A Stitchist guide

Free EXP embroidery file converter

Stitchist converts supported embroidery stitch files to EXP online. Conversion and preview are free; downloading requires a free account. Choose this route when you already have stitches. For a logo or image, start with Auto Digitize instead.

By StitchistUpdated 3 min read
Open the free converter

Free to convert and preview. Create a free account to download.

Same design. A new format.

.FILEYour stitch file.EXPConverted file

Upload · Preview · Download

Check colors, dimensions and machine compatibility.

Step by step

  1. Start with the original file

    Choose the original embroidery file. Extract it first if it is in a ZIP. Keep the original extension; changing a filename is not conversion.

  2. Select EXP

    Open the Stitchist converter and choose EXP in the output selector. The link on this page selects it for you. Upload the file, then click Convert.

  3. Inspect the converted result

    Compare the displayed width, height, stitch count and color sequence. The preview is read from the written output, not just copied from the input.

  4. Download and check at the machine

    Sign in or create a free account to download the .exp file. Save it promptly: temporary results normally expire after 30 minutes and can disappear sooner after a restart. Check the file in your machine's workflow before sewing.

What is a EXP file?

EXP stores an embroidery stitch sequence. It is used in Melco workflows and by some BERNINA machines, but the surrounding files expected by a particular machine can differ. Stitchist's converter downloads a single EXP stitch file.

A standalone EXP does not carry RGB thread colors in this workflow. The preview uses sample colors; retain your reference image and thread sequence.

Which machines use EXP?

Melco and compatible BERNINA workflows are common examples, not a guarantee for every model.

Some BERNINA workflows use additional color or preview companion files. This converter does not create a BERNINA USB bundle, so check your machine manual before relying on a lone EXP.

Choose the right input

Upload the original embroidery file, preserving its extension. Common inputs include PES, DST, JEF, EXP, VP3, U01, PEC, XXX, HUS, SHV, SEW, PCS, TAP and PHC. If your download is a ZIP, extract the stitch file first. A picture or PDF contains no usable machine stitch sequence.

When a shop asks for EXP, confirm whether it wants only the stitch file or a package with companion files. Keep any original companion files with the original design.

Review before you download

Read the converted file's dimensions and color sequence in the preview. Encoding rules can change coordinate precision and stitch count. A successful preview checks the file representation, not fabric behavior or guaranteed machine compatibility.

If you also need a different size, use the resizer or edit the source project. Conversion alone does not maintain density across a size change.

Choose your original format

Common questions

Can I convert any image to EXP here?
No. The file converter reads existing stitches. Use Studio's Auto Digitize or manual tracing for an image, then export the digitized design.
Do I need Pro to download EXP?
Not from the file converter. All eight converter outputs, including EXP, are free with an account. Studio's free direct exports are PES and DST; its other direct machine exports require Pro.
Why do some colors look different?
A standalone EXP does not carry RGB thread colors in this workflow. The preview uses sample colors; retain your reference image and thread sequence.

Put it into practice

Free to convert and preview. Create a free account to download.

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Keep learning

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