Complete guide to machine embroidery formats. Machine embroidery is an embroidery process whereby a sewing machine or embroidery machine is used to create patterns on textiles. It is used commercially in product branding, corporate advertising, and uniform adornment — and in the fashion industry to decorate garments and apparel.
Distribution of file formats by customer request.
| Format | Usage |
|---|---|
| Tajima (*.dst) | 70% |
| Wilcom (*.EMB) | 19% |
| Melco expanded (*.exp) | 4% |
| Pulse (*.pxf) | 3% |
| Brother (*.pes) | 2% |
| Happy (*.tap) | 1% |
| Melco (*.CND) | 1% |
The Tajima .DST format is a universal embroidery machine format. Most of the embroidery machines can read it and perform the original file. It's the safest choice if you're unsure which format to request.
For those embroiderers that can afford embroidery software like Wilcom or Pulse, the best option is to request an outline format like .EMB or .PXF. This way you can make changes to the file in-house, like adjusting density or size for different fabrics.
We do not recommend requesting designs in CND format because many resources (curve fill, compensation, special underlay, etc.) that we use disappear in Melco condensed format. We cannot tell you not to use it, but be aware of these limitations.
Complete list of embroidery formats we can provide.
| Software/Machine | Extension |
|---|---|
| Wilcom | .EMB |
| Wilcom clipart | .EMC |
| Janome/Elna Digitizer MBX/EX V4.x | .JAN |
| Bernina All-in-One V8 | .ART80 |
| Bernina All-in-One V7 | .ART70 |
| Bernina All-in-One V6 | .ART60 |
| Bernina All-in-One V5 | .ART50 |
| Bernina All-in-One V4 | .ART |
| PULSE | .PXF |
| Barudan FDR-3 | .U?? |
| Happy | .TAP |
| Tajima | .TBF / .DST |
| Inbro | .INB |
| Melco Expanded | .EXP |
| Pfaff | .KSM |
| Tajima (Barudan) | .DSB |
| Tajima (ZSK) | .DSZ |
| Toyota | .10O |
| ZSK TC | .Z?? |
| Melco Condensed | .CND |
| Brother/Babylock/Deco | .PES / .PEC |
| Husqvarna/Viking/Pfaff | .VP3 / .SHV / .HUS |
| Janome/Elna/Kenmore | .JEF / .SEW |
| Singer | .XXX / .CSD |
Don't see your format? Contact us — we support many more formats not listed here.
Tell us which machine you run and we deliver the right file — conversions are included with every order.