Embroidery and Vector File Formats
OFM and EMB can be editable design masters. DST, PES and EXP are common embroidery machine formats. AI, SVG, EPS and vector PDF are artwork formats used in graphics and print production.
Not sure what you need? Tell us your machine model, software name and whether you need to edit a design or only sew it.
How It Works
The right file depends on what you need to do next: edit the embroidery design, run stitches on a machine or prepare scalable artwork for printing. Include your machine model or software version if you are unsure.
- 1Identify Your MachineFind your embroidery machine or design software.
- 2Decide Your GoalChoose sewing, editing or vector artwork.
- 3Select File FormatRequest the relevant format during ordering.
- 4Receive Your FilesDownload the delivered formats from your account.
Embroidery Design and Machine Formats
- OFM: Melco DesignShop design format that can retain editable object and embroidery information when built as a native design.
- EMB: Wilcom embroidery design format that can retain editable object-based information when created natively in a compatible Wilcom workflow.
- DST: Widely used machine stitch format for commercial embroidery production.
- PES: Common embroidery format used in Brother and compatible home or small shop workflows.
- EXP: Machine stitch format used in several commercial embroidery workflows.
- Other formats: Additional embroidery formats are available by request when supported by the production workflow.
Vector Artwork Formats
- AI: Adobe Illustrator vector artwork format.
- SVG: Scalable vector format commonly used for web, cutting, and graphics workflows.
- EPS: Established vector exchange format used in many print and graphics workflows.
- PDF: Can contain either vector or raster artwork. Ask for a vector PDF when you need scalable production artwork.
- Other formats: Additional vector formats can be discussed based on your software and production needs.
Editable Design File vs Machine Stitch File
Editable design formats such as OFM and EMB can contain higher level design information when the design is created natively in the appropriate software workflow. Machine formats such as DST primarily describe the stitch instructions needed for production.
Changing the extension or saving an expanded stitch file in an editable format does not automatically restore the original editable objects. If future editing matters, request a native editable file when placing your order.
What Files Will I Receive?
Your order is delivered in the format or formats selected for the project. Native editable formats such as OFM or EMB can be requested when applicable, and machine formats such as DST, PES, or EXP can also be supplied based on your production needs.
If you are unsure which format to request, include your embroidery machine model, software name, and whether you need to edit the design or simply run it on the machine. Wilcom EmbroideryStudio and Hatch users should also specify their exact software version because editable EMB compatibility varies by version.
For native file options, see Melco OFM digitizing or Wilcom EMB digitizing.
Compare File Formats in the Education Hub
Common Questions About Embroidery File Formats
Are OFM and EMB the same as DST?
No. Native OFM and EMB can preserve editable object data; DST mainly describes stitch instructions.
Can I turn any JPG into a stitch file by renaming it?
No. Artwork must be digitized into embroidery stitches before a machine can sew it.
How do I know which file to order?
Share your embroidery machine model, software version and intended application so the right format can be selected.
Choose the File You Need
Choose files based on your machine and software, not just a familiar extension. Tell us whether you need a native editable design, a machine stitch file or vector artwork.