DumbStitchOpen DumbStitchWhich embroidery file does my machine use?
Embroidery machines don't read pictures. They read stitch files, and each brand has its favorite format.
| File | Machines |
|---|---|
| .PES | Brother, Baby Lock |
| .JEF | Janome, Elna |
| .EXP | Bernina, Melco |
| .DST | Tajima and most multi-needle machines (SmartStitch, Ricoma and more); many home machines read it too |
Not sure?
Check your machine's manual or the files that came with it. When in doubt, DST works on the most machines, but it doesn't store thread colors, so your machine will show its own colors on screen.
Make any of them for free
When you save in DumbStitch, pick your machine's brand and it chooses the right file type for you. You can also pick the type yourself.
Questions
What's the difference between PES and DST?
Both store stitches. PES also stores thread colors and is made for Brother and Baby Lock machines. DST is an older, simpler format that almost every machine can read.
Can I convert a picture straight to PES?
Yes. In DumbStitch, add the picture, then save it as PES.