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

DST is the Tajima exchange standard, with no color palette; JEF is the native format of Janome, Elna and Kenmore machines. Convert DST to JEF for free, no sign-up: stitches and dimensions are preserved exactly, and a default palette is rebuilt following the original thread-change order.

Drop your .DST file here

or click to browse your files

Convert to JEF

Your 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 it works

1. Drop your file
Drag and drop your DST file or select it from your computer.
2. The conversion starts
Your design is automatically converted to the JEF format, keeping all embroidery stitches.
3. Download the result
Instantly get your JEF file, ready to use on your embroidery machine.

Converter screenshots: dropping a DST file, then the converted JEF 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 JEF conversion

Heading to a Janome, Elna or Kenmore machine? JEF receives the exact DST geometry plus a palette rebuilt from the Janome thread catalog, section by section.

Colors are assigned by default following the DST thread-change order (DST carries none).
Design dimensions are recomputed in millimeters from the DST header.
The stitch count stays identical: the machine will embroider exactly the same design.
Proposed thread codes come from the Janome catalog: give them a quick check before starting.

DST or JEF: what are the differences?

	DST .dst	JEF .jef
Typical use	Industrial and home (standard)	Home embroidery
Machines concerned	Tajima and most industrial machines	Janome, Elna, Kenmore
Colors	No palette: thread-change commands (stops) only	Color palette (Janome thread catalog)
Metadata	Truncated name, stitch count, dimensions (text header)	Design dimensions, color palette
How to open it	With Tajima DG/ML by Pulse, the free Wilcom TrueSizer, or Embird	With Janome Digitizer or the free Wilcom TrueSizer

Understanding the DST and JEF 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)

JEF .jef · as an output file

As a target, JEF serves Janome, Elna and Kenmore machines: the file automatically attaches a hoop from its table (from 80 × 80 mm up to 140 × 200 mm) and receives a palette drawn from the Janome catalog. Coming from a colorless format (DST, EXP), the default tints are checked at a glance on the machine.

BrandsJanome, Elna, Kenmore
HoopsFixed table: from 80 × 80 mm to 140 × 200 mm
ColorsPalette (Janome thread catalog)
MetadataDesign dimensions, selected hoop
Internal unitTenth of a millimeter

Machine compatibility and dimensions

The DST header dimensions are carried into the JEF, which automatically attaches a large-enough hoop (the Janome hoop table runs from 100 × 100 mm to 140 × 200 mm and beyond). If the design exceeds the largest hoop, the machine will warn you: the conversion itself changes nothing about the size.

Other conversions from the DST format

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert a DST file to JEF?

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

Does a JEF converted from DST embroider exactly the same design?

Yes for geometry: every stitch, jump and trim of the DST is carried into the JEF as-is. Only the displayed colors change: they are assigned by default and can be adjusted on the machine.

How do I open a DST or JEF file?

DST files open with Tajima DG/ML by Pulse, the free Wilcom TrueSizer, or Embird; JEF files open with Janome Digitizer or the free Wilcom TrueSizer. You can also convert DST to JEF online for free with StitchConverter.

Is the DST to JEF 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.