Convert EXP to DST
Open a .exp embroidery file and download it as Tajima DST for Tajima, Barudan machines. Every stitch is kept, and the conversion runs in your browser.
Drop your .exp file here
DST, PES, JEF, EXP, VP3, XXX, PEC, U01, TBF · read in your browser, never uploaded
How to convert EXP to DST
Four steps, all in your browser.
- 1
Open your .exp file
Drop the EXP file into the converter above. It opens right in your browser for free.
- 2
Check the preview
Look over the stitch preview, size, stitch count and colors to confirm it's the right design.
- 3
Note the color order
DST has no colors, so keep the color sheet for threading.
- 4
Download the .dst file
Downloads are included in every plan. Copy the file to your Tajima machine by USB stick or its transfer app.
EXP vs DST
| Property | .EXP | .DST |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Melco | Tajima |
| Machines | Melco, Bernina | Tajima, Barudan, SWF |
| Thread colors | Not stored | Not stored |
| Mostly used by | Melco commercial and Bernina home machines | Commercial multi-needle machines |
DST was created by Tajima and became the common language of commercial embroidery. Nearly every multi-needle machine, and most embroidery software, can open it.
What changes when you convert
Every stitch is kept
Needle positions carry over exactly: both EXP and DST store them in 0.1 mm steps. Moves longer than DST allows are split automatically.
Color stops are kept
Neither format stores thread colors, so the color changes carry over and the color order stays the same.
Jumps become trims
Every jump between sections is written as a trim and a jump, so loose threads are cut on machines with an automatic trimmer.
Convert EXP to other formats
Convert other formats to DST
Make a DST from an image
EXP to DST questions
The quickest way to see what it does with your artwork is to try it. With a free account, digitizing and previewing cost nothing and take about a minute.
Is converting EXP to DST lossless?
The stitches are. Every needle position is copied exactly. What can differ is metadata such as thread names or hoop settings, which each format stores differently.
Will my Tajima machine read the converted file?
Yes, if it reads DST. The file is written to the Tajima DST specification and checked against independent readers. Most Tajima machines read DST; your manual lists the exact formats.
Is the converter free?
Opening a EXP file and checking its stitches, colors and size is free. Downloading the DST file needs a paid plan, from $8 a month billed annually.
Is my file uploaded anywhere?
No. The file is opened and previewed entirely in your browser. When you download, only its stitch data is sent to create the converted file.
Can I resize the design while converting?
Not in the converter, which keeps the stitches exactly as they are. To change the size, digitize the original artwork again in the digitizer, since scaling stitch files changes their density.
Keep going
Related tools and guides
- Machine guideTajima machinesDST files for Tajima commercial machines, with needle setup, sewing fields and TBF notes.Open
- Free toolEmbroidery file viewerOpen DST, PES, JEF and more in your browser: stitch preview, colors, size and stitch count.Open
- Free toolHoop size calculatorFind which hoops fit your design and how far to scale it down if it's too big.Open
- Free toolThread color chart & matcherBrother and Janome thread charts with codes, plus a color matcher between brands.Open
- GuideEmbroidery file formats explainedWhich machines read which format, and which formats keep thread colors.Open
Have the original artwork?
Digitize it from scratch for a cleaner DST at exactly the size you need.