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

EXP is a minimal format used by Bernina and Melco; DST, the Tajima exchange standard. Two “flat”, palette-free formats with the same stitch encoding. Convert EXP to DST for free, no sign-up: the embroidery is carried over stitch for stitch, and the DST header adds name and dimensions.

Drop your .EXP file here

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Convert to DST

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How it works

  1. 1. Drop your file

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

  2. 2. The conversion starts

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

  3. 3. Download the result

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

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

Two “flat” formats, an invisible conversion: DST and EXP describe the same thing (stitches, jumps, trims, thread stops). Only the DST header is added.

  • No embroidery loss: the stitch sequence is identical in both formats.
  • The DST header adds a name (from the file name), stitch count and dimensions.
  • Like EXP, DST carries no palette: colors remain to be assigned on the machine.
  • The resulting DST is read by almost every machine, industrial and home.

EXP or DST: what are the differences?

EXP .expDST .dst
Typical useHome (Bernina) and industrial (Melco)Industrial and home (standard)
Machines concernedBernina, MelcoTajima and most industrial machines
ColorsNo palette: thread-change stops onlyNo palette: thread-change commands (stops) only
MetadataNo rich metadata (stitch sequence only)Truncated name, stitch count, dimensions (text header)
How to open itWith the free Bernina ArtLink or Melco softwareWith Tajima DG/ML by Pulse, the free Wilcom TrueSizer, or Embird

Understanding the EXP and DST formats

EXP .exp · as a source file

The leanest format of all, EXP carries only the stitch, jump, trim and stop sequence — DST encoding without a header. No colors, no name, no dimensions: at conversion time the geometry passes intact and everything else is rebuilt by the target format.

  • 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)

DST .dst · as an output file

As a target, DST yields the most portable file there is: accepted by almost every machine, home or industrial. The palette is not kept (the format stores none) and the design name is truncated, but stitches and dimensions pass through unchanged — the header copies the footprint in tenths of a millimeter.

  • 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)

Machine compatibility and dimensions

DST adds to the EXP geometry the header it was missing: extents in tenths of a millimeter, stitch count, name. Dimensions become readable and verifiable on any machine, Tajima or home — a comfort gain that changes nothing about the embroidered design.

Other conversions from the EXP format

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert a EXP file to DST?

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

EXP to DST: is the design modified?

No. It is the most faithful conversion in the matrix: same stitches, jumps, trims and thread changes. Only descriptive information (name, counters) is added to the DST header.

How do I open a EXP or DST file?

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

Is the EXP to DST 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.