File converter

Convert to JEF — Janome embroidery files

JEF is the native embroidery format for Janome machines. Stichii is a browser-based JEF converter and digitizer: digitize artwork or import a design, edit the stitches with a live preview, and export a clean JEF for your Janome.

What is a JEF file?

JEF (Janome Embroidery Format) is read by Janome home embroidery machines, including the Memory Craft line such as the MC500E. A JEF stores the stitch data, a thread-color palette, and a header describing the design — so colors travel with the file, unlike DST.

Stichii writes the canonical JEF layout: a 116-byte header, the per-color palette, the correct color count and stitch offsets, and the proper terminator.

How to convert to JEF with Stichii

Open the editor, add your artwork or import an existing embroidery file, digitize it, and export as JEF. Adjust density, underlay, and color order first so the file is ready to stitch.

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 PNG, JPG, or SVG into editable embroidery objects.
  • Colors are saved in the JEF palette so they travel with the design.
  • Import and edit existing designs, then re-export as JEF.
  • Export JEF plus PES, DST, EXP, 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 Janome machines read JEF?
Janome home machines including the Memory Craft series, such as the MC500E. JEF and JEF+ are the standard Janome design formats.
Does JEF keep my thread colors?
Yes. JEF stores a color palette in the file, so the colors you choose in Stichii are saved alongside the stitches.
How do I convert an image to JEF?
Upload the image, auto-digitize it, refine the result, and export as JEF. Simple, high-contrast art gives the cleanest stitch-out.
Is converting to JEF free?
You can digitize and preview for free; exports depend on your plan. See the pricing page for limits.

Ready to try it?

Open the editor and digitize your first design in the browser — free to start.

Questions? Get in touch.