EXP to JEF Converter: Free Online, No Sign-Up
EXP is a minimal format used by Bernina and Melco, with no colors; JEF is the native format of Janome, Elna and Kenmore machines. Convert EXP to JEF for free, no sign-up: stitches and dimensions are preserved, and a palette is rebuilt following the original thread-change order.
Drop your .EXP file here
or click to browse your files
Convert to JEFYour 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 EXP 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 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 JEF conversion
For a Janome, Elna or Kenmore machine, EXP → JEF conversion adds what EXP lacks: a color palette drawn from the Janome catalog, in the order of the original file stops.
- A palette is rebuilt following the EXP thread-change order (EXP carries none).
- Design dimensions are recomputed in millimeters for the JEF header.
- The embroidery geometry stays identical, stitch by stitch.
- Proposed colors are defaults: a quick look at the preview validates them.
EXP or JEF: what are the differences?
| EXP .exp | JEF .jef | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical use | Home (Bernina) and industrial (Melco) | Home embroidery |
| Machines concerned | Bernina, Melco | Janome, Elna, Kenmore |
| Colors | No palette: thread-change stops only | Color palette (Janome thread catalog) |
| Metadata | No rich metadata (stitch sequence only) | Design dimensions, color palette |
| How to open it | With the free Bernina ArtLink or Melco software | With Janome Digitizer or the free Wilcom TrueSizer |
Understanding the EXP and JEF 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)
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
With no header in EXP, JEF rebuilds dimensions and hoop from the stitches: the Janome hoop table receives the smallest suitable size. The embroidery stays strictly identical; only the displayed dimensions are now explicit on the machine screen.
Other conversions from the EXP format
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert a EXP file to JEF?
Drop your .exp file in the conversion area above: the conversion to JEF is automatic. All that is left is to download the converted file.
How do I pick the right colors after an EXP to JEF conversion?
The converted JEF section order matches the EXP stop order: if you know the original thread sequence, assign it in the same order on the machine, or edit the palette in Janome Digitizer.
How do I open a EXP or JEF file?
EXP files open with the free Bernina ArtLink or Melco software; JEF files open with Janome Digitizer or the free Wilcom TrueSizer. You can also convert EXP to JEF online for free with StitchConverter.
Is the EXP 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.