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

PES is the format of Brother machines; EXP, a minimal format used by Bernina and Melco, carries only the stitch sequence. Convert PES to EXP for free, no sign-up: stitches and dimensions stay identical, the palette is not transferred and the thread order is kept for assignment on the machine.

Drop your .PES file here

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Convert to EXP

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How it works

  1. 1. Drop your file

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

  2. 2. The conversion starts

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

  3. 3. Download the result

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

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

EXP is the most minimal of the five: even more than DST, it is just the stitch sequence. The Brother design geometry passes through intact, but palette and metadata are left behind.

  • The color palette is lost: EXP stores no color information, only thread-change stops.
  • No design name or header dimensions: an EXP file is a plain stitch sequence.
  • The color section order is preserved: assign threads in that order on the Bernina or Melco machine.
  • The stitch count stays identical.

PES or EXP: what are the differences?

PES .pesEXP .exp
Typical useHome embroideryHome (Bernina) and industrial (Melco)
Machines concernedBrother, Babylock, Bernina DecoBernina, Melco
ColorsIncludes a color palette (with thread references depending on the version)No palette: thread-change stops only
MetadataDesign name, dimensions, thread paletteNo rich metadata (stitch sequence only)
How to open itWith Brother PE-Design, Embrilliance Essentials or the free Ink/StitchWith the free Bernina ArtLink or Melco software

Understanding the PES and EXP formats

PES .pes · as a source file

Your PES file arrives with everything a home format can carry: the stitch sequence, dimensions in millimeters, a design name and a color palette that follows the conversion whenever the target format can store one. Versions 1 through 12 are read alike: an old PES and a recent file set out with the same information.

  • 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

EXP .exp · as an output file

As a target, EXP serves Bernina and Melco machines: a minimal file with no ambiguity about geometry. Since no metadata is embedded, dimensions are not stored and colors remain to be assigned on the machine, in the section order inherited from the source.

  • 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)

Machine compatibility and dimensions

Since EXP has no header, dimensions do not transfer as metadata: the Bernina or Melco machine recomputes the footprint from the stitch geometry. The embroidered design stays exactly the original size (both formats work in tenths of a millimeter), but re-center it from the machine screen if needed.

Other conversions from the PES format

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert a PES file to EXP?

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

Why does my converted EXP file show different colors?

That is expected: the EXP format carries no colors. The machine shows default colors; assign your threads following the original PES section order to get the intended result.

How do I open a PES or EXP file?

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

Is the PES to EXP 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.