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

Convert your PES file to DST format online, no sign-up required. Drop your design and download the converted file in seconds.

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Convert to DST

2 free conversions every 24 h, no sign-up required.

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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

How it works

1. Drop your file
Drag and drop your PES file or select it from your computer.
2. The conversion starts
Your design is automatically converted to the DST format, keeping all embroidery stitches.
3. Download the result
Instantly get your DST file, ready to use on your embroidery machine.

What changes in the PES to DST conversion

Going from PES — a metadata-rich Brother format — to DST, the « flat » exchange standard, simplifies the file: stitches stay strictly identical, but the color palette does not follow.

The PES color palette is not transferred: DST only stores thread-change commands (stops), carried over in the same order.
The design name is truncated to fit the DST text header.
The stitch count and design dimensions are preserved exactly.
On the machine, you will need to manually assign a thread to each color section.

PES or DST: what are the differences?

	PES .pes	DST .dst
Typical use	Home embroidery	Industrial and home (standard)
Machines concerned	Brother, Babylock, Bernina Deco	Tajima and most industrial machines
Colors	Includes a color palette (with thread references depending on the version)	No palette: thread-change commands (stops) only
Metadata	Design name, dimensions, thread palette	Truncated name, stitch count, dimensions (text header)
How to open it	With Brother PE-Design, Embrilliance Essentials or the free Ink/Stitch	With Tajima DG/ML by Pulse, the free Wilcom TrueSizer, or Embird

Understanding the PES and DST formats

Format PES .pes

PES is the native format of Brother and Babylock home embroidery machines (and Bernina Deco). It is one of the most widely distributed formats: most design shops offer it by default. A PES file stores stitches (positions, jumps, trims), a color section and metadata — design name, dimensions in millimeters and, depending on the version, a thread palette. When converting, these elements are read and re-encoded into the target format: the stitch count and design dimensions stay identical, while the color palette is only kept if the destination format can store one. To open a PES file outside a Brother machine: PE-Design, Embrilliance Essentials, Ink/Stitch (free) or Wilcom TrueSizer (free).

Brother, Babylock, Bernina Deco

Format DST .dst

DST is the Tajima format, now the exchange standard for embroidery: it is accepted by almost every machine, home or industrial, and by all digitizing software. The file alternates stitch, jump and trim commands with « stop » commands that mark thread changes. One key point: it carries no named color palette — matching each section to an actual thread is left to the machine or the operator. A 512-byte text header summarizes the design: name (truncated), stitch count, color-change count and dimensions. When converting, stitches are carried over as-is; only the container and metadata change.

Tajima and most industrial machines

Machine compatibility and dimensions

The conversion changes neither the stitch count nor the design dimensions: a 90 × 90 mm design remains a 90 × 90 mm design. The maximum embroiderable area depends on your machine and hoop, not on the file: simply check that the converted design dimensions fit inside your hoop. All formats supported here (PES, DST, JEF, EXP, VP3) express stitch positions in the same base unit, which allows conversion without any rescaling.

Other conversions from the PES format

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert a PES file to DST?

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

Does converting PES to DST lose my colors?

The DST file keeps the thread-change order of the PES but not the colors themselves: it stores no palette. Your machine will ask you to assign a thread to each section — following the original order, the embroidered result stays identical.

How do I open a PES file?

PES files can be opened with Brother PE-Design, Embrilliance Essentials or the free Ink/Stitch. You can also convert them online for free with StitchConverter.

Is the PES 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.