Skip to content

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

DST is the Tajima exchange standard, read by almost every machine, but it stores no colors. PES is the native format of Brother and Babylock machines. Convert DST to PES for free, no sign-up: stitches and dimensions are preserved; only colors, defaulted in the original order, may need adjusting.

Drop your .DST file here

or click to browse your files

Convert to PES

Your files are only used to perform the conversion. Privacy policy

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 PES format, keeping all embroidery stitches.

  3. 3. Download the result

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

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

DST carries no colors: converting to PES therefore rebuilds a default palette, following the thread-change order of the original design.

  • Default colors are assigned following the DST stops, adjust them if needed in PE-Design, Embrilliance or on the machine.
  • The DST header provides dimensions and stitch count, carried into the PES file.
  • The PES design name reuses the (truncated) DST header name.
  • Stitches are carried over as-is: geometry, jumps and trims do not change.

DST or PES: what are the differences?

DST .dstPES .pes
Typical useIndustrial and home (standard)Home embroidery
Machines concernedTajima and most industrial machinesBrother, Babylock, Bernina Deco
ColorsNo palette: thread-change commands (stops) onlyIncludes a color palette (with thread references depending on the version)
MetadataTruncated name, stitch count, dimensions (text header)Design name, dimensions, thread palette
How to open itWith Tajima DG/ML by Pulse, the free Wilcom TrueSizer, or EmbirdWith Brother PE-Design, Embrilliance Essentials or the free Ink/Stitch

Understanding the DST and PES 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)

PES .pes · as an output file

As a target, PES produces a file every Brother and Babylock machine can read, ready to open in PE-Design, Embrilliance Essentials or Ink/Stitch. If the source carries no colors (DST, EXP), a default palette is built in thread-change order; otherwise the original palette is kept.

  • BrandsBrother, Babylock, Bernina Deco
  • Versions read1 through 12 (they followed Brother hoop sizes)
  • ColorsPalette + thread references depending on the version
  • MetadataDesign name, dimensions in millimeters
  • Internal unitTenth of a millimeter

Machine compatibility and dimensions

The DST header describes the design footprint precisely (extents in tenths of a millimeter): the converted PES reuses those dimensions and centers the design like the original. On the Brother machine, the design lands in the same hoop spot; no size adjustment is needed.

Other conversions from the DST format

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert a DST file to PES?

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

DST to PES: how are colors chosen?

Since DST stores no palette, default colors are assigned in thread-change order. Open the converted PES in software (PE-Design, Embrilliance Essentials, Ink/Stitch) to pick real colors, or assign threads directly on the machine.

How do I open a DST or PES file?

DST files open with Tajima DG/ML by Pulse, the free Wilcom TrueSizer, or Embird; PES files open with Brother PE-Design, Embrilliance Essentials or the free Ink/Stitch. You can also convert DST to PES online for free with StitchConverter.

Is the DST to PES 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.