What is the VIP file format?
.vip files are proprietary binary machine embroidery design files for older Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff sewing machines, introduced around 1997-1999 for models such as the Viking Designer 1 and Creative 4.5 series.
Each file encodes everything a compatible machine needs to stitch a design: absolute stitch coordinates, color-change commands, and trim and jump stitch instructions. A fixed binary header - one of two known variants, 5BAF9001 or 5DFC9001 at offset 0 - precedes the sequential stitch records. No hoop size metadata or machine configuration data beyond the stitch geometry and thread color sequence is stored.
.vip was superseded around 2007 by the .vp3 format, which added more stitch types, richer color information, and wider machine compatibility across the Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff product ranges. All current machines from both brands use .vp3. The .vip format is now a legacy format, though most embroidery software retains read support for compatibility with older designs.
Maximum design size is constrained by the machine hoop - high-end Viking machines support hoops up to approximately 360×260 mm. There is no official format documentation from VSM Group; the structure is known through reverse engineering by the embroidery software community.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWPure embroidery stitch data; cannot execute code. No known malware vector. Safe to open with any embroidery software.
Format details
in a nutshell- Microsoft Visual Studio InterDev Project File - VIP was used by Visual InterDev (discontinued 2001) for web project files; unrelated to embroidery.
Programs that open VIP files
Windows4 apps
Embird Suite
Paid File > Open - directly opens VIP; use Studio module to edit stitch data. Can convert to VP3, DST, PES, etc.
SewWhat-Pro
Paid Open VIP for quick viewing and format conversion; good for batch conversion workflows. 
macOS1 app
Embird (via CrossOver/WINE)
Paid Run Embird under CrossOver or WINE on macOS; native macOS embroidery software is limited.
EmbroideryOnline Converter
Free Upload VIP file; download converted format (DST, PES, VP3, etc.) - web-based, no install. Technical details
deep spec| Format type | Proprietary binary machine embroidery stitch data |
| Encoding | Binary |
| Byte order | Little-endian |
| Container | Raw proprietary binary (no outer container or ZIP wrapper) |
| Magic bytes | 5B AF 90 01 or 5D FC 90 01 at offset 0 (two known header variants) |
| Stitch data | Absolute stitch coordinates, color changes, trims, jump stitches |
| Typical file size | 5 KB - 500 KB |
| Design size limit | Up to ~360×260 mm (limited by machine hoop capacity) |
| Platform | Windows; macOS (embroidery software) |
| Superseded by | VP3 format (c. 2007); all current Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff machines use .vp3 |
| Format documentation | No official specification; structure known via reverse engineering by the embroidery community |
| Released | c. 1997-1999 (Husqvarna Viking Designer-era machines) |
| Latest version | Legacy format; superseded by VP3 (c. 2007) |
VIP conversions
Community Q&A
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