Convert a DST to PES, or between other stitch formats, with the PlixaLabs file converter. Starting from a JPG or PNG? Read converting an image to an embroidery file instead.
How do I convert a DST file to PES?
Check the DST, convert it, set the thread colours, then test. This is the usual situation when a commercial embroiderer or a supplier sends you a DST and your machine at home or in the unit is a Brother.
- Check the DST. Open it in our free DST file viewer, which reads the file in your browser without uploading it. Note the size in millimetres, the number of colour stops and any long jumps.
- Convert it. Load the DST into the embroidery file converter and choose PES. If you prefer desktop software, Ink/Stitch (the free, open-source Inkscape extension) opens DST files and saves PES (Ink/Stitch file formats).
- Set the thread colours for each colour stop, using the thread list from whoever digitised the design.
- Load and test. Copy the PES to the machine, confirm it fits the embroidery area, and stitch a test on similar fabric before starting on garments.
What's the difference between format conversion and digitising?
Conversion rewrites stitches that already exist; digitising creates them. Both get called "converting", which is where the confusion comes from.
| Format conversion | Digitising | |
|---|---|---|
| Starts from | A stitch file (DST, PES, EXP, JEF…) | Artwork (JPG, PNG, PDF, AI, a sketch) |
| What happens | Stitches are copied into another format | Stitch types, angles, density, underlay and order are planned |
| Fixes problems? | No | Yes, that's the job |
| Time and cost | Minutes, free | Hours of skill, or one flat price per design at PlixaLabs |
| Where to go | Embroidery file converter | Convert an image · JPG to PES |
What changes, and what doesn't, when you convert DST to PES?
The file format and colour information change; the stitches don't.
| Changes | Stays the same | May vary by machine or software |
|---|---|---|
| File format and header; thread colour information (a PES carries colours, a DST doesn't) | Stitch positions, density, underlay, pull compensation and design size | How trims and jumps are read, as DST has no dedicated trim command and machines interpret jump sequences differently |
A file digitised for a cap, a towel or a much bigger size won't adapt to your project just because it's been converted. That needs editing or re-digitising.
Why do the colours look wrong after converting a DST?
A DST file never had thread colours in the first place. The format records colour-change stops but not the colours (pyembroidery documentation), so software and machines show default colours. Ask the digitiser for the thread list, set each stop in your software or on the machine, and use our thread colour matcher to find an equivalent thread.
Should I convert the file, or does it need re-digitising?
For caps, see cap digitising; the guide to puckering and underlay (US guide) explains why fabric changes matter.
Can PlixaLabs resize or fix a DST or PES for me?
Yes. We can also fix existing files: send the file with your quote request. Include a photo of the stitch-out if you have one, and say what you need, such as a new size, a different garment or a cleaner result. If rebuilding from the artwork makes more sense, we'll tell you; new designs have one flat price set by complexity, with every format and a VAT invoice included (see the price list).
Send your file with a quote request → For a new registered business, the first design is free. More on formats: embroidery file formats explained.
DST to PES conversion: FAQs
Brother and Tajima are trademarks of their owners, used descriptively. PlixaLabs isn't affiliated with them or with Inkscape or Ink/Stitch.