What formats does Ink/Stitch export?
Ink/Stitch has some of the widest format support around. Here's what it reads and writes — and how to get a machine-ready file without the software.
Ink/Stitch reads and writes a wide range of machine formats — including DST, PES, JEF, EXP, VP3, HUS and many more — and can even output for self-built machines. It works from SVG (Inkscape's native format) and exports via File > Save a copy. StitchFast exports the same common machine formats (DST, PES, JEF, EXP, VP3, HUS) directly from your image, with no Inkscape and no install.
Ink/Stitch's output formats
Format support is one of Ink/Stitch's genuine strengths. It writes the common machine formats — PES (Brother), DST (Tajima and commercial machines), JEF (Janome), EXP (Melco and Bernina), HUS and VP3 (Husqvarna Viking) — and many more besides, covering home and industrial machines.
You export from Inkscape via File > Save a copy and choose the format your machine needs.
It works from SVG
Because Ink/Stitch is built on Inkscape, your working file is an SVG — you design or trace in vectors, Ink/Stitch compiles those into stitches, and then you export the machine format. It's good practice to keep the SVG as your editable master for future changes.
That's similar in spirit to how professional tools keep an editable design file separate from the exported stitch file.
Which format does your machine need?
As a quick guide: Brother and Baby Lock use PES; Tajima and most commercial machines use DST; Janome uses JEF; Melco and Bernina use EXP; and Husqvarna Viking uses HUS or VP3.
Our format comparison guide explains the differences between the main formats.
Skip Inkscape, get a machine file
With StitchFast you pick the format at download — it exports DST, PES, JEF, EXP, VP3 and HUS directly from your uploaded image, with the colour and stitch decisions handled automatically.
No Inkscape, no SVG step, no install. See how it works on the Ink/Stitch alternative page.
FAQ
Ink/Stitch file formats — common questions
Ink/Stitch writes a wide range of machine formats including DST, PES, JEF, EXP, VP3 and HUS, plus many more for home and industrial machines.
Yes. DST is one of its supported formats, and it's the most widely compatible format for commercial machines.
It works in SVG (Inkscape's native format) while you design, then exports a machine format like DST or PES for stitching.
It depends on the brand: Brother uses PES, Janome uses JEF, Tajima and commercial machines use DST, Husqvarna Viking uses HUS or VP3. StitchFast lets you choose at download.
More on Ink/Stitch
Everything else worth knowing
Pick your format, skip the software.
Upload an image and download DST, PES, JEF and more — the colour and stitch work done for you, in under a minute.
Open StitchFast