Embroidery
Embroidery file formats explained: DST, PES, EXP, JEF and more
Every embroidery machine brand has its own stitch format. Here's which file your machine needs, and why you can't just convert a JPG.
3 min readby TracingVector Team
Stitch files that run clean on your machine, with no thread breaks or puckering.
Good digitizing is the difference between a crisp left-chest logo and a stiff, puckered mess. We digitize with the right underlay, pull compensation and density for the fabric, and deliver in your machine's format.

Bolt Coffee: logo vectorized
Sound familiar?
Software conversions ignore fabric and stitch direction, so thread breaks and gaps show up mid-run.
Lettering under 6 mm needs special handling to stay legible.
Tajima wants DST, Brother wants PES, Janome wants JEF. Customers rarely know which.
How we help
Stitch paths planned by a digitizer, with underlay, pull compensation and trims set for your fabric.
DST, PES, EXP, JEF, VP3 and more, plus a PDF stitch-out sheet with colors and stitch count.
Tell us the placement and garment; we digitize center-out for caps and adjust density for fleece and knits.
If it doesn't sew out right, send us a photo and we'll adjust it. Revisions are unlimited.
Services
All from $25, with unlimited revisions.
How it works
Any JPG, PNG, PDF, screenshot or phone photo. Blurry is fine.
Tell us what it's for (Cricut, laser, DTF, embroidery) and we choose the formats.
Check the preview and ask for changes. Revisions are unlimited.
Every format, ready to use, and saved in your file library.
From the blog
Embroidery
Every embroidery machine brand has its own stitch format. Here's which file your machine needs, and why you can't just convert a JPG.
3 min readby TracingVector Team
No account needed. Upload your image, pick your machine and get a proof, usually within 24–48 hours.