Save and export (DST, PES, JEF)

Saving keeps the design so you can keep editing. Exporting creates the file the machine reads. They’re different things, and it’s best to do both.

Save to keep editing

Save to server (Ctrl+S): stores the design in your account, under My files. The first time, it asks for a name. After that, it saves over the same file.
To make a copy with another name: My files button → Save as new….
Save: downloads the .bordado file to your computer.

Tip: The .bordado file keeps everything editable: text, fonts, shapes and settings. DST, PES and JEF files keep only the stitches.

Export for the machine

Type the name in Design name (it becomes the file name).
Choose the hoop and check that the design fits. See Size, position and hoop.
Under Export, click your machine’s format: DST, PES or JEF. The file goes to your downloads folder.
Copy the file to a USB stick (or whatever your machine uses) and open it on the machine.

SVG creates an image of the embroidery, handy for sending a preview to your customer.

Which format to choose

PES: Brother and Baby Lock.
JEF: Janome and Elna.
DST: Tajima, Barudan and most commercial machines.

More details in DST, PES, JEF and .bordado formats.

Common problems

It says "Draw at least one object before exporting".

The design is empty. Create or import something before exporting.

It says there’s no space when saving to the server.

Your storage quota is full. Delete files or designs you no longer use, or download the .bordado with Save. See Storage space.

It says "Your session has expired".

You were idle for a long time or signed out in another tab. Download the .bordado with Save to be safe, reload the page, sign in again and save to the server.

The machine doesn’t recognize the file.

Check that the format matches your machine and that the design fits its hoop. Some machines only read files at the root of the USB stick or with short names without accents.