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Which embroidery file format does my machine use?

Every embroidery machine expects its own file type. Find your brand below to see the format your machine reads, and download a ready-to-stitch file from Embify in that format.

MachineFormatDownload from Embify
BrotherInnov-is, NS / SE / PE series, Luminaire, Stellaire PES Get PES →
Brother (commercial)PR series, Entrepreneur PES (also DST) Get PES → Multi-needle PR machines also read DST.
Baby LockSolaris, Altair, Meridian, Flourish and most models PES Get PES → Baby Lock shares the Brother PES format.
BerninaB series, 5/7/8 series, 7-series, 9-series EXP Get EXP → Bernina reads EXP (its ART format is software-only).
BernetteB series EXP Get EXP →
JanomeMemory Craft, Skyline, Continental, MC series JEF / JEF+ Get JEF → Standard JEF is widely compatible across Janome models.
ElnaeXpressive series JEF Get JEF → Elna shares the Janome JEF format.
KenmoreJanome-built embroidery models JEF / SEW Get JEF → Most Kenmore embroidery machines read JEF.
MelcoAmaya, EMT, Bravo, EMC EXP Get EXP → Commercial; EXP (Melco) plus a colour file.
TajimaTMBP, TMEZ, TFMX and most commercial heads DST Get DST → DST is the Tajima standard, read by almost every commercial machine.
BarudanBEXT, BEKY and commercial heads DST Get DST →
HappyHCH, HCS, Japan commercial heads DST Get DST →
SWFMA, E-series commercial heads DST Get DST →
ZSKSprint, Racer commercial heads DST Get DST →
RicomaEM, MT, SWD DST Get DST →
Singer (SE series)SE9180, SE9185, SE9150, SE9155, EM200 and newer SE models VP3 Get VP3 → Newer Singer embroidery machines come from the same group as Pfaff and Husqvarna Viking and read VP3, not XXX.
Singer (older)Legacy SE300, Futura series XXX (SE300 also DST) Get XXX → The Legacy SE300 reads XXX and DST. Futura machines use XXX.
CompuconEOS software / machines XXX Get XXX →
Pfaffcreative series, performance icon VP3 Get VP3 → Embify exports VP3, the native Pfaff format. Most Pfaff machines also read DST if you ever need a fallback.
Husqvarna VikingDesigner, Epic, Opal series VP3 Get VP3 → Embify exports VP3, the native Husqvarna Viking format. Most Viking machines also accept DST as a fallback.
No match. Most machines read DST, the universal format, get a DST file or check your machine's manual.

Not sure, or your machine isn't listed?

If you can't find your exact model, go with DST. It's the universal commercial format and is read by the widest range of machines, the only thing it doesn't carry is thread colour, which you set on the machine anyway. You can create a DST file here.

How do I know which format is right?

Match the format to your machine brand, not the design. The same logo can be exported in any format; you just pick the one your machine reads. For a deeper explanation of each format and what it stores, see our file formats guide.

Get a file in your machine's format

Upload your logo, preview the exact sew-out, and download in PES, DST, JEF, EXP, XXX or VP3. Free to preview, no card required; £5 to download or a monthly plan.

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Format finder FAQs

How do I find out what format my embroidery machine uses?

Check your machine's brand and manual. As a quick guide: Brother and Baby Lock use PES, Janome and Elna use JEF, Bernina and Melco use EXP, and Tajima and most commercial machines use DST. Pfaff and Husqvarna Viking use VP3, but most also accept DST. Singer is two families: the newer SE machines (SE9180 and up) read VP3, while the Legacy SE300 and Futura read XXX.

What if my machine isn't in the list?

Use DST. It's the universal commercial format read by the widest range of machines, so it's the safest choice when you're unsure. You set the thread colours on the machine.

Can I download more than one format?

Yes. Embify digitizes your design once and lets you export it in PES, DST, JEF, EXP, XXX or VP3, so you can grab whichever your machine needs, or several at once.

Does the format change how my design looks?

No. The stitches are the same; the format is just how those stitches are written for a particular machine. Some formats also store thread colours (PES, JEF, XXX) while others don't (DST, EXP).