How to open and check a DST file for free (no software needed)

To open a DST file without embroidery software, use a free browser viewer. Go to the free DST viewer, open the file, and you can watch it sew stitch by stitch and check its stitch length, density and hoop fit. It's free, there's no sign-up, and the file isn't uploaded anywhere.

What a DST file stores (and what it doesn't)

DST is Tajima's stitch format, and most commercial machines read it, including Tajima, Barudan, Ricoma and SWF. It's a list of needle moves: each stitch is stored as a short step from the last needle position, along with jumps, color stops and an end mark. A small header holds the design name, stitch count and size. Our DST format guide has the full detail.

Two things follow from this. First, any colors you see in a DST viewer are stand-ins. The file only says "change color here", not which thread. Second, a DST is finished stitches, not editable shapes, so resizing it changes stitch length and density. A common rule of thumb is to scale a stitch file by no more than about 10 to 20%; for bigger changes, go back to the artwork. Each single move in a DST is also limited to 12.1 mm (0.48 in) in each direction, so longer moves are split into several jumps.

How to open a DST file in your browser

1. 1

   Open the viewer

   Go to the DST viewer in your browser. There's nothing to install and no account to create.

2. 2

   Choose your DST file

   Open the .dst file from your device. It's read in your browser and isn't uploaded anywhere, so you can check customer files without sending them to anyone.

3. 3

   Watch it sew

   Play the design and watch it build up stitch by stitch. Check the order: background shapes first, details and outlines on top, and no stray moves across open fabric.

4. 4

   Count the color stops

   The viewer shows the number of thread changes. Compare it with the thread list that came with the file: a design that uses 4 threads once each has 3 changes. If the numbers don't match, ask the sender before you thread up.

5. 5

   Check stitch length

   Stitches over about 7 mm (0.28 in) can snag on garments that are worn and washed. If the check flags long stitches, find where they are before you sew a customer's order.

6. 6

   Check density

   Thick spots, where layers of thread pile up, can pucker fabric or break needles. Look closely at overlaps and small text.

7. 7

   Check the hoop fit

   The viewer shows the stitched width and height and the smallest common hoop the design fits: 4×4 in, 5×7 in, 6×10 in or 8×12 in. Commercial machines often have larger frames, so check your machine's sewing field if it's bigger than that.

What to check before you sew someone else's DST

• Size. The width and height match the order. A typical left chest logo is about 90 mm (3.5 in) wide.
• Colors. The number of color stops matches the thread sheet.
• Small text. Letters are at least about 6 mm (1/4 in) tall.
• Stitch length and density. No warnings in areas that will be worn or washed.
• Format. Most commercial machines read DST directly. Some home machines do too, but check your manual. If yours prefers PES or JEF, see DST vs PES.

Need a DST from a logo instead?

A viewer opens finished files; it doesn't make them. To turn a logo into a DST, upload it in the SatinSmith studio, set the size and fabric, and watch the stitch-out. When it looks right, unlock the design: one download covers DST and the other 7 formats, and the Free plan includes 3 downloads a month.

Because DST can't carry thread colors, the Threads tab and, once the design is unlocked, the Production sheet give you the color list to hand to the operator. The full walkthrough is in how to turn a logo into an embroidery file.