DST, PES and JEF embroidery formats: which to use and how to convert

What an embroidery file is

An embroidery file isn’t an image: it’s the list of stitches the machine will sew, one by one, along with color changes, jumps and trims. That’s why you can’t send a photo or PNG straight to the machine; the artwork first has to be turned into stitches, which is called digitizing.

DST: the commercial machine format

DST was born on Tajima machines and became the standard for commercial embroidery. Barudan, Tajima and most multi-head machines read DST.

It stores stitches and color changes but not the thread colors themselves: at the machine, you choose which cone goes on each needle.

PES: the Brother and Baby Lock format

PES is the format for Brother and Baby Lock home and semi-commercial machines. Besides the stitches, it stores thread colors and a thumbnail shown on the machine’s screen.

JEF: the Janome and Elna format

JEF is used by Janome and Elna machines. It stores the stitches, colors from the Janome palette and the recommended hoop for the design.

Which format does my machine read?

When in doubt, check your machine’s manual. In general:

• Brother and Baby Lock: PES
• Janome and Elna: JEF
• Tajima, Barudan and multi-head commercial machines: DST
• Many machines read more than one format; DST is usually the most widely accepted.

How to convert PES to DST (or DST to PES, JEF…)

In Meus Bordados, conversion happens in the browser, with no software to install:

1. Open the editor and import the PES, DST or JEF file.
2. Optionally change colors, resize it or add a name.
3. Download it in your machine’s format.

Tips for converting and resizing

Converting between formats keeps the stitches, but some data doesn’t exist in every format (thread colors in DST, for example). Scaling a finished design up or down a lot changes stitch density, which is why it’s best to have the same design prepared in several sizes, like in the Meus Bordados library.