Why convert EXP to DST?
DST is the closest thing embroidery has to a universal format and is accepted by most commercial embroidery machines. If a machine does not read the Melco .exp format natively, converting to .dst is the standard fix.
How to convert EXP to DST
Embird Embroidery Software APP
Open the .exp in Embird and use File > Save As, choosing DST from the format list.
SewWhat-Pro APP
Open the .exp in SewWhat-Pro and use File > Save As, selecting DST as the output format.
Programs that convert EXP
About these formats
.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 →
.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 →Quality & what to watch
- Neither
.expnor.dststores thread colors; color stops are 'stop and change thread' commands with no color data, so reassign thread colors in software or at the machine after converting. - Test-stitch on scrap fabric after converting - stitch density and design size can shift slightly when moving between machine formats.
.dstdoes not support color names or thread brands; the color sequence is a series of numbered stops that you reassign at the machine or in software.
Frequently asked questions
Will my machine read `.dst` if it does not read `.exp`?
.dst - it is the de facto universal embroidery interchange format.Why are thread colors wrong after converting?
.exp does not store color data; thread colors must be reassigned in software or at the machine after any conversion.
