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

EXP is a minimal format used by Bernina and Melco: it carries neither colors nor metadata. PES is the native format of Brother and Babylock machines. Convert EXP to PES for free, no sign-up: stitches and dimensions are preserved; a default palette is created in the original thread order.

Drop your .EXP file here

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Convert to PES

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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 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 EXP 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 EXP to PES conversion

Since EXP carries neither colors nor metadata, converting to PES rebuilds a default palette and makes the design readable by every Brother and Babylock machine.

  • Default colors are assigned following the EXP stops, adjust them in software or on the machine.
  • The PES rebuilds a design name and dimensions, absent from the original EXP.
  • Geometry (stitches, jumps, trims) is carried over as-is.
  • The file becomes editable in PE-Design, Embrilliance Essentials or Ink/Stitch.

EXP or PES: what are the differences?

EXP .expPES .pes
Typical useHome (Bernina) and industrial (Melco)Home embroidery
Machines concernedBernina, MelcoBrother, Babylock, Bernina Deco
ColorsNo palette: thread-change stops onlyIncludes a color palette (with thread references depending on the version)
MetadataNo rich metadata (stitch sequence only)Design name, dimensions, thread palette
How to open itWith the free Bernina ArtLink or Melco softwareWith Brother PE-Design, Embrilliance Essentials or the free Ink/Stitch

Understanding the EXP and PES 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)

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

Since EXP carries neither header nor dimensions, the converter recomputes the footprint from the stitches, in tenths of a millimeter, and writes it into the PES. The design then appears sized and centered on the Brother machine — simply check on screen that the dimensions match your original design.

Other conversions from the EXP format

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert a EXP file to PES?

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

EXP to PES: where did the colors go?

They were never in the EXP file: that format stores no colors. The converted PES contains a default palette, in thread-change order; pick your threads following that order to get the intended look.

How do I open a EXP or PES file?

EXP files open with the free Bernina ArtLink or Melco software; PES files open with Brother PE-Design, Embrilliance Essentials or the free Ink/Stitch. You can also convert EXP to PES online for free with StitchConverter.

Is the EXP 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.