Will This File Work on My Machine?

A Simple Guide to Embroidery File Formats We Provide.

If you’ve ever received a digitized embroidery file and thought, “Wait… what’s a DST file?”—you’re not alone. One of the most common questions we hear at PRO Digitizing is: “Will this file work with my embroidery machine?” In this article, we’ll break down the most popular machine brands and the file formats they use, plus give you a few tips to make sure you’re always getting the right file for your setup.

Why File Format Matters

Embroidery machines aren’t universal—they speak different file “languages.” Each brand often has its own proprietary format, and using the wrong one can lead to:

• Designs not appearing on your screen

• Garbled stitch-outs

• Wasted thread, fabric, and time

That’s why choosing the correct file format is crucial. At PRO Digitizing, we support a wide range of file types to ensure you always get a format that works seamlessly with your machine.

Most Common File Formats We Provide

Here’s a quick reference guide of the formats we offer and which machines they match:

Tip: If you’re ever unsure which format you need, just tell us the make and model of your machine—we’ll send the correct one for you.

How to Find Out What Format Your Machine Needs

Don’t worry if you’re unsure which file type your embroidery machine uses. Here are three quick ways to check:

Check Your Manual
Look under sections like “design format compatibility” or “USB design file types.”

Look at Past Designs
If you’ve downloaded or purchased designs before, check the file extension (e.g., .dst, .pes, .jef)—that’s the format your machine accepts.

Just Ask Us!
Seriously—we do this every day. Share your machine’s brand and model, and we’ll handle the rest.

Understanding the Difference: Machine File vs. Editable File

One question we get a lot is: “Can I open this DST file and make changes to it?” The answer depends on the type of file you received. Not all embroidery files are meant to be edited—some are designed to run on your machine, while others are editable within software. Here’s the difference:

🛑 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t worry—if you’ve run into one of these issues, you’re definitely not alone. Here are a few of the most common mistakes we see, and how to avoid them:

1. Using the Wrong File Type
Trying to load a DST file into a home-use Brother machine (which needs PES).
Always double-check your machine model or ask us to confirm before using the file.

2. Editing the Wrong File
Trying to open a PES or DST file in software and expecting full editing control.

3. Sending the Wrong Format to Your Production Partner
You work with two different shops—one needs DST, the other needs EXP.
Just let us know who needs what, and we’ll deliver all the right formats in one go.

File Delivery: What to Expect When You Order

We like to keep things simple, clear, and organized. Here’s how your digitized design is delivered once it’s ready:

• Your embroidery file(s): Delivered in the format(s) you requested (e.g., .DST, .PES, etc.)

•  Worksheet: A one-page summary that includes color sequence, stitch count, design ID, and size specifications—perfect for organizing production details at a glance.

• PNG preview: Great for customer approvals or planning placement on garments.

Sample Worksheet

PNG Preview

How We Send It:

• Files are emailed to you.

• Each file is named by design and format—so no need to guess which one is which.
  For example: 100045-RoseLogo.dst

Pro Tip: Save your files in a backup folder and keep the color chart handy for future reorders or production runs.

Still Have Questions?

No problem. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or brand new to embroidery, we’re here to make it easy. Just reach out through our contact form or include your machine info when submitting a design—we’ll handle the file matching for you.