Embroidery machine file formats by brand

Which file format does each embroidery machine brand use?

The table gives the short answer for each brand. The format lists come from the machine makers where they publish them, and otherwise from Wilcom's machine format pages, which list the files Wilcom EmbroideryStudio writes for each brand. Supported formats vary by model and software version, so your machine's manual is the final word.

For what each format stores, see the embroidery file formats guide. This page is about the machines.

What file format do Tajima embroidery machines use?

Tajima machines use DST, the format most other commercial brands also read. Wilcom lists two more Tajima formats: TBF (Tajima Binary Format) for machines with needle addressing, and T01 for chenille-enabled Tajima machines. DST stores color-change stops but no thread colors, so a Tajima file should always travel with a color sheet. When a file is set up for a Tajima, the digitizer confirms whether the job needs a chenille or needle-addressed file; for ordinary flat and cap work, DST is the file. Because so many other brands read DST, a Tajima file is also the usual backup to keep for any commercial machine you may send the job to later.

What file format do Barudan embroidery machines use?

Barudan has several of its own formats. Wilcom lists DSB, the U-series files (U03 for the FDR-3 series among them) and T03. Which one your machine wants depends on the model and its controller, and so does DST support, so check the manual before settling on a format for the shop. Like DST, a DSB file carries color stops and needle changes but no color table.

What file format do Brother embroidery machines use?

Brother machines use PES, and Wilcom also lists Brother's PEC. Some Brother models read DST too: Brother's support page for the PR1055X says only .pes, .phc and .dst files can be used on that multi-needle machine. The same page explains that DST has no thread color information, so the machine shows it in Brother's default color sequence. That is why a digitizer sends a PES for Brother work: the machine can then show the intended colors.

What file format do Ricoma embroidery machines use?

Ricoma machines run on formats from other brands rather than one of their own. Wilcom lists two for Ricoma: Tajima DST and Barudan DSB. In practice DST is the one to ask for, because it also works on most other commercial machines if you move a job. As with any DST, keep the color sheet with the file.

What file format do SWF embroidery machines use?

Wilcom lists SWF's own EBD format and notes that SWF machines, like most embroidery machines, also support DST. DST is the practical choice when the same file also has to run on other brands.

What file format do Happy embroidery machines use?

Happy machines use TAP, and Wilcom notes that they also support DST. The EduTech Wiki format notes describe TAP as DST stitch data without the DST header, so neither format carries thread colors.

What file format do ZSK embroidery machines use?

Wilcom lists three ZSK formats: the ZSK TC files (Z-series extensions), T05 and DSZ, and notes that ZSK machines also read DST. Which ZSK format a machine takes depends on its controller, so ask the operator or check the manual. DST is the safe fallback when you are not sure.

What file format do Janome embroidery machines use?

Janome machines use JEF. Janome calls it the default format for all Janome and Elna embroidery machines. Newer models also read JEF+, an editable format that keeps combined designs movable, and JPX, which adds a background image for functions such as cutwork and AcuFil. A JEF stores its colors as Janome thread numbers, so a digitizer sets the colors from the Janome chart, or as close to it as the customer's thread allows.

What file format do Bernina embroidery machines use?

According to OESD, most current Bernina machines read EXP as their native format, in a version called Bernina USB EXP. It comes as three files: the .EXP stitch file, an .INF file with the thread colors and a .BMP picture shown on the machine, and all three must be copied to the USB stick. ART is the format of Bernina's embroidery software: you open it there and save it as Bernina USB EXP for the machine. A plain EXP without the .INF file carries no thread colors.

What file format do Melco embroidery machines use?

Melco machines use EXP, and Wilcom also lists Melco's CND and notes that Melco machines read DST. Melco's own OFM format, used in its DesignShop software, is different: Melco explains that OFM keeps editable outlines and embeds the thread colors, while a DST cannot be turned back into an editable file. If you run Melco software, ask whether an OFM is available as well as the EXP or DST.

What file format do other embroidery machine brands use?

Some brands share formats with the makers above, and a few have formats of their own. The mySewnet format list is a useful cross-check for home and small-business machines:

For any other commercial machine, DST is the usual starting point, but confirm it in the manual before ordering. If a brand is not in this list and you cannot find the manual, tell us the machine model and, if you have one, send a file that already sews on it, so the format can be confirmed before the design is exported.

How does a digitizer set up a file for a specific machine?

The design itself is digitized once, in a working file such as a Wilcom EMB or a Pulse PXF. Each machine file is then exported from that working file. For a specific machine, a digitizer checks:

• Format: the brand format when the machine has one and the job stays in house, DST when the file has to run in several shops. The machine manual decides.
• Colors: formats such as PES, JEF and VP3 can carry thread colors; DST, DSB, TAP and plain EXP cannot, so those files go out with a color sheet.
• Special equipment: chenille, needle addressing and other attachments need the matching format, such as Tajima T01 or TBF.
• Trims and special commands: machine-specific commands such as special trims, sequins or chenille do not always survive a conversion, so a file exported directly for the machine is safer than one converted from another format.
• Caps: cap designs are sequenced from the center outward whatever format they are saved in; see the cap embroidery guide.
• Field size: the design has to fit the machine's embroidery field and the hoop or cap frame being used.
• Older machines: some need an older format, such as HUS on older Husqvarna Viking models.

Converting one machine file into another keeps the stitches but cannot add colors or objects that were never stored. Our free embroidery file converter handles DST, PES and EXP, and the DST file viewer shows a DST's size, stitch count and color stops. When you order from our embroidery digitizing service, every machine format is included with each design, so tell us your brand and model and you get the right file with DST beside it.

Frequently asked questions

Can every embroidery machine read DST?

No, but most commercial machines can, which is why DST is the usual format for sharing files between shops. Home machines vary by model, so check the manual.

Which file format should I ask a digitizer for?

Give the digitizer your machine brand and model. You should get that brand's format, plus a DST as a backup for commercial machines.

Why does my DST show the wrong colors on my machine?

DST stores color stops, not colors, so the machine fills in a default sequence. Set the colors from the color sheet, or use a brand format such as PES or JEF that can carry colors.

Can I use a Brother PES file on a Tajima machine?

Not directly. Tajima machines run DST, so the design has to be saved as DST, ideally exported from the working file. See converting between DST and PES.

Where do I find which formats my machine reads?

In the embroidery or data section of the machine's manual, or on the maker's support site. Formats can differ between models of the same brand.

Sources

• Wilcom: machine format pages (Tajima shown; each brand page is linked in its section)
• Brother Support: embroidery data that can be used (PR1055X)
• Janome: Janome embroidery formats
• OESD: EXP formats for Bernina embroidery machines
• Melco: OFM file types, features and benefits

Sources checked 19 September 2026.