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DST EXP
File conversion

Convert DST to EXP

Verified by Adam B.· reviewed by FE Editorial ·updated Jul 22, 2026
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Is it possible to convert DST to EXP?
Yes - DST converts to EXP.

Open the .dst in Embird or another supported embroidery program and save as .exp. Neither format stores thread colors, so no color data is lost - because there was none to begin with.

8 programs
Also to EXP: PCS · PES · JEF

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Tested on macOS, Windows & Linux
Last verified Oct 2026

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Why convert DST to EXP?

EXP is the native format for Melco and some Bernina embroidery machines. If your machine requires .exp and the design you received is in .dst, you need to convert it before the machine will load the file.

How to convert DST to EXP

Embird Embroidery Software APP

Open the .dst via File > Open, then use File > Save As and pick EXP from the format list.

Embroidermodder 2 OPEN-SOURCE

Open the .dst and export as .exp; Embroidermodder 2 is free and open-source.

SewWhat-Pro APP

Load the .dst and use Save As or the conversion function to output an .exp file.

Wilcom DecoStudio APP

Open the .dst and save or export as .exp format.

Programs that convert DST

Embroidermodder 1
Janome Digitizer Pro
OESD ARTsizer
Embird Embroidery Software
BuzzWord
Data 7 Embroidery Design Converter
Generation Plus
Wilcom DecoStudio

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 →
.EXP Melco Embroidery Design

An EXP file is a machine-embroidery design in the native Melco stitch format, also used in the Bernina ecosystem. To view or convert it, use the free Wilcom TrueSizer (desktop or web). To…

Open .EXP details →

Quality & what to watch

  • Both DST and EXP are stitch-only formats - neither stores thread colors, so you assign colors on the machine or in its software after loading.
  • Stitch geometry, needle paths, and machine commands (jump, trim, stop) transfer intact; the resulting .exp will sew identically to the source .dst.
  • Do not rescale a stitch file after conversion without re-digitizing - changing size shifts stitch density and can produce poor results on fabric.

Frequently asked questions

Will I lose any stitch data converting DST to EXP?
No - stitch coordinates and machine commands transfer intact; the only missing element is thread color, which was never stored in DST.
Which machines use EXP format?
EXP is the native format for Melco embroidery machines and is also used in some Bernina systems.
Can I convert DST to EXP for free?
Yes - Embroidermodder 2 is free and open-source and supports this conversion.
Should I rescale my design during conversion?
No - rescaling a stitch file shifts stitch density and can produce poor results on fabric; re-digitize from the original artwork if you need a different size.