Embroidery & Vector File Formats

Different machines and software read different file types. Here's a quick reference for the formats we work with most often.

An embroidery machine can only run a stitch file in the format it was built to read, and most machines use their own proprietary format. Vector design software is more forgiving, but print, cutting, and manufacturing partners often standardize on one or two formats as well. Confirming the right format up front avoids a second round trip after a file is delivered.

Reference

Formats we work with

Embroidery Formats

DST: Tajima — the most widely used embroidery machine format
PES: Brother, Babylock, and related home/commercial machines
EMB: Wilcom — editable native design file
JEF: Janome embroidery machines
EXP: Melco / Bernina embroidery machines
VP3: Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff machines
XXX: Singer embroidery machines
HUS: Husqvarna Viking machines

Vector Formats

SVG: Scalable vector graphic for web and general cutting use
EPS: Encapsulated PostScript — widely supported print and production format
AI: Adobe Illustrator native vector format
PDF: Portable, print-ready vector format

These are the formats requested most often — we deliver every major machine format. Tell us your specific machine, software, or production partner when requesting a quote and we'll deliver the exact format you need.

Not Sure?

If you don't know your format

If you're not sure which embroidery format your machine uses, check the machine's manual or the software you use to load designs — most list supported formats directly. For vector artwork, most modern design and cutting software accepts SVG, EPS, AI, or PDF, so any of these is usually a safe starting point.

When in doubt, mention your machine model or software in the quote form and we'll confirm the right format before delivering your files.

FAQ

Format questions

We deliver every major embroidery machine format, including DST, PES, EMB, JEF, EXP, VP3, XXX, and HUS. Vector artwork can be supplied in formats such as SVG, EPS, AI, and PDF. Let us know your machine or software when you request a quote so we deliver the right format.

Yes. Raster images such as JPG and PNG can be redrawn as clean vector artwork (SVG, EPS, AI, or PDF) suited to screen printing, vinyl cutting, laser engraving, or as reference artwork ahead of digitizing.

Embroidery files have limited resize tolerance — typically a small percentage up or down — before stitch density and satin widths need to be rebuilt for the new size. If you need the same design at a significantly different size, we can digitize a dedicated version for that placement.

Ready to get your artwork digitized?

Send us your logo or design and we'll quote your custom digitizing, stock file, or vector artwork request.

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