# Embroidery File Formats Explained: PES, JEF, DST, VP3

> Every common embroidery file format by brand, stitch files vs working files, and exactly which format to download for Brother, Janome, bernette and Singer…

- Source: https://embroiderywise.com/posts/embroidery-file-formats-explained/
- Markdown version: https://embroiderywise.com/posts/embroidery-file-formats-explained.md
- Last updated: 2026-10-07

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- Embroidery file formats explained: PES, JEF, DST, VP3 and more

 Explainer
# Embroidery file formats explained: PES, JEF, DST, VP3 and more
  Updated October 7, 2026 By [EmbroideryWise Editorial Team](https://embroiderywise.com/about/) [How we research](https://embroiderywise.com/how-we-research/)

Prices are approximate and change often, so check the current price before you buy.

## Key takeaways

- Brother and Baby Lock: PES. Janome: JEF. Singer SE9180: VP3 only, per its manual.
- bernette 70 DECO and 79 read PES, DST, EXP, JEF, VP3, VIP, PEC and HUS.
- A JPG or PNG is a picture, not a stitch file; turning one into the other is digitizing.
- Keep working files (EMB, ART, BE, SVG) for edits and export machine files only to stitch.
- DST and EXP open on many brands, but DST carries no thread colors.

### On this page 11 sections

- [What is an embroidery file, and why isn’t a picture enough?](#what-is-an-embroidery-file-and-why-isnt-a-picture-enough)
- [Common embroidery formats by brand](#common-embroidery-formats-by-brand)
- [Working files vs machine files](#working-files-vs-machine-files)
- [Which format should you download for your machine?](#which-format-should-you-download-for-your-machine)
- [What about PES versions?](#what-about-pes-versions)
- [How to convert embroidery file formats](#how-to-convert-embroidery-file-formats)
- [What’s usually inside a design download?](#whats-usually-inside-a-design-download)
- [Quick decision rules](#quick-decision-rules)
- [Spec comparison](#spec-comparison)
- [Related tool](#related-tool)
- [FAQ](#faq)

## Before you choose

- [PES vs DST embroidery files: which one should you download?](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/pes-vs-dst-files/)
- [How to transfer embroidery designs to your machine (USB and Wi-Fi)](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/how-to-transfer-embroidery-designs-to-machine/)
- [Best embroidery software for beginners: pick by the job you need done](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/best-embroidery-software-for-beginners/)

An embroidery file format is a set of stitch instructions written for a particular machine brand: PES for Brother and Baby Lock, JEF for Janome, VP3 for Husqvarna Viking, Pfaff and the Singer SE9180, EXP and ART for Bernina, and DST for Tajima. Download the native format for your machine. Working files such as EMB, ART, JEF+ and BE keep editable objects; machine files mostly keep stitches only.
Buy one embroidery design and you’ll often get a zip folder with ten or more files in it. Each file holds the same design written for a different brand of machine. Your machine only needs one of them.

This guide sorts out which file is which, explains the difference between a stitch file and an editable working file, and gives you a lookup table for every machine in the [EmbroideryWise machine database](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/). If you only need the Brother answer, the short version is in [PES vs DST files](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/pes-vs-dst-files/).

## What is an embroidery file, and why isn’t a picture enough?

An embroidery file is a set of instructions: move the hoop here, put a stitch there, stop for a color change, trim. Janome describes its JEF format as “machine readable files” containing coordinates to move the hoop and an instruction for every stitch.

A JPG, PNG or PDF is a picture. It has colors and pixels but no stitches, so a machine can’t sew it. Turning artwork into stitches is called digitizing. Someone has to choose fill, satin or running stitches, set the stitch direction and density, and plan the order. That’s why an image file renamed to .pes won’t work. If you want to try digitizing yourself, start with our [beginner’s guide to digitizing with Ink/Stitch](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/how-to-digitize-embroidery-ink-stitch/).

## Common embroidery formats by brand

This table is based on Hatch Embroidery’s format list, with notes from Brother, Janome and OESD.

| Format | Brand or system | Type | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| .PES | Brother, Baby Lock (Hatch also lists Deco) | Machine file | Brother’s main format; carries thread colors |
| .PEC | Brother, Baby Lock | Machine file | Listed by Hatch with PES |
| .PHC | Brother | Machine file | On Brother’s list of formats its machines read |
| .PEN | Brother (iBroidery) | Machine file | Brother lists it for designs bought from iBroidery |
| .JEF | Janome, Elna | Machine file | Janome’s default stitch format |
| .JEF+ | Janome | Editable stitch file | Keeps designs editable on supported models |
| .JPX | Janome | Machine file + image | Includes a background image and data for special functions |
| .SEW | Janome | Machine file | Older Janome format listed by Hatch |
| .JAN / .EMB | Janome Digitizer MBX | Master working file | Object data, colors, fill pattern, density |
| .ART | Bernina | Working (design) file | Bernina’s native format in its software |
| .EXP | Bernina, Melco | Machine file | OESD calls it one of the more universal formats |
| .VP3 / .VIP | Husqvarna Viking, Pfaff | Machine file | Also the only format the Singer SE9180 loads |
| .HUS / .SHV / .PCS | Husqvarna Viking, Pfaff | Machine files | Older formats; Embrilliance notes PCS supports only 16 colors |
| .XXX / .CSD | Singer | Machine files | Hatch’s Singer formats |
| .DST | Tajima | Machine file | Widely read; no thread color information |
| .EMB | Wilcom / Hatch | Working file | Hatch’s native file for editing |
| .BE | Embrilliance | Working file | Embrilliance’s own file; free Express mode saves it to machine formats |
| .SVG | Ink/Stitch (Inkscape) | Working file | Ink/Stitch says to keep the SVG for future edits |

## Working files vs machine files

This is the distinction most beginners miss. BERNINA’s software help puts it well: design files, also called outline or all-in-one files, “usually contain digitized shapes and lines, selected stitch types and stitch values and effects.” Machine files, also called stitch files, “generally contain stitches and machine functions and are only suited to specific embroidery machines.”

Hatch says the same about its native EMB format. It calls EMB the working file that keeps the most design information, and says machine formats don’t keep as much, and some can’t keep colors.

Why it matters to you:

- **Editing.** A working file remembers that a shape is a satin border or a fill, so software can rebuild the stitches when you change it. A machine file is mostly a list of stitch points.

- **Resizing.** Working files resize cleanly. Machine files need software that recalculates stitches, and even then there are limits. See [embroidery design resizing](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/embroidery-design-resizing/).

- **Saving your own work.** If you letter or edit a design, save the working file first, then export the machine file.

### Editable formats you might see

- **ART** for Bernina software users.

- **JEF+**, which Janome says lets designs edited on the machine or in Janome software stay individually modifiable. Janome lists the 500E, MC9900, MC11000, HMC12000, HMC15000 and MB4 for JEF+.

- **BE**, Embrilliance’s file. The free Express mode can open BE files and save them into machine formats.

- **EMB** for Hatch and **JAN/EMB** for Janome’s Digitizer MBX.

Don’t try to send these to a machine that doesn’t list them. They’re for software.

## Which format should you download for your machine?

Here’s the lookup for every machine we cover. Always confirm against your manual, because format support can differ between models of the same brand.

| Machine | Download this | Also reads | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Brother PE545](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/brother-pe545/), [SE700](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/brother-se700/), [SE630](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/brother-se630/) | PES | DST, PHC, PEN | 4 × 4 (100 × 100 mm) field |
| [Brother PE900](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/brother-pe900/), [SE2000](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/brother-se2000/) | PES | DST, PHC, PEN | 5 × 7 (130 × 180 mm) field |
| Brother PE535, PE800, SE1900 (discontinued) | PES | DST, PHC, PEN | Older models; see PES versions below |
| [Brother NQ1700E](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/brother-nq1700e/), [NQ3550W](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/brother-nq3550w/) | PES | DST, PHC, PEN | 6 × 10 (160 × 260 mm) field |
| Brother PRS100, PR680W | PES | Check manual | Larger fields: 8 × 8 and 8 × 12 |
| [Brother PP1 (Skitch)](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/brother-pp1/) | Through the Artspira app | Not listed in Brother’s PES/DST article | Brother says Artspira is required |
| [Janome MC400E](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/janome-mc400e/) | JEF | Check manual | 200 × 200 mm field |
| [Janome MC9850](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/janome-mc9850/) | JEF | JEF+ | 170 × 200 mm field |
| [bernette 70 DECO](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/bernette-70-deco/), [bernette 79](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/bernette-79/) | PES or VP3 | DST, EXP, JEF, VIP, PEC, HUS | Broadest support of the group |
| [Singer SE9180](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/singer-se9180/) | VP3 | Nothing else, per the manual | Hatch lists XXX for Singer generally |

The Brother “also reads” entries come from Brother’s general support article on the formats its machines read, not from a model-by-model spec sheet, so check your own manual if you rely on DST or PHC.

Two conflicts are worth knowing about:

- **Singer.** Hatch lists .XXX and .CSD as Singer formats, but Singer’s SE9180 manual says that machine loads only VP3. Don’t download XXX for an SE9180.

- **Brother sizes.** Brother’s format article says designs must fit a “7 × 5 inches field size,” because it’s written for a 5 × 7 machine. A 4 × 4 Brother can’t take a 5 × 7 design no matter the format. Check fit with the [hoop fit checker](https://embroiderywise.com/tools/hoop-fit/).

### The universal formats: DST and EXP

OESD says .exp and .dst “are more universal formats and can be opened and used in many different brands of machines and embroidery software.” That makes them a useful backup.

The tradeoff is color. Brother states that DST data “does not contain specific thread color information” and is displayed with a default color sequence. Embrilliance notes DST and EXP also handle jump stitches differently and need translation during conversion. Use them when your native format isn’t offered.

## What about PES versions?

PES isn’t one fixed format. Embrilliance’s help says to use PES version 5 and later for real thread colors, and offers a “force version 1” option for older Brother software. It also notes older PES machines were limited to 100 colors, while newer versions support up to 127. If an older or discontinued Brother won’t read a new file, version is one thing to check. The full checklist is in [embroidery machine not reading PES](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/embroidery-machine-not-reading-pes/).

## How to convert embroidery file formats

If a design only comes in a format your machine doesn’t read, convert it in embroidery software. Renaming the extension doesn’t convert anything.

| Software | Cost model | Converts | Good to know |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Embrilliance Essentials | Paid | Reads ART, DST, EXP, HUS, JEF, PES, VP3, XXX and more; writes PES, JEF, DST, EXP, VP3, XXX, HUS and more | Native on macOS and Windows |
| Embrilliance Express | Free | Saves BE files to machine formats | Lettering with BX fonts |
| Ink/Stitch | Free, open source | Reads DST, EXP, HUS, JEF, PES, VP3, XXX and many others; writes DST, EXP, JEF, PES, VP3, XXX and more | Runs inside Inkscape |
| Hatch Embroidery (Organizer tier and up) | Paid, 30-day free trial | Converts between machine formats | Windows 11 only, per Hatch |
| Brother Design Database Transfer | Free download | Transfers PES, PHC, PHX, DST and PEN; previews more formats | Windows only; for wireless Brother machines |

Expect some loss when you convert between machine formats. Embrilliance says it writes PES with a “lowest common denominator” approach so the file opens on more machines, which can adjust some design details. Converting from DST adds no colors, so you’ll set them by hand. When you can, download the native file from the designer instead. Our [beginner software guide](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/best-embroidery-software-for-beginners/) compares these programs in more depth.

## What’s usually inside a design download?

Many shops bundle every format and every size into one zip. A typical folder might have subfolders by size (4 × 4, 5 × 7, 6 × 10) and, inside each, one file per format, plus a color chart. Some let you choose your format at checkout.

Before you download:

- **Check the size list** against your hoop. A 4 × 4 machine needs designs no larger than 100 × 100 mm.

- **Check the format list** includes your machine’s native format.

- **Look for a color chart**, especially if you’ll use DST.

- **Keep the zip.** Unzip a copy, and store the original so you can return to it.

Then follow [how to transfer embroidery designs to your machine](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/how-to-transfer-embroidery-designs-to-machine/) to get the file onto the machine.

## Quick decision rules

- Choose **PES** if you own a Brother or Baby Lock machine.

- Choose **JEF** if you own a Janome, and **JEF+** only if your model and software support it.

- Choose **VP3** for Husqvarna Viking, Pfaff or the Singer SE9180.

- Choose **PES or VP3** for a bernette 70 DECO or 79, since both keep colors.

- Choose **DST or EXP** only when the native format isn’t offered or you need one file for several brands.

- Keep a **working file** (EMB, ART, BE or SVG) whenever you edit, and treat the machine file as an export.

Still picking a machine? Format support is one more thing to weigh. Browse the [designs and software topic](https://embroiderywise.com/guides/) or start with [the best embroidery machine for beginners](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/best-embroidery-machine-for-beginners/).

## Spec comparison

Manufacturer specifications, checked October 2026. Maximum speed is a ceiling, not typical output.

| Machine | Field | Type | Designs | Max speed | Transfer |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Brother PE900](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/brother-pe900/) | 130 × 180 mm (5 × 7 in) | Embroidery-only | 193 | 650 spm | USB, Wi-Fi, Artspira app |
| [Janome Memory Craft 400E](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/janome-mc400e/) | 200 × 200 mm (7.9 × 7.9 in) | Embroidery-only | 160 | 860 spm | USB |
| [Janome Memory Craft 9850](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/janome-mc9850/) | 170 × 200 mm (6.7 × 7.9 in) | Combo | 175 | 800 spm | USB |
| [bernette 70 DECO](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/bernette-70-deco/) | 160 × 260 mm (6.3 × 10.2 in) | Embroidery-only | 208 | 850 spm | USB |
| [Singer SE9180](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/singer-se9180/) | 100 × 170 mm (170 × 100 mm) | Combo | 150 | 450 spm | USB, Wi-Fi (see note) |

## Related tool

Try the [Embroidery hoop fit checker](https://embroiderywise.com/tools/hoop-fit/): Check your design dimensions against any field, with rotation. Free, no signup.

## Don't guess. Calculate.

- [🧵 Machine Finder](https://embroiderywise.com/tools/machine-finder/): which machines fit your projects
- [▱ Hoop Fit Checker](https://embroiderywise.com/tools/hoop-fit/): will your design fit the field
- [◷ Stitch Time Calculator](https://embroiderywise.com/tools/stitch-time/): how long a design takes to stitch
- [📊 Compare every machine](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/): sortable spec table

## Frequently asked questions

### What embroidery file format does Brother use?
PES. Brother’s support site lists .pes, .dst, .phc and .pen as the formats its machines read, and PES is the one that also carries thread colors.

### What format does a Janome embroidery machine use?
JEF. Janome calls JEF the default format for all Janome and Elna embroidery machines; some models also read JEF+, which keeps designs editable.

### Can I turn a JPG or PNG into an embroidery file?
Not by renaming or saving it. A picture has to be digitized, which means deciding stitch types, directions and density in embroidery software such as Ink/Stitch or Hatch.

### What is the most universal embroidery format?
OESD calls EXP and DST more universal formats that open in many machine brands and programs. DST stores no thread colors, so you assign colors yourself.

### Which format should I download for a Singer SE9180?
VP3. Singer’s manual says the SE9180 loads only VP3 files, even though Hatch lists XXX as the general Singer format.

## Sources

- [Hatch Embroidery: file formats read and written](https://help.hatchembroidery.com/portal/en/kb/articles/what-file-formats-does-hatch-embroidery-v2-v3-read-and-write)
- [Janome embroidery formats](https://www.janome.com/create-learn/janome-embroidery-formats/)
- [OESD: design formats](https://oesd.com/oesd-design-formats/)
- [BERNINA Embroidery Software help: embroidery file types](https://softwarehelp.bernina.com/en/MainHelp/PART_Basics/assets/assets-2.htm)
- [Brother: design format types the machine will read](https://help.brother-usa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/123343/~/design-format-types-that-the-machine-will-read)
- [Brother: embroidery data precautions (DST color information)](https://support.brother.com/g/b/faqend.aspx?c=us&faqid=faqh00100271_002&lang=en&prod=hf_lb5000eus)
- [Brother Design Database Transfer](https://support.brother.com/g/s/hf/pcapp_info/ddt/en/index.html)
- [Embrilliance Essentials features](https://www.embrilliance.com/essentials)
- [Embrilliance Express](https://www.embrilliance.com/express)
- [Embrilliance help: file conversion information](https://embrilliance.com/Help/Platform%20Win%201165/fileconversion.htm)
- [Ink/Stitch supported file formats](https://inkstitch.org/docs/file-formats/)
- [Ink/Stitch workflow](https://inkstitch.org/docs/workflow/)
- [Hatch Embroidery pricing and tiers](https://hatchembroidery.com/pricing)
- [bernette 70 DECO](https://www.bernette.com/en-US/models/bernette-70-deco)
- [Singer SE9180](https://www.singer.com/products/singer-se9180-sewing-and-embroidery-machine)
- [Janome Memory Craft 400E](https://www.janome.com/product/memory-craft-400e/)
- [Janome Memory Craft 9850](https://www.janome.com/product/memory-craft-9850/)

[🧵 Not sure which fits? Find your embroidery machine in 60 seconds.](https://embroiderywise.com/tools/machine-finder/)[📊 Compare every machine Sortable chart of all beginner machines.](https://embroiderywise.com/machines/)

## Keep reading
[Explainer
### PES vs DST embroidery files: which one should you download?
PES vs DST explained for beginners: which machines read each, why DST files show the wrong colors, when to pick one over the other, and a transfer checklist.
 Updated Oct 7, 2026](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/pes-vs-dst-files/)[Buying advice
### How to transfer embroidery designs to your machine (USB and Wi-Fi)
Step-by-step: unzip a design, pick the right format and size, then move it to your embroidery machine by USB stick, Brother Design Database Transfer or the Artspira app.
 Updated Oct 7, 2026](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/how-to-transfer-embroidery-designs-to-machine/)[Best picks
### Best embroidery software for beginners: pick by the job you need done
Beginner embroidery software compared by job: free lettering in Embrilliance Express, editing in Essentials, Artspira, and digitizing in Hatch, PE-DESIGN or Ink/Stitch.
 Updated Oct 7, 2026](https://embroiderywise.com/posts/best-embroidery-software-for-beginners/)