From the PES format
Brother's proprietary format, one of the most common in home embroidery. It stores stitches, colors and design metadata.
Convert your embroidery files online, for free
Convert your designs between PES, DST, JEF, EXP and VP3 formats in seconds. Free, no sign-up, with a preview of the converted design.
Drop your file (.pes, .dst, .jef, .exp or .vp3)
or click to browse your files
Convert to PESYour files are only used to perform the conversion. Privacy policy
- No sign-up
- Instant design preview
- Files deleted immediately
- Processed on an EU server
How to convert an embroidery file?
1. Drop your file
Drop your PES, DST, JEF, EXP or VP3 file into the conversion area: the source format is detected automatically.
2. Pick the output format
Select the target format among the five supported ones, then start the conversion: it begins instantly.
3. Download the result
Get your converted file in seconds, ready to open on your embroidery machine.
Which embroidery format for which machine?
Each machine brand reads its native format: that is the one you need to embroider directly. DST, meanwhile, is understood by almost every machine: it is the exchange format to keep as a universal copy. Find the converted file you need from each row below.
Supported embroidery formats
Five formats cover most home and industrial machines, both as input and output. From each card, pick the conversion you need directly.
From the DST format
The Tajima format, now the universal embroidery standard. Recognized by almost every machine, it stores no color palette: only thread-change commands.
From the JEF format
The native format of Janome and Elna machines. It keeps the original color palette of the design.
From the EXP format
A cutting and embroidery format used mainly by Bernina and Melco. Like DST, it carries no color information.
From the VP3 format
The format of Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff machines. The most complete one: it stores thread colors, notes and up to 255 colors.
Who makes this tool?
StitchConverter is an independent tool, designed and maintained by Lorris Crappier, an embroidery enthusiast and developer. No ads, no data resale: the service lives on Premium passes. Meet the maker on the About page.
Free, no sign-up, unlimited if you need it
Free use allows 2 conversions every 24 h, no account needed: drop your file and get the converted result.
For heavier use, the 24-hour pass (€1) or the monthly plan (€5) lifts the conversion limit. Secure payment via Lemon Squeezy.
- Free conversions
- 2 free conversions every 24 h, no sign-up required.
- Maximum file size
- 10 MB
- Supported formats
- PES, DST, JEF, EXP, VP3 (input and output)
- Sign-up
- None for free use
- File storage
- None: deleted immediately after conversion
Frequently asked questions
Which embroidery file formats are supported?
The five most common formats, both as input and output: PES (Brother), DST (Tajima), JEF (Janome), EXP (Bernina/Melco) and VP3 (Husqvarna Viking/Pfaff), that is 20 possible conversions.
Which file format for my Brother, Janome or Bernina machine?
Brother and Babylock read PES; Janome, Elna and Kenmore read JEF; Bernina reads EXP (often DST too); Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff read VP3; Tajima machines and most industrial ones read DST. When in doubt: native format to embroider, DST to exchange.
Is the conversion really free?
Yes: 2 free conversions every 24 h, no sign-up. Beyond that, the 24-hour pass (€1) or the monthly plan (€5) unlocks unlimited conversions.
Are my files stored on your servers?
No. An uploaded file is only used to perform the requested conversion, then deleted immediately. The full details are in the privacy policy.
Where are my files processed?
On a server located in the European Union, only for the duration of the conversion: the file is deleted immediately after the result is sent back. The site itself is served from the Cloudflare network. Details are in the privacy policy.
Does the conversion alter my design?
The stitch count and dimensions are preserved. What can change: colors, since DST and EXP store no palette. Each conversion page details exactly what changes in that direction.
Who is behind StitchConverter?
An independent tool designed and maintained by Lorris Crappier, developer and embroidery enthusiast. The service is funded by Premium passes, with no ads and no data resale. The About page covers the story and how it works.
Do I need an account to convert a file?
No, no sign-up is required for free use. A Premium account is created automatically when you purchase, and you are identified by e-mail.