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DST to EXP Converter: Free Online, No Sign-Up

DST is the Tajima exchange standard; EXP, a minimal format used by Bernina and Melco. Two “flat” formats that store no colors. Convert DST to EXP for free, no sign-up: stitches, jumps, trims and thread order pass through unchanged — only the file container changes.

Drop your .DST file here

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Convert to EXP

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How it works

  1. 1. Drop your file

    Drag and drop your DST file or select it from your computer.

  2. 2. The conversion starts

    Your design is automatically converted to the EXP format, keeping all embroidery stitches.

  3. 3. Download the result

    Instantly get your EXP file, ready to use on your embroidery machine.

Converter screenshots: dropping a DST file, then the converted EXP design displayed and ready to download

Converter limits and specs

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

What changes in the DST to EXP conversion

This is the most transparent conversion in the matrix: DST and EXP are both “flat” formats, with no palette or rich metadata. Only the container changes.

  • No content loss: both formats carry exactly the same kinds of information (stitches, jumps, trims, stops).
  • The DST text header (name, stitch count, dimensions) has no EXP equivalent: it disappears, with no effect on the embroidery.
  • The thread-change order is preserved; colors remain to be assigned on the machine.
  • The resulting file is read by Bernina and Melco machines.

DST or EXP: what are the differences?

DST .dstEXP .exp
Typical useIndustrial and home (standard)Home (Bernina) and industrial (Melco)
Machines concernedTajima and most industrial machinesBernina, Melco
ColorsNo palette: thread-change commands (stops) onlyNo palette: thread-change stops only
MetadataTruncated name, stitch count, dimensions (text header)No rich metadata (stitch sequence only)
How to open itWith Tajima DG/ML by Pulse, the free Wilcom TrueSizer, or EmbirdWith the free Bernina ArtLink or Melco software

Understanding the DST and EXP formats

DST .dst · as a source file

As a universal source, DST brings reliable geometry: stitches, jumps and trims described in 3-byte records, with a 512-byte text header summarizing name, stitch count and dimensions. It carries no palette: colors will be rebuilt by default, following the thread-change order.

  • BrandsTajima; read by almost every machine
  • Header512-byte text (truncated name, counters, dimensions)
  • ColorsNo palette: thread-change commands (stops)
  • EncodingFixed-length 3-byte records
  • Max jump121 tenths of a mm (beyond: intermediate jumps)

EXP .exp · as an output file

As a target, EXP serves Bernina and Melco machines: a minimal file with no ambiguity about geometry. Since no metadata is embedded, dimensions are not stored and colors remain to be assigned on the machine, in the section order inherited from the source.

  • BrandsBernina (home), Melco (industrial)
  • HeaderNone: the file starts directly with the stitches
  • ColorsNo palette: thread-change stops
  • EncodingSame as DST (3 bytes), without a header
  • MetadataNone (no name, no dimensions)

Machine compatibility and dimensions

DST and EXP share the same unit (the tenth of a millimeter) and the same geometry: the design passes with zero drift. The only difference: the DST header (dimensions, counters) has no EXP equivalent, so the Bernina or Melco machine recomputes the footprint. The embroidered result, though, is exact to the millimeter.

Other conversions from the DST format

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert a DST file to EXP?

Drop your .dst file in the conversion area above: the conversion to EXP is automatic. All that is left is to download the converted file.

DST to EXP: is anything lost?

Neither stitches nor thread assignment: both formats are “flat”. Only the DST header information (design name, counters) is not carried over, because EXP has none; it makes no difference to the embroidered result.

How do I open a DST or EXP file?

DST files open with Tajima DG/ML by Pulse, the free Wilcom TrueSizer, or Embird; EXP files open with the free Bernina ArtLink or Melco software. You can also convert DST to EXP online for free with StitchConverter.

Is the DST to EXP conversion free?

Yes. StitchConverter offers 2 free conversions every 24 h, with no sign-up. For unlimited use, go Premium (€1 per 24 h or €5 per month).

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.