Short answer: use the format your embroidery machine reads. DST is the industry standard for commercial machines like Tajima. PES is for Brother and Baby Lock home machines. JEF is for Janome. If you are not sure, ask your digitizer for several formats. At Nex Punch every order includes the formats you need.
Embroidery File Formats by Machine Brand
| Format | Main machine brands | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DST | Tajima and most commercial multi-needle machines | Stores stitches only, not thread colors |
| PES | Brother, Baby Lock | Stores stitches and color information |
| JEF | Janome | Janome home and semi-commercial machines |
| EXP | Melco, Bernina | Common in commercial shops |
| VP3 | Husqvarna Viking, Pfaff | Stores colors and design information |
| XXX | Singer | Used by many Singer embroidery machines |
DST: The Commercial Standard
DST is the most widely accepted embroidery format. Almost every commercial machine can read it, which is why many shops ask for DST first. The catch is that a DST file does not store thread colors, so you usually get a PDF or color sheet with it that lists the color order.
PES: For Brother and Baby Lock
PES is the native format for Brother and Baby Lock machines, which are very popular with home embroiderers and small businesses. A PES file keeps color information, so the colors show on your machine screen.
JEF: For Janome
JEF is used by Janome embroidery machines. If you run a Janome, ask for JEF so you can load the design directly.
Can I Convert One Format to Another?
You can convert a finished file between formats with embroidery software, and most stitch data carries over. What does not convert well is an image. Turning a JPG or PNG into a stitch file is digitizing, not conversion, and it needs a digitizer to plan the stitches. Read more on our embroidery digitizing service page.
Which Format Should You Order?
- Running a commercial shop: DST, plus EXP if you use Melco.
- Using a Brother or Baby Lock: PES.
- Using a Janome: JEF.
- Not sure or using several machines: ask for DST, PES and JEF together.
All our ready-made designs in the Nex Punch embroidery design shop come in DST, PES, JEF and PDF. For custom work, we deliver DST, PES, JEF, EXP, VP3, XXX and more for the same price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my DST file look all one color?
DST files do not store thread colors. Use the color sheet that came with the file, or ask your digitizer for a PES or VP3 if your machine supports it.
Does the file format change stitch quality?
No. Quality comes from how the design was digitized. The format is just the container your machine can read.
Need a logo digitized? Order here. Left chest and cap logos $8 to $10, patches $10, jacket backs $12 to $15.
Related guides: How to convert a logo to an embroidery file · Embroidery logo size guide
