Convert JPG to EXP embroidery files

JPG files work well once their compression noise is cleaned up. The digitizer smooths JPEG artifacts and blurry edges before it picks thread colors. Download a Melco EXP file for Melco, Bernina machines.

Drop your JPG here

PNG, JPG, WebP or SVG · stays on your device

  • Free account and preview
  • Color sheet included
  • Runs in your browser
The badge logo digitized for a Melco EXP file
Original badge logo artwork
ArtworkEmbroidered
Step by step

How to convert a JPG to EXP

It takes about a minute, and you can preview every stitch for free before you download.

  1. 1

    Upload your JPG

    Drop the .jpg file into the box above or open the digitizer. A free account is all you need.

  2. 2

    Set the size

    Type a width, or pick your hoop from 4×4" to 8×12". The proportions are kept.

  3. 3

    Check colors and stitches

    Review the thread colors, the stitch preview and the design check. Switch off any color you don't want stitched.

  4. 4

    Download the .EXP file

    Choose Melco or the EXP format and download. Copy the file to your machine by USB or its app.

About the format

The Melco EXP format

EXP comes from Melco's commercial machines and is one of the formats Bernina embroidery machines read directly.

Like DST, EXP stores stitches, jumps, trims and color changes but not thread colors, so keep the color sheet handy when threading.

Moves longer than 12.7 mm are split automatically.

Tips for the best result

  • Use the highest-quality JPG you have. Screenshots of small logos lose detail.
  • If the logo sits on a busy background, crop it or remove the background first.
  • For photos, start with 4 to 6 colors and adjust from there.

More detail in our guide to preparing artwork for embroidery.

FAQ

JPG to EXP converter 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.

Will JPEG artifacts show up in the embroidery?

No. Noise reduction and anti-alias cleanup run before color separation, so blocky artifacts and soft edges are folded into the nearest real color.

Can I convert a photo saved as JPG?

Yes. Photos are simplified into a few flat thread colors, which suits simple, high-contrast pictures best. See the photo-to-embroidery page for tips.

Is EXP the right format for my Bernina?

Bernina embroidery machines read EXP. Many models read other formats too, such as PES or DST, so check your machine's manual.

Does EXP include colors?

No. Like DST it only marks color changes. Use the color sheet download for thread order.

How much does Embrizo cost?

Digitizing is free. With a free Embrizo account you can upload an image, digitize it, change every setting, watch the stitch preview and sew-out, run the design check and save a PNG preview. Downloading embroidery files such as DST, PES or JEF needs a paid plan: Hobby ($20 a month, 20 design downloads), Shop ($50 a month, 100) or Pro ($100 a month, unlimited). Billed annually, plans start at $8 a month. A design counts once per month however many formats you download, and you can cancel anytime. The pricing page has the details.

Is my image uploaded to a server?

No. Your image is processed entirely on your own device in your web browser and is never uploaded. When you download, only the finished stitch data is sent to create your file. If you save a design, only the finished stitch file, a small preview and its thread colors are stored in your account, never the original image.

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Related tools and guides

Make your EXP file now

Sign up free, upload an image and preview the stitches. Download a Melco EXP file with any plan.