Which machines use EXP files?

Melco machines use EXP natively, and many Bernina embroidery machines read EXP as well (sometimes alongside an .inf color file).

Does EXP store thread colors?

The EXP stitch stream does not store colors — color changes are stops. Set your stops in Stichii and assign threads at the machine.

How do I convert an image to EXP?

Upload it to the editor, auto-digitize, refine, and export as EXP.

Can Stichii convert PES or DST to EXP?

Yes. Import the PES or DST and export the same design as EXP.

Convert to EXP Online — Free EXP File Converter

EXP is the Melco/Expanded embroidery format, also read by many Bernina machines. Stichii is a browser-based EXP converter and digitizer — digitize artwork or import a design, edit it, and export a clean EXP.

What is an EXP file?

EXP (Melco Expanded) is a compact, header-less stitch stream of signed deltas with jump opcodes. It is used by Melco machines and is one of the formats Bernina embroidery machines accept (often paired with an .inf color file). Like DST, the EXP stream itself does not carry thread colors.

Stichii writes a correct EXP stream — emitting the jump opcode once per jump, not per sub-move — so the design sews cleanly rather than stuttering across long repositions.

How to convert to EXP with Stichii

Add your artwork or import an existing design into the editor, digitize and refine it, then export as EXP. Disconnected regions are bridged with proper jumps and trims so you do not get long trailing stitches.

Every file Stichii writes is validated against pyembroidery — the same reference library used by Ink/Stitch and other open-source embroidery tools — so the stitches, jumps, trims, and color stops land where your machine expects them.

Auto-digitize images into editable fill, satin, and run objects.
Clean jump/trim handling for multi-region designs.
Import and edit existing files, then re-export as EXP.
Export EXP plus PES, DST, JEF, VP3, and more.

Browser-based, free to start

Stichii runs entirely in your browser. There is nothing to install, no Windows-only desktop suite, and no four-figure license. Open it on a laptop, a Surface, or an iPad next to the machine and start working immediately.

You can start for free. Open the editor, digitize a design, and preview the stitch path before you commit to anything. Paid plans add more exports and higher limits — see pricing for the details.

Frequently asked questions

Which machines use EXP files?: Melco machines use EXP natively, and many Bernina embroidery machines read EXP as well (sometimes alongside an .inf color file).
Does EXP store thread colors?: The EXP stitch stream does not store colors — color changes are stops. Set your stops in Stichii and assign threads at the machine.
How do I convert an image to EXP?: Upload it to the editor, auto-digitize, refine, and export as EXP.
Can Stichii convert PES or DST to EXP?: Yes. Import the PES or DST and export the same design as EXP.

Convert to EXP — Melco & Bernina embroidery files

What is an EXP file?

How to convert to EXP with Stichii

Browser-based, free to start

Frequently asked questions