When it comes to embroidery, understanding file formats is just as essential as mastering the art of stitching. Whether you’re an experienced embroiderer or a beginner exploring digitizing, knowing which formats work for vector design and which work for embroidery machines can save you hours of frustration and costly production errors.
Different embroidery software, machines, and design workflows rely on specific file types. Some are meant for editing artwork, while others are designed for machine execution. The key is knowing what each format does — and when to use it.
In this article, we’ll break down the most important embroidery file formats, explain how they’re used, and help you choose the right one for your embroidery business.
Understanding the Difference Between Vector and Embroidery File Formats
Before diving into specific extensions, it’s crucial to understand the difference between vector art files and embroidery machine files.
🔹 Vector Files (e.g., AI, EPS, PDF)
Vector files are editable graphic files used to create, refine, or scale artwork without losing quality. They are not stitch files, but they serve as the foundation for digitizing embroidery designs.
Vector files use mathematical equations to represent shapes, allowing digitizers to easily adjust elements, resize logos, and define stitch paths accurately.
Common vector formats include:
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.AI (Adobe Illustrator)
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.EPS (Encapsulated PostScript)
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.PDF (Portable Document Format, when saved in vector form)
These are primarily used before digitizing, in the design preparation stage.
🔹 Embroidery Files (e.g., DST, PES, JEF, EXP)
Embroidery files, on the other hand, contain stitch data — instructions that tell the embroidery machine where, how, and when to place each stitch.
Unlike vector formats, these files can’t be scaled or edited freely without specialized embroidery software. They are the final output used for machine stitching.
Common embroidery formats include:
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.DST (Tajima)
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.PES (Brother)
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.JEF (Janome)
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.EXP (Melco, Bernina)
The Most Common Embroidery File Formats Explained
Let’s explore the key file formats every embroiderer should be familiar with — from the artwork phase to the production stage.
1. AI (Adobe Illustrator File)
The AI format is the native file type for Adobe Illustrator, one of the most popular vector-based design software tools.
Purpose: Used for creating and editing vector graphics that will later be digitized for embroidery.
Key Advantages:
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Scalable without loss of quality
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Supports layers, gradients, and complex shapes
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Easy to convert into embroidery files via digitizing software
Usage Tip: When sharing AI files with digitizers, always convert text to outlines and remove unnecessary effects to ensure compatibility during digitizing.
2. EPS (Encapsulated PostScript File)
The EPS file is another widely used vector format compatible with most graphic and embroidery digitizing software.
Purpose: Serves as a flexible artwork format that can be imported into embroidery software for digitizing.
Advantages:
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Universally recognized across multiple platforms
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Preserves high-quality vector data
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Ideal for logo and patch design submissions
Usage Tip: Always flatten transparent layers and expand strokes before sending EPS files to your digitizing provider to avoid conversion issues.
3. PDF (Portable Document Format)
Although commonly used for document sharing, PDF files can also contain vector-based artwork suitable for digitizing.
Purpose: Used for sharing artwork previews and scalable vector designs.
Advantages:
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Easy to view on any device
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Can embed both vector and raster graphics
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Secure and lightweight for emailing clients
Usage Tip: Confirm whether your PDF contains vector paths instead of raster images. If it’s only a flat image, it will need to be redrawn before digitizing.
4. DST (Tajima Embroidery Format)
The DST format is one of the most popular and universal machine embroidery file types. It was originally developed by Tajima, one of the leading embroidery machine manufacturers.
Purpose: Contains machine-readable stitch commands including stitch positions, trims, color changes, and needle points.
Advantages:
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Compatible with most commercial embroidery machines
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Simple, compact, and reliable
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Standard choice for professional embroidery production
Limitations:
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Doesn’t store thread color information (colors must be manually assigned)
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Difficult to edit without professional embroidery software
Usage Tip: Always double-check color assignments after loading a DST file into your embroidery software or machine.
5. PES (Brother Embroidery Format)
The PES format is specific to Brother, Baby Lock, and Bernina embroidery machines.
Purpose: Used for home and small business embroidery machines.
Advantages:
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Stores color information
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Easy to preview and edit in compatible software
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Widely supported for small-scale embroidery users
Usage Tip: Keep backup copies in vector format, as PES files are not designed for major resizing or editing.
6. JEF (Janome Embroidery Format)
Developed by Janome, the JEF format is used by Janome embroidery machines and some Elna models.
Purpose: Contains stitch commands, color changes, and machine movement data.
Advantages:
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Includes color data
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Easily editable in Janome software like Digitizer MBX
Usage Tip: Always check color matching when transferring from one software to another, as color libraries may vary.
7. EXP (Melco / Bernina Format)
The EXP format was developed for Melco machines and is now also supported by Bernina embroidery systems.
Purpose: Stores stitch and machine data for embroidery machines.
Advantages:
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Lightweight and efficient
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Suitable for both commercial and domestic machines
Usage Tip: Some machines require a separate color chart file (.INF or .RGB) alongside the EXP file to ensure correct color matching.
8. Other Formats You Might Encounter
• VP3 (Husqvarna / Pfaff)
Used in Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff embroidery machines, this format stores detailed stitch data and color information.
• EMB (Wilcom Native File)
This is the working file format used in Wilcom software. It allows full editing of stitches, underlays, and densities before exporting into machine formats like DST or PES.
• ART (Bernina Native File)
Bernina’s proprietary editable file format used within Bernina software suites for embroidery design creation and modification.
Why Understanding File Formats Matters
Every embroiderer — from hobbyist to professional — benefits from knowing how file formats work. Here’s why:
1. Avoid Compatibility Errors
Not all machines read the same files. Sending a DST file to a Brother machine (which uses PES) may result in errors or misalignment.
2. Ensure Design Accuracy
Proper conversion maintains stitch density, pathing, and alignment — crucial for crisp embroidery results.
3. Save Time and Money
Understanding formats prevents rework or communication delays with digitizing companies.
4. Improve Workflow Efficiency
Digitizers, embroiderers, and clients can all stay on the same page when artwork and stitch files are correctly formatted.
Tips for Managing Embroidery File Formats
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Always Keep a Master Vector File (AI or EPS)
This allows for easy resizing or modification before redigitizing. -
Use Conversion Software Wisely
Tools like Wilcom, Hatch, or Pulse can convert between formats but may alter stitch details if not configured correctly. -
Label and Organize Files Clearly
Use clear naming conventions, e.g., “CompanyLogo_LeftChest_DST.dst” to prevent mix-ups. -
Back Up All Files
Store both vector and stitch files in cloud storage or external drives to avoid data loss. -
Avoid Over-Editing Machine Files
If changes are needed, always return to the digitized source (EMB) file rather than editing the final DST or PES file directly.
Vector to Embroidery: The Conversion Process
The journey from AI or EPS to DST or PES involves digitizing, a specialized process where an expert assigns stitch types, direction, and density manually.
At 360 Digitizing Solutions, expert digitizers convert artwork files into accurate machine-ready embroidery files compatible with Tajima, Barudan, Brother, and other machines — ensuring precision, clean stitch-outs, and professional results.
Final Thoughts
Understanding embroidery file formats empowers you to communicate clearly with digitizers, operate machines efficiently, and achieve better-quality stitch-outs.
From vector-based formats like AI, EPS, and PDF to machine-ready ones like DST, PES, and EXP, every file serves a unique purpose.
Knowing when and how to use them helps you avoid costly errors and ensures flawless embroidery every time.
Mastering these file types is the key to mastering embroidery production — where creativity meets precision.
