Prepare embroidery files for a customer or shop

Name files for the person receiving them

Include the design name, physical size and format in a consistent way. Do not make a customer guess whether two similarly named files are different sizes or revisions.

If you supply a ZIP, keep the machine files separate from reference images and instructions. A recipient should be able to identify the file to put on their machine.

Include the color sequence

Some formats do not store the original RGB colors. A numbered thread list and reference preview help the recipient set up the design correctly even when their machine displays sample colors.

Make machine stops or special handling understandable from the accompanying notes. Check that any instructions referenced by a chart are actually included.

Validate formats and sizes separately

Inspect each written format's dimensions and sequence. Check the receiving machine's format and version requirements; a brand label alone is not enough.

Treat a resized design as a new output to evaluate. Tiny text, satin width and dense areas can change behavior even if the silhouette looks the same.

Keep a recoverable source

Retain the original artwork, editable project and final files. When a customer needs a correction, those sources allow a deliberate edit instead of repeatedly reconstructing a flattened stitch file.

Record what you physically tested and keep renderings distinguishable from photos of actual sewn samples.

Common questions