Confused by all the different embroidery file formats—like PES, VP3, or HUS—and wondering which one works with your machine? You’re not alone! In this post, we’re breaking down the most common embroidery design file types and showing you exactly how to find the right one for your machine. Whether you're brand new to embroidery or just picked up a new machine, this guide will help you stitch with confidence and get the most out of your Designs by JuJu downloads.

PES. VP3. HUS. What do they all mean? Every embroidery machine brand supports a particular design format characterized by different three-letter file extensions. Even though you get nearly a dozen file formats with every Designs by JuJu embroidery design download, it is important to know which of them works with your machine. In today’s post, we will be covering the basics of embroidery design formats and how to determine what is compatible with your specific embroidery machine.

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What Formats Does Designs by JuJu Offer?

When you purchase embroidery designs from Designs by JuJu, you receive nearly a dozen different file types for download. If you purchase a font or alphabet, you also receive a BX format that allows for easy design customizations using Embrilliance or other embroidery software. Check out this blog post for tips and tricks on using BX fonts with Embrilliance.

Designs by JuJu offers nearly a dozen embroidery formats with your purchase

Design files are delivered via a compressed ZIP file download. You can choose to download All Formats or select only the design format that is compatible with your specific embroidery machine. See the How to Organize Embroidery Machine Designs blog post for help purchasing, downloading, and organizing design files. 

All Formats downloaded zip file
PES only downloaded zip file

What Design Formats Are Compatible with My Embroidery Machine?

The three-letter extension on the end of embroidery design file names makes a big difference. If you have a Husqvarna Viking machine (HUS) and you buy a Janome (JEF) embroidery design, your machine won’t recognize it. If the embroidery file isn’t compatible with your machine, you won’t be able to use it unless you have conversion software. 

Below are the most commonly used design file formats and the machines they represent:

  • .ART - Bernina Artista & Janome
  • .DST - Tajima*
  • .EXP - Melco, DOS expanded
  • .EXP - Bernina USB
  • .HUS - Husqvarna Viking
  • .JEF - Janome
  • .PCS - Pfaff
  • .PES - Baby Lock, Bernina Deco, Brother
  • .SEW - Janome, Elna, Kenmore
  • .VIP - Pfaff 2140 & Husqvarna/Viking
  • .VP3 - Pfaff & Husqvarna/Viking
  • .XXX - Singer XL

*Most machines can read DST files in addition to their own. Make sure to reference your specific embroidery machine’s user manual for details regarding compatible design formats.

It is important to know which design formats work with your embroidery machine, as you may want to download and keep those design files only. Remember that it is a violation of copyright to share designs with others, even design formats you don’t use.

In the event you get a different brand of embroidery machine in the future (e.g., you have a Baby Lock now and get a Pfaff later) just go to your DBJJ account page and download previous orders to access the new file format. Bonus: You have unlimited downloads from DBJJ, so you don't have to worry about losing access to the files you have purchased.

I hope you have enjoyed today’s blog post on the basics of embroidery design file formats. Make sure to join the Designs by JuJu Embroidery Blessings Facebook Group for more helpful tips and tricks, as well as tons of inspiration. Share your own creations using the hashtag #designsbyjuju anywhere on social media. We can’t wait to see what you make! Happy stitching!

Michelle Christiansen

Hello! My name is Michelle Christiansen. I am an avid crafter and love doing embroidery projects, especially with my mom. My favorite way to spend my free time is with my husband and my three year old!