EXP vs VP3: which embroidery format should you use?
EXP is Melco's format, used by Melco commercial and Bernina home machines; VP3 is Husqvarna Viking / Pfaff's, used by Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff home machines. VP3 stores thread colors; EXP 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 | EXP | VP3 |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Melco | Husqvarna Viking / Pfaff |
| Machines | Melco, Bernina | Husqvarna Viking, Pfaff |
| Mainly used on | Melco commercial and Bernina home machines | Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff home machines |
| Stores thread colors | No (color stops only) | Yes |
| File extension | .exp | .vp3 |
Choose EXP if…
… you sew on a Bernina or a Melco machine.
EXP comes from Melco's commercial machines and is one of the formats Bernina embroidery machines read directly.
Choose VP3 if…
… you sew on a Husqvarna Viking or Pfaff machine, or use mySewnet.
VP3 is the current embroidery format of Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff machines and their mySewnet software.
Turn any image into EXP or VP3
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EXP vs VP3 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.
What's the difference between EXP and VP3?
EXP is Melco's format, used by Melco commercial and Bernina home machines; VP3 is Husqvarna Viking / Pfaff's, used by Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff home machines. VP3 stores thread colors; EXP 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 EXP to VP3?
Yes. Open the .exp file in the free EXP to VP3 converter and save it as .vp3. The stitches carry over exactly; thread colors are matched to the closest threads.
Does converting between EXP and VP3 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, EXP or VP3?
Neither is better in itself. Use EXP if you sew on a Bernina or a Melco machine; use VP3 if you sew on a Husqvarna Viking or Pfaff machine, or use mySewnet.
How do I make a file in either format from an image?
Upload the image to the digitizer, check the stitch preview and download EXP, VP3 or any other format. Digitizing and previewing are free with an account.
More format comparisons
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