Why convert PES to EXP?
EXP is the native format for Melco embroidery machines and some older Bernina models. A design distributed in PES format cannot be stitched on those machines without converting it first. Both formats encode needle-path stitch data, so the conversion moves stitch commands from one dialect to another.
How to convert PES to EXP
Wilcom TrueSizer FREE
Open the .pes file via File > Open, then go to File > Save As and select EXP. A browser-based version is also available for a no-install option.
Embird Embroidery Software APP
Open the .pes file and use File > Save As, selecting EXP. Review the color sequence after export.
SewWhat-Pro APP
Open the .pes file, choose File > Save As, and pick EXP. Check color assignments before saving.
Programs that convert PES
About these formats
.PES
Brother/Babylock PES Embroidery File
A PES file is a machine-embroidery design created by Brother's PE-Design software, used on Brother, Babylock, and some Bernina machines. To preview one free, open it in Wilcom TrueSizer…
Open .PES 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
- Thread color assignments shift during conversion - EXP uses a different palette than PES; check the color sequence after export and reassign threads as needed.
- The needle path (stitches, jumps, trims, color-change stops) transfers intact; stitch count and design geometry are preserved.
- EXP carries less metadata than PES - no embedded thumbnail and less color information - so converting back to
.pesis not straightforward.
