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Embroidery File Converter
StitchSwitch is the industry leader in embroidery file conversion. Easily convert your designs between DST, PES, JEF, VP3, and over 40 other formats. Whether you use a Brother, Janome, or Tajima machine, our tool ensures 100% technical accuracy without requiring any software installation.
Converter Engine v2.0
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Why Choose StitchSwitch?
The preferred choice for 10,000+ digitizers and hobbyists.
100% Free & Secure
No hidden fees, no watermarks, and no software to install. Your files are processed securely and deleted automatically.
Instant Batch Conversion
Convert multiple files in seconds. Our cloud engine handles complex re-sizing and header rewrites instantly.
Technical Accuracy
We don't just rename files. We re-calculate stitch coordinates, trim commands, and color palettes for specific machines.
Top Conversion Paths
The most frequently requested file transformations.
Supported Embroidery Machine Brands
Our converter engine is tuned for compatibility with all major manufacturers. Select your machine brand to see specific file requirements.
Supported Format Library
Browse our complete database of 45 file types.
Popular Sources
JPEG Image
JPEG is the most common image format in the world. In the embroidery context, converting a JPG to a stitch file (like PES or DST) is known as 'digitizing'. This process interprets the pixels of the image to create stitch paths.
Portable Network Graphics
PNG is a raster graphics file format that supports lossless data compression. It is preferred over JPG for embroidery digitizing because it supports transparency and cleaner edges, making auto-digitizing results significantly better.
Bitmap Image
BMP is an uncompressed raster image format. Many older embroidery software suites and industrial machines (for logo display) specifically require BMP files due to their simple, raw structure.
Scalable Vector Graphics
SVG is the industry standard for vector graphics. While not a direct stitch file, it is the most popular source format for 'auto-digitizing'. Converting SVG to embroidery formats allows users to turn logos and illustrations into stitchable patterns without manual digitization.
Drawing Exchange Format
DXF is a CAD data file format developed by Autodesk. It is heavily used for quilting machines (long-arm) and laser cutters. Converting DXF to embroidery formats allows for precise geometric stitching patterns.
Adobe Illustrator
AI is the proprietary format of Adobe Illustrator. Professional designers use this for creating logos and vector art. Converting AI files directly to embroidery formats bridges the gap between graphic design and textile production.
Encapsulated PostScript
EPS is a legacy vector format that is still widely used in the print and sign industry. Many stock vector websites provide designs in EPS, making it a common starting point for embroidery digitizing.
Portable Document Format
PDFs often contain vector data. Converting PDF to embroidery formats is a frequent request from clients sending logos for uniform embroidery who do not have the original AI or EPS files.
CorelDRAW Image
CDR is the native format for CorelDRAW. In the embroidery industry, CorelDRAW is often preferred over Illustrator because of its integration with Wilcom software. Converting CDR to stitch files is a standard workflow.
HPGL Plotter File
PLT files are vector plotter files. They are used in the apparel industry for pattern making and by older quilting machines. They contain pure path data which converts easily to running stitches.
Home Formats
Brother PES
Brother's PES format is the dominant file type for the home market. It stores stitch data, hoop info, colors, and preview images.
Brother PEC
PEC is a simpler 'card' format from Brother. Often embedded inside PES files but can exist standalone.
Brother PHC
PHC is a format specific to Brother's internal machine memory ("My Creations").
Janome JEF
JEF is the native file type for Janome machines. It is tied closely to the physical hoop constraints.
Janome JEF+
JEF+ is an enhanced version of JEF for newer Janome machines, allowing for editable object data.
Janome SEW
SEW is the original legacy format for Janome (Memory Craft). Limited colors and hoop size.
Husqvarna Viking VP3
VP3 is the modern standard for Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff. Offers superior compression and color data.
Pfaff VIP
VIP is a bridge format between legacy formats and VP3. Common on mid-2000s machines.
Viking SHV
SHV is specific to the Viking Designer 1 floppy disk system.
Husqvarna HUS
HUS is the legacy format for Husqvarna machines. Still widely used in archives.
Pfaff PCD
PCD is a legacy format for Pfaff machines, typically for the smaller hoop Creative series.
Pfaff PCM
PCM is another legacy Pfaff format, often used on the Pfaff PC-Designer software.
Pfaff PCS
PCS is the most common legacy format for Pfaff machines before VP3.
Singer XXX
XXX is used by Singer machines (Compucon). It serves the mass market of home embroidery.
Singer/Poem CSD
CSD (Compact Stitch Data) is a legacy format for Singer and Poem machines.
Elna EMD
EMD is a proprietary format utilized by Elna machines.
Bernina ART
ART is Bernina's proprietary, high-level design format. It allows for advanced resizing.
Industrial Formats
Tajima DST
The Tajima DST format is arguably the most widely used industrial embroidery standard. It relies on ternary coordinate instructions, making it incredibly durable across different machine brands but harder to resize.
Melco EXP
EXP is the native format for Melco commercial machines and is also used by Bernina. It is conceptually similar to DST but often paired with an .inf file for color data.
Melco Condensed
CND is a 'condensed' format for Melco machines. Unlike EXP (which is expanded stitches), CND contains the outline and density data, allowing the design to be recalculated and resized perfectly.
ZSK Z00
Z00 is the native transport code for ZSK embroidery machines (German). It is highly specialized for ZSK's transport mechanism and head logic.
Wilcom / Barudan T01
T01 is a tape-image format often used by Wilcom software and older Barudan machines. It represents the data as it would appear on a paper punch tape.
Barudan U01
U01 is a specific format for Barudan machines ensuring correct needle addressing and jump stitch codes that generic DST files sometimes mishandle on Barudan hardware.
Barudan DAT
DAT is another variation of Barudan's machine language, often found on their newer high-speed commercial heads.
Tajima DSB
DSB is used for Tajima's chenille or looping machines. It stores stitch commands similarly to DST but handles specialized hardware commands.
Happy TAP
The TAP format is the proprietary format for Happy (HappyJapan) industrial embroidery machines.
Inbro INB
INB is the format for Inbro industrial machines. These are less common today but still operate in many textile factories.
Toyota 10O
The 10O format is specific to Toyota expert embroidery machines.
DataStitch STX
STX is a format used by DataStitch software and controllers.
Other
Wilcom EMB
EMB is the 'Holy Grail' of embroidery files. It is the native object-based file for Wilcom software. It contains the vectors, stitch parameters, and colors. Converting FROM EMB provides the best results, but converting TO EMB essentially just creates a stitch file inside a wrapper.
HandiQuilter HQF
HQF is the native format for HandiQuilter long-arm quilting machines.
IntelliQuilter IQP
IQP is used by the IntelliQuilter system, a computerized addition to long-arm machines.
QuiltCad QCC
QCC is a format generated by QuiltCad software for automated quilting.
CSV Data
Exports the raw stitch coordinates (X, Y) and commands (Jump, Stop) to a Comma Separated Values file. Useful for debugging or custom plotting.
Text Coordinates
Exports a simple list of coordinate pairs, useful for CAD plotting or verifying stitch integrity.