Embroidery File Formats Explained

Look, I get this question a lot. Someone buys a design and they're like wait, which file do I open? Fair question. Heres the breakdown of all 8 formats I include with every design I sell.

What you actually get

When you buy a design, the zip has all of these. So no matter what machine you have, one of them will work for you.

  • DST - The classic. Tajima format. Most commercial machines read this. If you're using a Brother PR series or anything thats not strictly home-use, DST is probably what you want.
  • PES - Brother home machines. Innov-is, SE, NS series. Also Babylock and Bernina sometimes. This is the most common home format.
  • JEF - Janome. Memory Craft series mainly. If you have a Janome you already know.
  • HUS - Husqvarna Viking. Designer series, Topaz, Sapphire.
  • VP3 - Newer Viking and Pfaff. The successor to HUS for newer machines.
  • EXP - Melco and Bernina. Some Singer machines too.
  • XXX - Singer. Specifically the older Compucraft and similar lines. Not super common anymore but still around.
  • CND - Melco Condensed. Older format but a few setups still use it.

Which one should I use

If you dont know what format your machine takes, look up the model online or check the manual. Most modern machines have it printed somewhere on the front or in the menu when you go to load a design.

If you're stuck Ill help you out. Just send me your machine model and I'll tell you which file to use.

Why all 8

I dont want anyone buying a design and then realising they cant use it. So I include every format I can. Costs me nothing extra and it means whoever buys it can actually stitch it out.

Frequently asked questions

Which embroidery format do I use for a Brother machine?

For Brother home machines like the Innov-is, SE and NS series, use the PES file. For Brother PR commercial machines, DST works.

What format does a Janome machine use?

Janome machines, mainly the Memory Craft series, read the JEF file.

How do I know which format my machine needs?

Look up your machine model or check the manual. Most machines show the format on the front or in the load-design menu. If you are stuck, send us your model and we will tell you which file to use.

Why do you include all 8 formats?

So whatever machine you have, one of the files will work. Every design ships with CND, DST, EXP, HUS, JEF, PES, VP3 and XXX at no extra cost.

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