Thus, this article does not focus on converting pictures to embroidery files but rather on changing embroidery files from one type to another.
Types of Machine Embroidery Files
Also, not all embroidery files are created equal, and conversion from one type of file to another might not always yield good results.
Here’s a quick overview of embroidery file format types so you can understand the limitations.
1. Native Files (aka Design, All-in-One, or Outline Files)
Native files are created and edited in your specific embroidery software. Examples include EMB (Wilcom), ART (Bernina), and JAN (Janome).
These design files contain the most extensive design information of all file types and can be scaled without decreased design integrity and converted to any other format without information loss.
However, most embroidery machines cannot read native design files, so you must first convert or export the design to a machine file.
2. Machine Files (aka Stitch Files)
Machine embroidery file formats are specific to different brands of embroidery machines. Examples include JEF, PES, HUS, and XXX for Janome, Brother, Husqvarna, and Singer, respectively.
Machine files are less information-rich than native files as they don’t contain object information. As such, there are limitations to how much scaling you can successfully do within your software.
Now, you can convert machine files from one format to another (for example, to a PES file from a JEF file), but always spot-check after conversion. If you have a native file format of a design, instead opt to convert this type for more consistent results.
Also, converting a machine file to the more complex native file type isn’t perfect by any means.
Your software may attempt to recreate the object properties, but you won’t have as much control over a design converted to a native file as you would a design that was created first in a native file format.
A Note About DST Files
DST files (Data Stitch Tajima) are an old file format that most embroidery machines can read. They are even less complex than machine files and don’t contain thread color information.
You can convert a DST file to your machine-specific file if you’d like, but the machine file will still not contain color information.
FREE Machine Embroidery File Converters
When I mention machine embroidery file format conversion from here on out, I’m referring to converting one embroidery file format to another embroidery file format. Basically, saving an already-created embroidery file in a different file format with a different extension.
If you already have embroidery digitizing software, you should be able to convert files easily or save newly created designs in various formats.
However, if you don’t have software and accidentally purchased the wrong format of an embroidery design or want to convert to more embroidery file formats than your software supports, here are five free embroidery file format converters online that you can use to get the correct file format.
1. DIME Embroidery ToolShed
Supported Embroidery File Formats: C2S, CSD, DAT, DSB, DST, DSZ, EMD, EXP, HUS, JEF, KSM, M3, PCM, PCS, PEC, PES, PHC, SEW, SHV, SST, T01, T05, TAP, U01 series, VIP, VP3, VP4, XXX, ZHS, ZSK
Created by Designs in Machine Embroidery, ToolShed is native to PC but will run on MAC with their free MAC dimeTRANSLATOR.
You don’t have to provide personal information to download the software, and it doesn’t take up much space on your computer.
What’s helpful about dime Toolshed is it supports a wide variety of embroidery file formats, including some of the more obscure file formats for multi-needle embroidery machines.
And, the free ToolShed software does more than save embroidery designs in different file formats. It also allows users to simulate design stitching, resize designs, filter junk stitches, and change thread colors.
It also has the ability to set a default thread palette so there’s no need for embroidery thread color conversion charts to use your thread brand for all designs.
And, if you check your file folders, you can find a selection of free embroidery designs!
The short, helpful PDF manual is all you need to get started learning to use the software.
The software is part of a more extensive suite of premium embroidery software created by dime, which means if you love the software and want to expand to a digitizing or more specialized software, you can! For instance, adding modules like My Fabric Designer, My Block Piecer, and My Lace Maker. (You can try all these free in the software but cannot save files.)
2. My editor
Supported File Formats: ART, CND, DST, DSZ, DAB, EXP, HUS, JEF, KSM, M3, MLS, NGS, PEC, PES, PCM, PCS, SAS, SEW, SHV, SST, SWF, TAP, TBF, VIP, XXX, and a few others.
Created for PC, my editor is the free embroidery software created by the company Wings Systems.
While not a digitizing embroidery software, in addition to converting embroidery file formats, my editor allows users decent control over the editing of embroidery designs.
Valuable features include aspects such as generating a printable template of an embroidery design, editing stitches, previewing embroidery stitch-outs, exporting an embroidery design to an image file, and resizing embroidery.
Their software’s native file format is .ngs, so be careful when you edit or create new embroidery files that you don’t download in that format. I had accidentally set my software up to save in .ngs format instead of exporting in .pes format, which meant my Brother embroidery machine wasn’t reading any of the designs I was editing.
3. BERNINA ARTlink 9
Supported Embroidery File Format Types: ART, CSD, DST, EMD, EMB, EXP, GNC, HUS, JEF, PCS, PCD, PCM, PCQ, PEC, PES, SEW, SHV, VIP, VP3, XXX
BERNINA ARTlink 9 is a small teaser to their more professional embroidery software.
ARTlink allows embroiderers to open embroidery designs in various formats and export them in just as many.
In addition, other functions of ARTlink include previewing designs, creating templates, and previewing stitch-outs in slow-motion.
What’s great about ARTlink is it can also read .EMB files, which are native to Wilcom products.
Wilcom recently discontinued their free Wilcom TrueSizer software. Thankfully, Wilcom also partners ARTlink embroidery software, and as such, the software can be used as a free replacement for Wilcom TrueSizer.
You must register for the software by creating a Bernina account, giving your email, full name, and location.
Overall, this software is nothing earth-shattering, but it’s free, simple, and easy to use.
4. Ink/Stitch
Embroidery File Format Extensions (Reading): DST, DSZ, EXP, EXY, FXY, JEF, KSM, PCD, PCM, PCS, PHC, PEC, PES, SHV, SEW, VP3, XXX
Embroidery File Format Extensions (Writing): DST, EXP, JEF, PEC, PES, VP3
If you download the open-source, vector-based graphics program Inkscape, you can add the Ink/Stitch extension for embroidery design conversion, customization, and creation.
Ink/Stitch is the best free digitizing software option currently, as it allows users to create embroidery designs from scratch. However, it carries a learning curve if you want to do more than convert embroidery files from one format to another.
Their current list of supported embroidery file formats isn’t as comprehensive as most other programs. Still, inaddition to running on PC, it’s an embroidery file converter for mac operating systems.
I highly recommend giving Ink/Stitch a try if you want to learn to digitize and create your own embroidery designs but have no budget for software.
5. StitchBuddy
Embroidery File Format Extensions (Reading): DST, EXP, JEF, JEF+, JPX, KSM, PCD, PCS, PCQ, PEC, PES, SEW, VP3
File Formats (Write): JEF, DST, EXP, PCS, PEC, PES
One of the best embroidery apps for Mac, iPhone, and iPad only, StitchBuddy converts embroidery designs between the file formats listed above. It performs other embroidery editing functions like thread color management, stitch modifications, and stitch simulations.
There are two versions: StitchBuddy Mac for Apple computers and StitchBuddy HD for iPads and iPhones.
The one caveat of StitchBuddy is file saving and other app features are only free for designs under 1,000 stitches. To save larger designs, you must make an in-app purchase, which is $49.99 for Mac and $9.99 for iPhone or iPad.
Free Trials Worth Checking Out
So, if none of the above programs fit your file conversion needs, here are several software options that might do the trick.
1. WilcomWorkspace Studio
Replacing the free Wilcom TrueSizer, WilcomWorkspace now costs $49/year or $4.08/month and offers basic functions.
There’s a 14-day limited trial where you can examine the software, but unless you plan to use Estimator or other Wilcom products, I recommend just sticking with the above-listed free software, which can do more things.
One big bonus of WilcomWorkspace, though, is it is an online embroidery file converter rather than software downloaded to your device.
2. SewWhat-Pro
SewWhat-Pro is an affordable embroidery editing and customizing software with a 30-day free trial.
What’s excellent about SWP is you can also batch convert large groups of embroidery files in their listed formats.
You can also learn more about this software in my SewWhat-Pro software review!
3. BuzzXplore
BuzzXplore, created by Buzz Tools, is an embroidery management software used to convert design file formats and do other tasks. You can access a 21-free day trial if you’re interested in using it to manage your embroidery files.
4. Embroidery Design Converter
I’ve never needed to explore this embroidery converter tool, but for a free trial and reasonable purchase price of $14.08, you can convert folders and subfolders of embroidery designs at one time.
5. Hatch 3
I use and love Hatch 3 Digitizer, the most complex of Hatch’s four currently available levels. It currently comes with a 30-day free trial where you can export all designs, converted or created, in the format of your choice.
Best Embroidery File Format Converters – Final Notes
There’s no need to invest in expensive embroidery software if you only need to convert embroidery design files from one machine format to another.
These free embroidery file format converters will do the trick in almost all circumstances, so get started resaving your stash of embroidery designs.
Confused about file formats still? Check out this guide for what file types are best for embroidery!
FAQs
How do I convert a file to PES for free? ›
- Launch the PE-Design 7 application. If you don't already have it, download and install the free trial version (See "Resources" section).
- Select "Import" "From File" from the "File" menu.
- Double-click on the file you want to convert. ...
- Select "Save As" from the "File" menu.
- Choose "Brother (. ...
- Click "Save."
- Step 1 – Convert JPG to PNG. Use remove.bg to remove the background of the JPG and save it as a PNG file.
- Step 2 – Convert PNG to SVG. ...
- Step 3 – Import SVG into Inkscape, preview and save as embroidery file.
File Viewer Plus can open PES embroidery files and convert the files to common image formats, such as JPEG, PNG, TIFF, GIF, and BMP. Open PES files without Brother Embroidery or Bernina International software. Try File Viewer Plus for free today!
What file format do embroidery machines use? ›If you only have an embroidery machine but no editing programs, you should use the proper machine file along with a run sheet that contains the color information for each color stop. The most common machine file format is . dst. This works for virtually any embroidery machine.
Can I convert PDF to PES file? ›Can you turn a PDF into a PES file? Youll have to quickly convert your PDF file to a PNG image first, and then use PE-Design to create your PES stitching.
How can I convert files for free? ›- Online-Convert.com. Before you even try your first file conversion on Online-Convert.com, you can quickly check for supported file types. ...
- ConvertFiles. ...
- Convertio. ...
- Zamzar. ...
- FileZigZag. ...
- FreeFileConvert. ...
- File-Converter-Online.com.
In fact, the process of converting JPG to PES is what is known as embroidery digitizing. Yup, the same process that we discussed above, where you get your desired design embroidered onto a specific surface using digitizing software and embroidery machines.
Can you convert a PNG to a PES file? ›Right click on one or more Png file(s) on your desktop and select Convert with Filestar. Type convert to pes in the search box. Press Convert.
Is there a free version of Embrilliance? ›Download Embrilliance software here , and you can use it without paying -- this is called "Express". Embrilliance Express does allow you to use lettering, and save the files which you create. It will not allow you to merge or edit stitch files.
Is Brother PE design free? ›Free for download, free designs, free help/
Does Brother embroidery machine use PES files? ›
pes - A stitch-based file format used by Brother and Babylock embroidery home sewing machines.
What are common embroidery formats? ›dst/Tajima and . exp/Melco formats. These are still in existence today, and almost every embroidery machine, whether in the commercial or home markets, will read one of these two formats.
How do I convert SVG files to embroidery? ›- Get access to a digitizing software.
- Import the SVG file into the software.
- Determine and sort the colors.
- Import the resultant graphics into a new file.
- Stitch.
- Prepare graphics for embroidery artwork.
- Convert SVG to PES.
- Start up Layout & Editing. ...
- Open the image file to covert. ...
- Import the file. ...
- Move the pointer over a handle and while holding down the Shift key and the left mouse button, drag the mouse to reduce the size of the image.
- Click Auto Punch.
- Click Next.
- Click Next.
- Click Finish.
Illustrator is a powerful design tool, and saving files from the design platform to a PES format will make that file compatible for embroidery machines. The PES format works with both small-scale embroidery machines and large, multi-needle commercial machines. It is the standard for nearly every embroidery application.
How do I convert a PDF file to a machine readable format? ›- Step 1: Click "Perform OCR" OCR (Optical Character Recognition) is the process of converting hand-written or pictorial non-editable text into encoded text. ...
- Step 2: Settings for OCR. ...
- Step 3: Read PDF after OCR. ...
- Step 4: Select PDF after OCR.
If you want to make the most of PDFs, Adobe Acrobat DC is unquestionably the best tool for the job. Create PDFs from scratch, edit natively, collaborate through Document Cloud, convert files to just about any format. And this is on almost any desktop or mobile device.
What are free file formats? ›Open formats are also called free file formats if they are not encumbered by any copyrights, patents, trademarks or other restrictions (for example, if they are in the public domain) so that anyone may use them at no monetary cost for any desired purpose.
How do I manually convert file types? ›You can also do it by right-clicking on the unopened file and clicking on the “Rename” option. Simply change the extension to whatever file format you want and your computer will do the conversion work for you.
How do I convert embroidery files? ›- Open your embroidery design.
- Make any changes needed.
- Click the disk icon or from the file menu and choose "save as".
- This opens the saving window so you can choose your saving location (which folder or drive to save to).
- Change the file name if you wish to.
What file format is PES? ›
The PES format is a hybrid embroidery design and embroidery command file format for Brother Industries and Bernina International series of embroidery machines, among others. PES files contain at their core two different parts for two completely different purposes.
How do you digitize a picture for machine embroidery? ›- Step 1: Upload Your Logo to the Digitizing Software. ...
- Step 2: Set Embroidery Design Size. ...
- Step 3: Choose Your Stitch Type. ...
- Step 4: Set Stitch Direction. ...
- Step 5: Set Your Embroidery Thread Colors. ...
- Step 6: Transfer the File to Your Embroidery Machine.
- Step 1: Upload Your Logo to the Digitizing Software…
- Step 2: Set Embroidery Design Size…
- Step 3: Choose Your Stitch Type…
- Step 4: Set Stitch Direction…
- Step 5: Set Your Embroidery Thread Colors…
- Step 6: Transfer the File to Your Embroidery Machine...
You must unzip files to use the designs on your embroidery machine. If the download(s) are already in the correct format for your machine, just copy them directly to your USB stick. To unzip a file, right click on the zipped file and select Extract All.
How do I convert TIFF to PES? ›- Download and install the latest version of Filestar.
- Right click on one or more Tiff file(s) on your desktop and select Convert with Filestar.
- Type convert to pes in the search box.
- Press Convert.
Photoshop cannot create PES files. It is not designed to do this. If you want to create a PES file, you will need to use a different program such as Embird, SewWhat-Pro or Wilcom ES.
Can a PNG file be modified? ›PNG is open format, so you can view and edit these files in a huge range of programs without a license because there's no patent.
Which is better hatch or Embrilliance? ›Generally, I like Embrilliance better for editing stitch files and Hatch for digitizing. Note: Because I'm a digitizer and generally only work with designs I create, I seldom actually work with stitch files. Instead, I'll modify my designs in the program where they were created.
What files can Embrilliance open? ›Convert any design from one format to any of the supported types, which include: Read: ART, CND, CSD, DST, DSZ, EMD, EXP, EXP+, GNC, HUS, JAN, JEF, JEF+, PCM, PCS, PEC, PES, PHC, SEW, SHV, TAP, VIP, VP3, XXX, EMB. Write: CSD, DST, DSZ, EXP, EXP+, HUS, JEF, PCS, PES (v1-9), PCM, SEW, SHV, TAP, VIP, VP3, XXX.
How to make your own design for embroidery machine? ›...
Creating embroidery designs using Embroidery Software
- Use the auto-digitizing function to convert the image into embroidery.
- Manually digitize to create more complex and intricate embroidery designs with full control.
- Combine the two methods.
Can you make your own designs with Brother embroidery machine? ›
Advanced layout and editing
Hundreds of built-in fonts and designs to choose from, or create your own unique embroidery designs or stitches.
The ideal file formats are either Adobe Illustrator files (ai, eps, pdf) or high resolution Adobe Photoshop files (psd, eps, tiff, jpg).
What is the most common embroidery file format? ›Dst is the most common embroidery file format. It works for virtually any embroidery machine. If you only have an embroidery machine but no programs for editing, you must use the proper machine file along with a run sheet that has the color detail for every color stop.
What USB format does Brother embroidery machine use? ›USB Flash drive:
FAT (FAT32) file system will be supported. The USB flash drive formatted with other file system cannot be used.
- Click "Select zip file to convert" to open file chooser. It will list all the PES files in the ZIP archive.
- Click the green "Save" button to save individual pes file to your local drive.
- Download and install the latest version of Filestar.
- Right click on one or more Png file(s) on your desktop and select Convert with Filestar.
- Type convert to pes in the search box.
- Press Convert.
Ink/Stitch is a highly competent free embroidery digitizing software that is offered as an extension of a world-renowned vector graphic software. The platform enables users to create high-quality embroidery files using an open-source drawing tool. It also lets users create precise stitch files using SVG designs.
How do I create a PES file for embroidery? ›ConvertIO is one of several that work well. Simply save your Illustrator file. Open the file in the converter program, select the PES format and click convert. It will generate a new file that is ready for embroidery.
Can SVG be converted to PES? ›Can you convert SVG to PES file format? Yes. SVG is a common graphic file format, whereas PES is a widely used embroidery digitizing file format. The two formats are interconvertible and are typically used in the embroidery industry.
How do I convert an embroidery file to a vector file? ›- Open. In your EmbroideryStudio software open your embroidery . EMB file.
- Select. Select the embroidery. Then click 'Convert Embroidery to Graphics' button (top left)
- Export. Export your new vector design.
- Simple! You have just converted your . EMB file to graphics!
Can you convert a JPEG to a PES file? ›
In fact, the process of converting JPG to PES is what is known as embroidery digitizing. Yup, the same process that we discussed above, where you get your desired design embroidered onto a specific surface using digitizing software and embroidery machines.
What image format is best for embroidery? ›The ideal file formats are either Adobe Illustrator files (ai, eps, pdf) or high resolution Adobe Photoshop files (psd, eps, tiff, jpg).
How do I turn a picture into a machine embroidery design? ›- Start up Layout & Editing. ...
- Open the image file to covert. ...
- Import the file. ...
- Move the pointer over a handle and while holding down the Shift key and the left mouse button, drag the mouse to reduce the size of the image.
- Click Auto Punch.
- Click Next.
- Click Next.
- Click Finish.
The easiest embroidery design software to use for digitizing is Ricoma's Chroma, since it offers automated digitizing features. Chroma is a stand-alone digitizing software software that can export all embroidery files so that you can use it for any machine you have. Like Embrilliance or Wilcom.
How do I digitize my own embroidery designs? ›- Step 1: Upload Your Logo to the Digitizing Software…
- Step 2: Set Embroidery Design Size…
- Step 3: Choose Your Stitch Type…
- Step 4: Set Stitch Direction…
- Step 5: Set Your Embroidery Thread Colors…
- Step 6: Transfer the File to Your Embroidery Machine...
- Pixel-Stitch. A very easy pattern generator, using Pixel Stitch you can quickly upload an image of your choice and convert it into a cross-stitch embroidery pattern. ...
- Stitching Joy. ...
- Stitchboard. ...
- Pic2Pat. ...
- BitFontMaker2. ...
- Ink/Stitch.