DST vs XXX: which embroidery format should you use?
DST is Tajima's format, used by commercial multi-needle machines; XXX is Singer / Compucon's, used by Singer home machines. XXX stores thread colors; DST doesn't, so keep a color sheet with it. The stitches are the same in both, so use the one your machine reads and convert when you need the other.
| Feature | DST | XXX |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Tajima | Singer / Compucon |
| Machines | Tajima, Barudan, SWF, Ricoma, Happy, most commercial machines | Singer, Compucon |
| Mainly used on | Commercial multi-needle machines | Singer home machines |
| Stores thread colors | No (color stops only) | Yes |
| File extension | .dst | .xxx |
Choose DST if…
… you run a commercial multi-needle machine, or need a file almost any machine can open.
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.
Choose XXX if…
… you sew on a Singer machine that reads XXX.
XXX is the format of Singer embroidery machines such as the Futura series, and of the Compucon software they were developed with.
Turn any image into DST or XXX
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DST vs XXX questions
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What's the difference between DST and XXX?
DST is Tajima's format, used by commercial multi-needle machines; XXX is Singer / Compucon's, used by Singer home machines. XXX stores thread colors; DST doesn't, so keep a color sheet with it. The stitches are the same in both, so use the one your machine reads and convert when you need the other.
Can I convert DST to XXX?
Yes. Open the .dst file in the free DST to XXX converter and save it as .xxx. The stitches carry over exactly; thread colors are matched to the closest threads.
Does converting between DST and XXX lose quality?
No. Both formats store the same needle positions, so the design sews the same. What can change is the color information and any software-only extras, not the stitches.
Which is better, DST or XXX?
Neither is better in itself. Use DST if you run a commercial multi-needle machine, or need a file almost any machine can open; use XXX if you sew on a Singer machine that reads XXX.
How do I make a file in either format from an image?
Upload the image to the digitizer, check the stitch preview and download DST, XXX or any other format. Digitizing and previewing are free with an account.
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