DST embroidery files: the Tajima format explained, and how to make one
DST is the file almost every commercial embroidery machine reads. Here's what's inside it, what it leaves out, and how to make one from a logo.
File formats
Embroidery file formats
Your machine reads one of these. Every SatinSmith download includes all eight, so you never have to convert between them.
| Format | Machines | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| DST | Tajima, Barudan, Ricoma, SWF and most commercial machines | DST guide |
| PES | Brother, Baby Lock, Bernette | PES guide |
| JEF | Janome, Elna | JEF guide |
| EXP | Bernina, Melco | EXP guide |
| VP3 | Husqvarna Viking, Pfaff | VP3 guide |
| XXX | Singer | XXX guide |
| U01 | Barudan | U01 guide |
| PEC | Older Brother and Baby Lock | PEC guide |
PES embroidery files: what they are and how to make one
PES is the format Brother, Baby Lock and Bernette machines read. What it holds, how to make one from a logo, and how to get it onto your machine.
JEF files for Janome and Elna: what they hold and how to make one
JEF is the format Janome and Elna embroidery machines read. What's in it, why the machine checks your hoop, and how to make one from a logo.
EXP embroidery files for Bernina and Melco: a practical guide
EXP comes from Melco commercial machines and is read by Bernina machines too. What it holds, what it leaves out, and how to make one.
VP3 embroidery files for Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff, explained
VP3 is what current Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff embroidery machines read. What it stores, which older formats it replaced, and how to make one.
XXX embroidery files for Singer machines: what they are and how to make one
XXX is Singer's embroidery format. What it is, how to make one from a logo or lettering, and what to check when a Singer won't load it.
U01 files: Barudan's embroidery format, and when DST does the job
U01 is the native format for Barudan commercial machines, which also read DST. What's in it, which one to choose, and how to make one from a logo.
PEC embroidery files: the older Brother format inside every PES
PEC is Brother's older stitch format, and a copy of it normally sits inside every PES file. When you'd still use one on its own, and how to make it.
Not sure which to pick? Read DST vs PES vs JEF, or open a DST in the free DST viewer.