Understanding DST, PES, and Other Embroidery File Formats | A Complete Guide

What are Embroidery File Formats?

The digital language that your embroidery machine understands is called embroidery file formats. An embroidery machine uses formats like PDF and DOCX for documents, just like your computer does. To learn how to stitch designs, use DST, PES, JEF and more. Stitch details are stored in these files, including the color order, the length of each stitch and so on.

Getting the right format for your machine is key, when you use the wrong one and you will get poor output or worse, a messed-up stitch-out.

The Ultimate Guide to Embroidery File Formats

Here’s a breakdown of some embroidery file formats you’ll encounter, what they’re for and what to watch out for.

DST Format

What it is: .DST stands for “Data Stitch Tajima” and was originally developed for machines from Tajima. 

Key features: It stores stitch commands (where to go, how to stitch). It does not store full color information or vector data in many cases. 

When it’s used: Very common in commercial embroidery settings, many production machines accept DST files due to their wide compatibility. 

What to watch out for: Because it omits some data (like color palettes or vector shapes) it can limit flexibility. If you need more editing later, DST might not be ideal. 

PES Format

What it is: .PES was developed by Brother (and for some versions, Bernina) for their home-embroidery machines. 

Key features: It supports more complex data, higher stitch counts, more color changes and more detail than older formats like DST. 

Where it fits: Ideal for hobby or home-use embroidery machines and for designs you may want to edit or customize. Many designers provide their work in PES format for this reason.

What to watch out for: Even though it’s powerful, compatibility can vary depending on your machine brand and version. Always confirm your machine accepts PES and which version. 

EXP Format

What it is: .EXP was developed by Melco for their machines. It contains richer design info than some older formats. 

Key features: Allows for detailed editing post-digitizing because it retains design structure besides just stitch commands. 

When you’ll see it: In commercial setups where designs may be adjusted or repurposed or when using Melco machines.

What to watch out for: Because of richer data, file sizes can be larger and machine compatibility may be more limited compared to the more universal DST. 

ART Format

What it is: .ART is the flagship format for Bernina embroidery machines. 

Key features: Designed specifically for Bernina machines, it supports their native editing and stitching engine.

When to use: If you’re working with Bernina or distributing designs specifically for Bernina users.

What to watch out for: Less universal than formats like DST or PES. If you switch machines or need to share with users of different brands, conversion will be required.

HUS Format

What it is: .HUS is a file format used by Husqvarna Viking machines. It shows up in the home/enthusiast embroidery world. 

Key features & watch-outs: Works great within the Husqvarna ecosystem but will require conversion if you want to share or use with other machines.

VP3 Format

What it is: .VP3 is another format from Husqvarna Viking (and also compatible with Pfaff machines) in their more recent machine lines. 

Key features: Supports newer machine features and is usually used on mid-to-high end home embroidery machines.

What to watch out for: As with all brand-specific formats, make sure the machine supports VP3 before assuming it will just work.

XXX Format

What it is: .XXX is a format used by certain home embroidery machines, historically around the Singer and related family machines. 

Key features: Serves the home/enthusiast market.

What to watch out for: Might lack features compared to newer formats and sharing between machine brands may require conversion.

PXF Format

What it is: .PXF is not a common format but still worth knowing about if you use multiple machine brands or convert files.

Key features: Sometimes used for home or multi-brand compatibility.

What to watch out for: Because it’s less standard, fewer resources may exist for editing or support.

JEF Format

What it is: .JEF is the native embroidery format for the Janome / New Home machines. 

Key features: Built to work best in the Janome ecosystem.

What to watch out for: If sharing files with other machine brands, you’ll likely need to convert JEF to a more universal format like DST or PES.

Table of Above Embroidery File Formats

Why Different Machines Use Different Formats?

One question that usually comes to mind. Why can't one format work for every machine? It’s a good question. Here are some reasons why you can not use one format for every machine:

Brand-specific development: Many machine manufacturers build their machines around their own format, optimizing features, editing software and machine control systems to that format. 

Backward compatibility & legacy: Some older machines still support older formats. Manufacturers must maintain compatibility while advancing features.

Functional differences: Formats differ in how much data they store (colors, vectors, stitch orders, editing capabilities). A format that works for basic designs may struggle with advanced features.

Market dynamics: To safeguard the brand ecosystem and encourage loyalty, having proprietary formats can be part of the strategy. 

Machine capabilities: Commercial vs home machines have different needs. Commercial machines may require ultra-efficient formats like DST that focus purely on stitch commands, while home machines may value editability like PES or EXP.

Understanding this helps as you plan projects and choose digitizing services, if you know what your machine accepts, you’ll avoid delays and extra conversion costs.

Conclusion

Know your embroidery file formats is more than just technical, it’s practical. When you get a file in the right format for your machine, your design will run smoothly, look sharp and match your vision. At True Digitizing, we specialize in creating custom embroidery digitized designs at minimal flat rates, we provide high-quality embroidery files that match your machine, your project and your needs. Whether you need .DST for commercial production or .PES for a home-use machine, we’ve got you covered.

So ready to bring your vision to life? Contact us today and you’ll get you the right file format for your machine. Let’s make it stitch out perfectly. We never disappoint our customers.