Most current Bernina embroidery machines stitch from EXP files. Bernina's embroidery software saves its working designs as ART, but the file the machine sews is EXP, and that's what the free digitizer creates from your image.
Upload a logo or picture, check the stitch preview and download an EXP file. Everything happens in your browser: no installation, no signup, no upload.
Which file format Bernina machines use
There are two flavors of EXP. Melco's original EXP holds only the stitches, jumps, trims and color changes. Bernina's USB version adds two files with the same name: an .INF file with the thread colors and a .BMP preview image.
The digitizer writes the EXP stitch file. Your Bernina opens it without the .INF file, but shows the design in standard colors instead of your thread colors. Set the colors at the machine using the TXT color sheet, which lists each color in sewing order. Some models also read other formats, so check your manual.
This tool doesn't write ART files. If you want to edit a design in Bernina's software, open the EXP there.
How to get designs onto a Bernina
- Download the .exp file from the digitizer.
- Copy it to a USB stick formatted as FAT32. Dealers often recommend smaller, simpler sticks, since some machines struggle with large or newer ones.
- If you also have .INF and .BMP files for a design, copy them with the same file name next to the .exp.
- Insert the stick and open the design on the machine.
Bernina also offers wireless transfer from BERNINA Embroidery Software 9. Some machines, such as the B 790 PRO, have WiFi built in, and the separate BERNINA WiFi Device adds it to many other machines with a USB socket. WiFi-capable machines can also be monitored from the BERNINA Stitchout app.
Bernina hoops and embroidery fields
| Hoop or machine | Embroidery field | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Large Oval hoop | 145 × 255 mm (5.7 × 10 in) | Fits many Bernina embroidery modules |
| Maxi hoop | 210 × 400 mm (8.3 × 15.75 in) | For 7 and 8 Series machines |
| BERNINA 700 E | Up to 400 × 210 mm | Embroidery-only machine; Maxi hoop |
Bernina hoops don't fit bernette embroidery modules, and bernette machines have their own format list, so check the bernette manual if that's your machine. For any hoop, test the fit with the hoop size calculator.
Tips for Bernina embroidery
- Set the final size in the digitizer. Bernina itself advises keeping on-machine scaling of EXP designs within about 20%, because the stitches don't change. For bigger changes, download a new file.
- Keep the color sheet handy. It is your thread list, since the EXP file carries no colors.
- Choose the fabric preset to set density, underlay and pull compensation for the garment.
- Use the Large Oval or Maxi hoop for big designs and a firm cut-away on knits. The stabilizer guide has a fabric chart.
- Test on scrap first.
Convert other formats to EXP
Convert designs made for other machines into EXP in your browser:
- PES to EXP for Brother and Baby Lock designs
- DST to EXP for commercial designs
- JEF to EXP, VP3 to EXP and XXX to EXP for Janome, Viking, Pfaff and Singer files
From artwork, start with PNG to EXP or image to EXP.