Machine Embroidery File Formats

You’re most likely aware of the file formats for the images you submit to a digitizing service, like JPG or PNG. However, this also applies when they’re converted through the software. There are many kinds of embroidery file formats, and we’ll go over the various categories based on the manufacturer.

Many Variations by Brand and Limitations

More companies are creating numerous sewing machines that produce works through automation. Because of that, the amount of embroidery file formats have increased both by type and variation. You must be aware of these many distinctions to know what’s compatible with your or a professional’s machine.

Each of these file formats has size limitations. It can depend on the brand and model of the sewing machine. For example, the PES format yields about 4″ x 4″ design sizes with the Simplicity SE1 appliance.

Elna

• The Envision 9006 model uses the SEW format, allowing a maximum size of 2.75″ x 4.80″.
• The Envision CE20 model uses the SEW format with a maximum size of 3.5″ x 4.90″.
• The Xquisit model uses EMD for Xpress Way Box and uses Xpressive software to read and write other formats, with a maximum size of 6″ x 10″.
• The Xquisit II model uses ESE with a Janome Xquisit compatible design card and has a maximum size of 5.51″ x 9.45″.
• The Envision 8006 model uses SEW with a maximum size of 3.50″ x 4.80″.
• The Xplore 8600 and Xperience 8200 models use JEF with a maximum size of 5.51″ x 7.87″.

Bernina

• The Deco 330 model uses PES, ART, and EXP with a maximum size of 5.50″ and 7.90″.
• The Deco 500 model uses PES with a maximum size of 3.74″ x 3.74″.
• The Deco 600 model uses PES with a maximum size of 3.94″ x 3.94″.
• The Artista 170E and 180 models use ART with a maximum size of 7.90″ and 6.10″.
• The Artista 185 QEE uses ART with a maximum size of 5.70″ x 10″.
• The Artista 200E uses ART with a maximum size of 7.90″ x 6.10″.

Kenmore

• The 19000 and 19001 models use SEW with a maximum size of 3.50″ x 4.90″. If there are designs with more than 12 colors, it must be divided into two files.
• The Elite 19005 model uses JEF with an ATA PC card, which is a “Type II” flash memory card. The maximum size it can yield for designs is 4″ x 5″.
• The Elite Ergo 19010 model uses JEF with a maximum size of 4.3″ x 5″. It also contains Kenmore software that both reads and writes various formats.

Brother

• The PE 700 model uses PES with a maximum size of 5″ x 7″.
• The PR 600C and 600 II models use PES with a maximum size of 12″ x 8″.
• The PC 6500 model uses PES with a maximum size of 5.10″ x 7.10″.
• The Innovis 1000 model uses PES with a maximum size of 4″ x 7.50″.
• The Ultra 2001 and 2003D models use PES with a maximum size of 10.25″ x 6.25″.
• The Ultima 2002 model uses PES, PHC, and DST file formats with a maximum size of 10.25″ x 6.25″.

Janome

• The Memory Craft 5000, 5700, and 8000 models use SEW with a maximum size of 3.50″ 4.90″.
• The Memory Craft 9000 model uses SEW with a maximum size of 3.25″ 4.75″.
• The Memory Craft 9500 model uses JEF and SEW with a maximum size of 7.90″ x 5.50″.
• The Memory Craft 10000 model uses JEF with a maximum size of 7.87″ 5.51″.
• The Memory Craft 11000 model uses JEF and JEF Plus with a maximum size of 8″ x 8″.
• The Memory Craft 300E model uses JEF with a maximum size of 7.87″ x 5.51″.

Husqvarna

• The Viking Platinum 950E model uses VIP with a maximum size of 9″ x 6″.
• The Viking Scandinavia 300 and 400 models use HUS with a maximum size of 4″ x 4″.
• The Viking Designer 1 model uses SHV with a maximum size of 6.89″ x 8.9″.
• The Viking Designer 2 model uses HUS with a maximum size of 6″ x 14.2″.
• The Viking Brother White 3300 model uses PES with a maximum size of 3.94″ x 3.95″.
• The Viking Brother White 4400 model uses DST with a maximum size of 4″ x 4″.

Pfaff

• The Creative 7570 model uses PCS with a maximum size of 3.94″ x 4.72″.
• The Creative 7560 model uses PCS with a maximum size of 4.53″ x 4.72″.
• The Creative 2170 model uses VIP, VP3, and Mac format with a maximum size of 6″ x 9″.
• The Creative 2140 and 2144 models use PCS and VIP with a maximum size of 5″ x 9″.
• The Creative 2134 model uses VIP, VP3, and Mac format with a maximum size of 6″ x 9″.
• The Creative 2124 model uses PCS with a maximum size of 5.50″ x and 9.00″.

Babylock

• The Ellageo 3 model uses PES, DST, and PEC with a maximum size of 6.25″ x 10.25″.
• The Ellegante model uses PES with a maximum size of 7.00″ x 11.75″.
• The Ellure model uses PES with a maximum size of 5.00″ x 6.97″.
• The Esante model uses PES and PEC with a maximum size of 5.00″ x 6.97″.
• The Espree model uses PES with a maximum size of 4″ x 4″.
• The EMP6 model uses PES, PEC, DST, and PHC with a maximum size of 7.00″ x 11.25″.

One reason there are so many file formats is for brand loyalty. Many sewing machines don’t share similar embroidery digitization arrangements, meaning you’ll less likely purchase a new apparatus from a different company. You might feel additionally frustrated if you add the extra layer of various versions of a file format, though the reason for that has to do with updates.

Digitizers can convert between the arrangements. It’s useful if you have a sewing machine that isn’t compatible with your chosen software, so you have to send it to a professional. You can contact us here at Affordable Digitizing about converting your file and completing the embroidery project.