Artapli Studio Help
Which embroidery format does my machine use?
Short answer: It depends on the brand. Brother and Baby Lock machines read PES, Janome reads JEF, Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff read VP3, and Bernina reads EXP. In your Artapli Library, click the format your machine reads, then download.
Your machine's manual has the final word, because a few older models differ. Look for "embroidery file formats" in the manual's index or in the specifications.
The usual format for each brand
| Your machine | Format to choose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brother (for example SE600, SE625, SE630, PE800) | PES | The home format for Brother. |
| Baby Lock | PES | Same family as Brother. |
| Janome | JEF | Most Janome embroidery models. |
| Husqvarna Viking | VP3 | Older Viking models use HUS. |
| Pfaff | VP3 | Check older models in the manual. |
| Bernina | EXP | ART is Bernina's own software format. The Library doesn't offer it, and you don't need it to stitch. |
| Singer (computerised embroidery models) | XXX | Some newer Singer models read other formats too. Check the manual. |
| Tajima, other multi-needle and commercial machines | DST | DST stores no thread colors, so use the Color chart PDF. |
| Embrilliance software | BX | BX is for the Embrilliance program, not for a machine. |
"I have a Brother SE625, will this be compatible?" Yes: choose PES. Also check that the size you pick fits your hoop. The SE625's embroidery area is 4×4 in (about 10×10 cm). Check your manual if you're not sure. See Will this design fit my hoop?
Choose the format in your Library
- Open studio.artapli.com/library/ and click Download on your design's card.
- Under Sizes and embroidery details, click your format: PES · DST · EXP · HUS · JEF · VP3 · XXX. Point at a button to see which machine brand it's for.
- Click the pink download button on the size you want (it shows your format, for example PES). You get the machine file on its own, with no ZIP.

Your Library remembers your format in this browser, so you only choose it once.
If something looks wrong
- A format button is grey. This design can't be made in that format. Point at the button to see why. Most designs are stitched in PES, and every format your Library shows as available is made from those same stitches.
- My machine isn't in the table. Look up "file formats" in your machine's manual or specifications, then choose that format. If your machine reads none of the seven, use Report a problem and tell us the model.
- My machine reads two formats. Use the one in the table above. That's the machine's own format, so it keeps the most detail (thread colors, for example).
- The file has the right ending but the machine still refuses it. See Get the design onto your machine. The cause is usually the folder, the file name or the size.
Related
- I can't download my purchase, or I got the wrong file type
- Get the design onto your machine
- Will this design fit my hoop?
- BX fonts in Embrilliance or single letters
Questions people ask
I have a Brother SE625, will this be compatible?
Yes. Choose PES, and pick a size that fits the 4×4 in (about 10×10 cm) hoop.
Which format is for Janome?
JEF.
I have a Husqvarna Viking / Pfaff.
Choose VP3. Some older Viking models need HUS, so check your manual.
I have a Bernina. Do I need ART?
To stitch, choose EXP. ART is for Bernina's software, and your Library doesn't offer it.
Can I use BX on my machine?
No. BX is for the Embrilliance software. Download a machine format such as PES instead.
DST lost my colors.
DST doesn't store thread colors. Use the Color chart PDF next to each size.
Do I have to choose the format every time?
No. Your Library remembers it in the browser you use.
