OFM Is a Native Melco Working Format
Melco identifies OFM as its preferred embroidery design file type. A properly created OFM can retain Wireframe elements, which store editable design information such as element shape, stitch type, density and stitch direction.
That native information is valuable when a shop needs to make future changes. The software can work with the object properties instead of treating the design only as a collection of stitch points.
DST Is a Machine Stitch Format
DST is one of the most widely recognized commercial embroidery machine formats. Its job is to describe the stitch path and machine instructions needed for production. It is useful because many embroidery systems can read it, but it does not contain the same native object structure found in a Wireframe OFM.
OFM
Best when the shop wants a native Melco master with Wireframe editing information when available.
DST
Best when the shop needs a widely supported production stitch file for an embroidery machine or workflow that accepts DST.
Editing
OFM can preserve object properties. DST primarily contains expanded stitch data, so major edits can require more manual work or redigitizing.
Portability
DST is widely used across machine brands. OFM is most useful when the workflow includes Melco software and machines.
What Happens When You Resize the Design?
A Wireframe OFM can regenerate stitches when editable elements change size. A DST starts from existing stitch points. Software may allow a DST to be scaled, but the file does not suddenly regain the original digitizer's object properties.
Small changes may work depending on the design and software. Larger changes often need professional review because density, underlay, compensation, lettering and stitch type may need to change with the size.
Should an Embroidery Shop Keep Both?
Often, yes. A common professional approach is to keep the native master file for future editing and also keep the machine format used for the actual production job. Which machine file is needed depends on the embroidery equipment and operating workflow.
For a Melco focused shop, keeping the OFM gives the shop a stronger starting point for future changes than keeping only a DST.
Can You Convert DST Back to OFM?
DesignShop can convert expanded elements to Wireframe, but that is not the same as recovering the original native digitizing work. Melco warns that conversion can change original digitizing choices. If the only file available is DST and important changes are required, redigitizing or professional review may provide a cleaner result.
Need OFM and Machine Files?
Naan Designs can create a native Melco OFM master and provide production formats based on the order requirements.
Melco OFM Digitizing ServicesSources and Further Reading
Technical statements on this page are supported by public manufacturer documentation where appropriate. The software is listed for educational and comparison purposes only. The order does not indicate that one program is better than another, since each software platform is designed for different users, workflows, and embroidery production needs.
- MELCO Supported File Types Melco identifies OFM as the preferred embroidery design file type for use with Melco embroidery machines.
- MELCO Element Types: Expanded and Wireframe Explains the difference between Wireframe design information and expanded stitches.
- MELCO Converting an Object To Wireframe Explains why converting expanded stitches does not necessarily preserve original digitizing choices.