Why convert DST to DXF?
The main use case is getting a design outline into a CAD program, vinyl cutter, or laser engraver. Exporting stitch paths as DXF gives you scalable geometry to work with in AutoCAD or CorelDraw when you need a template or frame guide that matches an embroidered design.
How to convert DST to DXF
CorelDraw Graphics Suite APP
Open the .dst file and export the stitch paths as .dxf using CorelDraw's export function.
Embroidermodder 2 OPEN-SOURCE
Open the .dst and export as .dxf; Embroidermodder 2 is free and open-source.
AutoCAD APP
Open the .dst in AutoCAD and save as .dxf using File > Save As.
AutoCAD for Mac APP
Open the .dst in AutoCAD for Mac and save as .dxf.
Programs that convert DST
About these formats
.DST
Tajima Embroidery Stitch File
A DST file is a Tajima embroidery design - stitch coordinates and machine commands that tell a computerized embroidery machine how to sew a pattern. It is not an image. To preview one free,…
Open .DST details →
.DXF
Drawing Exchange Format (AutoCAD DXF)
A DXF file is a CAD drawing in Autodesk's Drawing Exchange Format, introduced in 1982 so drawings could move between AutoCAD and other programs. To view one free, upload it to Autodesk…
Open .DXF details →Quality & what to watch
- The DXF output is line art only - it contains stitch-path geometry as vectors but no stitch types, thread colors, or density information; you cannot load it back into an embroidery machine.
- Embroidery stitches produce many short needle movements; the resulting DXF may contain thousands of tiny vectors rather than clean closed paths and may need clean-up before CAD use.
- DST stores no thread colors to begin with, so the DXF will also contain no color information.
