Embroidery File Types Explained: Formats, Compatibility & Best Practices

1. Introduction to Embroidery File Formats

Embroidery file formats are the unsung heroes behind every beautifully stitched design. Think of them as digital blueprints—precise instructions that tell your embroidery machine exactly where, when, and how to stitch each thread. Without the right file format, even the most stunning design can turn into a tangled mess or, worse, fail to load at all.

Why does this matter? Because every embroidery machine “speaks” its own language. A Brother machine may demand a PES file, while a Janome insists on JEF, and commercial workhorses like Tajima thrive on DST. In this guide, we’ll unravel the mysteries of core embroidery file types, dive into machine compatibility, explore the art (and pitfalls) of file conversion, and share best practices for quality, troubleshooting, and future-proofing your workflow. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, mastering embroidery file formats is your ticket to error-free, professional stitching.

Table of Contents

• 1. Introduction to Embroidery File Formats
• 2. Core Embroidery File Formats Decoded
• 3. Machine-Specific Format Compatibility Guide
• 4. File Conversion and Editing Best Practices
• 5. Optimizing Embroidery Quality Through Formats
• 6. Troubleshooting Common Format Issues
• 7. Beginner's Step-by-Step Embroidery Workflow
• 8. Future-Proofing with Emerging Technologies
• 9. Conclusion: Mastering Your Embroidery Ecosystem
• 10. Embroidery File Format FAQ

2. Core Embroidery File Formats Decoded

Understanding embroidery file formats is like unlocking a secret code—each type carries unique instructions, features, and limitations that directly impact your stitching results. Let’s break down the most essential formats: DST, PES, and EXP.

2.1 DST: The Universal Commercial Standard

The DST (Tajima Stitch File) format is the backbone of commercial embroidery. Developed by Tajima in the late 1980s, DST files are all about efficiency and compatibility. Their architecture is stitch-only, recording just X/Y coordinates and basic machine commands—no frills, just the essentials.

Why do professionals love DST?

• Compact Size: DST files are typically 40% smaller than more complex formats like PES, making them quick to transfer and easy to store—ideal for high-volume production.
• Universal Compatibility: Nearly every commercial embroidery machine can read DST, making it the industry’s “Esperanto.”
• Reliability: DST’s simplicity means fewer chances for corruption during conversion or transfer.

But there’s a catch: DST doesn’t store color information. When you load a DST file, your machine defaults to its preset thread colors, so you’ll need to manually assign each color. This can be a minor headache, especially for multi-thread projects or when sharing designs across different setups. Editing after digitization is also limited—DST files don’t retain the underlying design structure, so changes are minimal at best.

In summary, DST is your go-to for commercial jobs where speed and cross-machine compatibility trump color precision.

2.2 PES: Comprehensive Home Embroidery Solution

If DST is the workhorse of the commercial world, PES is the darling of home embroiderers—especially those using Brother or Babylock machines. PES files are more than just stitch maps; they’re full-fledged design containers.

What sets PES apart?

• Color Sequencing: PES files retain detailed color and thread information, so your pink pig stays pink—no more surprise green pigs!
• Advanced Data Storage: Alongside stitch types and sequences, PES files store machine-specific commands, enabling accurate, hands-off reproduction of intricate, multi-color designs.
• User-Friendly: For home users and small businesses, PES embroidery software makes embroidery almost plug-and-play, reducing the need for manual thread assignments.

Limitations? PES files shine within the Brother/Babylock ecosystem but require brand-specific software for editing. And while they’re great for distributing designs, scaling or rotating a PES file can sometimes distort stitches—a reminder that editing flexibility isn’t infinite.

Choose PES when you want vibrant, multi-color designs with minimal setup, especially on compatible home or prosumer machines.

2.3 EXP: Professional Editing and Flexibility

EXP, developed by Melco, is the Swiss Army knife of embroidery file formats. Unlike DST’s minimalist approach, EXP files store everything: stitches, colors, thread types, and the sequence of operations. But the real magic is in the editing.

Why professionals reach for EXP:

• Post-Digitization Editing: Add or remove stitches, tweak colors, or change stitch types—even after the design is digitized. EXP preserves the underlying design structure, so edits are robust and reliable.
• Design Integrity: When you export to EXP, the software generates stitches based on the original design, keeping modifications clean and accurate.
• High Editability: Compared to formats like PES or JEF, EXP offers far greater flexibility for professionals who demand custom tweaks and error correction.

The trade-off? EXP files are larger, thanks to all that extra data. But for those who need extensive editing and design preservation, the storage cost is a small price to pay.

Bottom line: EXP is ideal for advanced users and professionals who need to fine-tune designs after digitization, accepting bigger file sizes in exchange for creative freedom.

3. Machine-Specific Format Compatibility Guide

Choosing the right file format isn’t just about technical specs—it’s about making sure your design “speaks” the language of your embroidery machine. Let’s decode the compatibility puzzle for the industry’s leading brands.

3.1 Brother/Babylock Ecosystem: PES Dominance

Brother and Babylock machines operate within a sophisticated three-tier format system: .PES, .PHC, and .DST.

• .PES is the native language, delivering precise stitch-by-stitch instructions and photographic color sequencing. It even supports specialty stitches and 3D effects on advanced models.
• .PHC serves as a complementary format, with technical specs varying by model and generation.
• .DST ensures universal compatibility, letting you run commercial designs on Brother hardware.

Advanced multi needle embroidery machine models, like the Quattro 2 6700D, leverage PES for multi-needle color changes and industrial-scale projects. Home models (think PE-800) benefit from PES’s color fidelity and ease of use. The system’s flexibility allows seamless transitions between simple monograms and complex, multi-color masterpieces.

3.2 Janome Evolution: JEF to JPX Formats

Janome’s format journey is a study in evolution:

• .JEF: The workhorse for basic embroidery—straightforward, reliable, but lacking visual placement aids.
• .JEF+: Supports larger hoops and allows post-combination editing, while standard JEF files permanently group merged designs.
• .JPX: Janome’s most advanced format, blending stitch data with background JPEGs for visual alignment and specialized features like Cutwork and AcuFil. Essential for complex, multi-hoop projects.

Compatibility tip:

Pre-2010 Janome models are typically limited to .SEW or .EMD, offering basic functions. Post-2010 machines embrace .JEF, .JEF+, and .JPX, unlocking advanced editing and workflow options.

3.3 Specialized Brand Formats: ART, HUS & VP3

Some brands go the extra mile with proprietary formats:

• ART (Bernina): Native to Bernina machines, ART files store stitch and color data, supporting multiple designs and lettering. Editing, resizing, and combining designs is possible within Bernina’s Artistic Digitizer software.
• HUS (Husqvarna Viking): Developed for European markets, HUS files support up to 256 thread colors, making them perfect for intricate, multi-colored designs. They include both stitch and color change commands for precise execution.
• VP3 (Pfaff and Husqvarna Viking): The modern marvel—VP3 uses vector-based graphics, allowing designs to be resized without losing quality. It supports up to 127 thread colors, retains editable stitch and color sequences, and stores detailed metadata. VP3 is the go-to for advanced projects demanding scalability and crisp edge definition.

Key takeaway:

Always check your machine’s manual or manufacturer’s website to confirm compatible formats. Using the correct file ensures your design stitches out flawlessly, with no surprises or compatibility headaches.

Ready to take the next step?

Now that you understand the “languages” of embroidery, you’re equipped to select, convert, and edit files with confidence—ensuring every project is stitched to perfection. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into conversion best practices, troubleshooting, and optimizing design quality in the sections ahead!

4. File Conversion and Editing Best Practices

Navigating the world of embroidery file formats isn’t just about picking the right “language” for your machine—it’s about preserving the creative essence of your designs through every conversion and edit. Let’s break down the categories, pitfalls, and best practices so you can keep your embroidery projects sharp, colorful, and true to your vision.

4.1 Format Categories: Expanded vs. Machine vs. Native

Embroidery files come in three distinct flavors, each with its own role in your workflow:

• Expanded File Formats (e.g., DST, EXP):
  Think of these as the universal translators—simple, streamlined, and readable by almost any embroidery machine. They contain only the bare essentials: X and Y stitch coordinates and machine commands. This makes them compact and robust, but with a catch: they don’t store color data. So, when you load a DST or EXP file, your machine will default to its own color sequence, and you’ll need to manually assign threads.
• Machine File Formats (e.g., PES, JEF, ART, HUS, VP3):
  These are the brand-specific dialects. Each format is tailored to a particular machine family—like PES for Brother/Babylock, JEF for Janome, ART for Bernina, and so on. Unlike expanded formats, machine files store stitch data, color sequences, and machine-specific commands, ensuring your design stitches out as intended, with all the right hues and effects.
• Native File Formats (e.g., EMB, OFM, PXF):
  Native files are your design’s “master tapes.” Created and editable only within specific embroidery software, they retain every detail—stitch points, color info, object properties, and more. You can tweak, resize, recolor, and fine-tune to your heart’s content without losing quality. Only after you’re satisfied do you export to a machine or expanded format for stitching.

Best Practice:
Always edit and save your designs in their native format first. Only convert to machine or expanded formats when you’re ready to stitch. This preserves the design’s integrity and makes future tweaks a breeze.

4.2 Data Loss Risks and Prevention Strategies

Conversion is a bit like translating poetry—something always gets lost if you’re not careful. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Color Mapping Failures:
  The most common pitfall, especially when converting to expanded formats like DST or EXP. Because these formats don’t store color info, your carefully chosen palette might default to whatever your machine thinks is best—hello, surprise green pigs! To avoid this, keep a separate color chart or documentation for reference.
• Stitch Density Degradation:
  Each format has its own technical quirks. When converting between formats with different stitch data capabilities, you might see simplified fill patterns or altered stitch types. Intricate designs are especially vulnerable—what looks perfect on-screen might stitch out with gaps or puckering.
• Size Limitations:
  Some formats impose strict limits on design size or stitch count. For instance, older formats like SEW have lower thresholds, which can truncate complex designs during conversion. Always check your target format’s specs before hitting “save as.”
• Conversion Corruption:
  Expanded formats like DST are generally more robust against corruption, thanks to their simplicity. Machine-specific formats, with their richer data structures, can be more fragile—especially when hopping between brands.

Prevention Strategies:

• Direct Conversion:
  Convert directly from your native master file to the final machine format, avoiding multiple conversion steps that could compound errors.
• Version Control:
  Keep your native files as the “source of truth.” If you need to make changes, always go back to the native file rather than editing a converted version. This minimizes cumulative data loss.
• Test Before Production:
  Always preview your converted file in embroidery software and, if possible, stitch a sample on scrap fabric. This helps catch any color, density, or sequencing issues before they hit your final garment.
• Use Reliable Software:
  Professional tools like Wilcom Hatch, Embrilliance, or Embird are the best digitizing software for embroidery, designed to handle conversions with minimal data loss. They also offer features like stitch sequence analysis and junk stitch filtering for added quality control.

By understanding these categories and risks, you can confidently move your designs from digital canvas to stitched masterpiece—without losing your creative edge.

5. Optimizing Embroidery Quality Through Formats

Embroidery isn’t just about thread and fabric—it’s about translating digital precision into tactile art. The file format you choose is the bridge between your design vision and the final stitched result. Let’s explore how the right formats—and the right hooping methods—can elevate your embroidery quality to professional heights.

5.1 Vector vs. Raster: Scalability Impact

Imagine resizing a logo for both a tiny polo shirt and a giant banner. If your design is raster-based (like a JPEG), blowing it up leads to jagged, pixelated edges—hardly the look you want stitched on premium fabric. But vector-based formats, like VP3, are a different story.

• Vector Formats (e.g., VP3): These use mathematical formulas to define every curve and line, making them infinitely scalable. When you resize a vector-based embroidery file, the edges stay crisp, the curves smooth, and the stitch paths precise—no matter how big or small you go. This is crucial for logos, intricate monograms, or any design that needs to look sharp at multiple sizes.
• Raster Formats: These rely on pixel grids. Upsizing a raster image for embroidery can create fuzzy, uneven stitches and loss of detail. While raster images can be digitized, the resulting embroidery file won’t scale as gracefully as a true vector design.

Why does this matter? Vector-based formats like VP3 not only preserve edge definition during resizing, but also support up to 127 thread colors, retain detailed metadata, and allow for advanced editing. This makes them a powerhouse for professional projects where quality, scalability, and color accuracy are non-negotiable.

5.2 Fabric Stability and Tension Control

Even the most perfectly digitized design can fall flat if your fabric isn’t hooped with care. Uneven tension leads to distortion, puckering, and misaligned stitches—turning a masterpiece into a mess. The secret? Consistent, even tension across your fabric.

Enter magnetic hoops like MaggieFrame. For garment embroidery, MaggieFrame’s magnetic hoops are a game-changer. Here’s why:

• Automatic Adaptation: MaggieFrame’s powerful magnets automatically adjust to different fabric thicknesses, from delicate silks to heavy sweatshirts. No more fiddling with screws or worrying about slippage.
• Even Tension, Every Time: The hoop’s textured surface and broad contact area distribute force evenly, holding your fabric flat and stable throughout stitching. This prevents distortion and helps your design stitch out exactly as intended.
• No More Hoop Burn: Traditional screw hoops can leave unsightly marks on finished garments. MaggieFrame’s magnetic force is gentle yet firm, eliminating hoop burn and keeping your work looking pristine.
• Efficiency Boost: Hooping with MaggieFrame is quick and effortless—just a snap and you’re ready to go. This saves time, reduces operator fatigue, and is especially valuable for high-volume production.

Bottom line: Optimizing embroidery quality isn’t just about the right file format—it’s about pairing precision digitizing with smart, stable hooping. By using vector-based formats for scalable designs and magnetic hoops like MaggieFrame for garment embroidery, you set yourself up for crisp, professional results every time.

6. Troubleshooting Common Format Issues

Even the most seasoned embroiderers run into file format hiccups—corrupted files, unrecognized formats, or mysterious conversion errors. Don’t let these roadblocks derail your project. Here’s how to diagnose and fix the most common issues, so you can get back to stitching with confidence.

6.1 Diagnosing Compatibility Errors

When your machine refuses to recognize a file, don’t panic—start with these systematic checks:

• Consult Your Machine Manual: Double-check which formats your machine supports. Manufacturers like Brother, Janome, and Bernina each have their own preferred formats (e.g., PES, JEF, ART). Loading the wrong format can lead to unreadable files or misinterpreted stitch sequences.
• Software Recognition Tests: Open the file in your embroidery software before loading it onto your machine. Look for missing stitches, color changes, or jump stitches—these can signal corruption or conversion errors.
• Operating System Quirks: Recent updates, especially on Windows 11, can change default file associations. Sometimes, embroidery files show up with unfamiliar extensions like .ngs instead of DST, PES, or HUS. If this happens, try renaming the file extension or re-exporting from your software.
• Download and Transfer Checks: Ensure your file downloaded completely and was properly extracted from any ZIP folders. Antivirus software can sometimes block or delete embroidery files, so check your quarantine folder if a file goes missing.

6.2 File Corruption Solutions

Corrupted files can manifest as missing stitches, scrambled colors, or incomplete designs. Here’s how to tackle them:

• Professional Tools: Use reliable software like Wilcom Hatch, Embrilliance, or Embird to analyze stitch sequences and filter out “junk” stitches. These programs are designed to spot and fix common corruption issues.
• Direct Conversion: Avoid converting files through multiple intermediate formats, which can strip metadata or distort stitch patterns. Always convert directly from your native master file to your target machine format.
• Pre-Production Testing: Stitch a sample on scrap fabric before running your full project. This helps catch any sequencing or compatibility issues in a low-stakes environment.
• Backup and Version Control: Always keep backup copies of your original and converted files. If something goes wrong, you can revert to a clean version without starting from scratch.
• Software and Firmware Updates: Keep your embroidery software and machine firmware up to date. Outdated versions may not recognize newer file formats or features, creating artificial compatibility barriers.

By following these troubleshooting steps and preventive measures, you’ll minimize format-related headaches and keep your embroidery workflow smooth and reliable—no matter what digital curveballs come your way.

7. Beginner's Step-by-Step Embroidery Workflow

Embroidery may look like magic, but every flawless stitch-out starts with a methodical, beginner-friendly workflow. If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I get from a digital design to a perfectly embroidered garment—without a single compatibility hiccup?”—this is your roadmap. Let’s break down the process into three actionable stages: identifying your machine’s format, converting and selecting designs, and preparing your materials for hooping.

7.1 Machine Format Identification

The first step to embroidery bliss? Speaking your machine’s language. Each embroidery machine brand has its own “native tongue”—a specific file format it understands. Using the wrong format is like trying to play a vinyl record on a Bluetooth speaker: nothing happens, or worse, the results are garbled.

How to Identify Your Format:

• Check Your Machine Manual: The most reliable source. Look for sections labeled “supported file formats” or “design import.”
• Manufacturer Websites: Many brands list compatible formats for each model online.
• Quick Reference Chart: Here’s a handy table to get you started:

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, open your design in embroidery software and check the file extension. When in doubt, consult your manual or the manufacturer’s support resources.

7.2 Design Selection and Conversion

With your machine’s format in hand, it’s time to choose a design and ensure it’s ready for stitching. This is where conversion software becomes your best friend.

Step-by-Step Conversion:

1. Choose Reliable Software: Programs like Embrilliance Essentials, Wilcom Truesizer, and Embird are trusted for their broad format support and user-friendly interfaces.
2. Import Your Design: Open the design in your chosen software. Check that the source format matches your intended output.
3. Preserve Your Original: Always save a copy of the original (native) file. This is your “master tape”—never edit or overwrite it.
4. Convert Carefully: Use the software’s “Save As” or export function to convert to your machine’s format (e.g., .PES, .JEF). Avoid converting between machine formats unless necessary, as this can introduce errors.
5. Simulate Before You Stitch: Run a stitch simulation in the software. Look for color mismatches, misaligned elements, or density issues.
6. Version Control: Name your files clearly (e.g., “FloralDesign_v2.pes”) and keep converted files in separate folders to avoid confusion.

Best Practices:

• Convert directly from the native file to your target machine format.
• Avoid multiple conversion steps (e.g., .DST → .JEF → .PES), which can degrade quality.
• Test your file on scrap fabric before committing to your final project.

7.3 Hoop Setup and Material Preparation

Even the most beautifully digitized design can unravel if your fabric isn’t hooped correctly. Here’s where magnetic hooping systems like MaggieFrame shine for garment embroidery.

Why Use MaggieFrame Magnetic Hoops?

• Effortless Hooping: The powerful magnets automatically adapt to various fabric thicknesses—no more fiddling with screws or worrying about slippage.
• Even Tension, Every Time: MaggieFrame’s broad, textured contact area ensures your fabric is held flat and stable, preventing distortion and puckering.
• No Hoop Burn: The magnetic force is gentle yet secure, eliminating the unsightly marks left by traditional hoops.
• Time Savings: Hooping a garment with MaggieFrame can take as little as 30 seconds—90% faster than manual screw hoops.

How to Set Up:

1. Prepare Your Fabric: Lay your garment flat, smooth out wrinkles, and align your design area.
2. Place the bottom embroidery hoop (magnetic frame) under the fabric in the desired location.
3. Snap on the Top Frame: Align the top frame and let the magnets do the work—no muscle required.
4. Check Alignment: Use MaggieFrame’s built-in reference lines for precise placement.
5. Ready to Stitch: Load your design, double-check your file format, and start embroidering.

Pro Tip: For batch production, pair MaggieFrame with a hooping station for even faster, more consistent results.

8. Future-Proofing with Emerging Technologies

The embroidery world isn’t standing still—AI and cloud integration are redefining what’s possible, even as classic formats like DST and PES remain industry staples. So, how do you stay ahead of the curve?

8.1 AI-Driven Format Optimization

Artificial intelligence is quietly revolutionizing machine embroidery digitizing workflows. Today’s smart digitizing tools can:

• Auto-Digitize Images: Instantly convert images into stitch-ready designs, streamlining the creative process for simple motifs.
• Predict Stitching Issues: AI algorithms analyze your design, flagging potential problems like density overload or color sequencing errors before you ever hit “start.”
• Real-Time Parameter Adjustment: Some smart machines now tweak stitch length, density, and tension on the fly, adapting to different fabrics and conditions for flawless results.

What does this mean for file formats? Rather than inventing entirely new standards, AI is enhancing the performance of existing ones—optimizing DST, PES, and EXP files for better compatibility and fewer errors. The result: more reliable, professional-quality embroidery, even as designs grow more complex.

8.2 Cloud-Integrated Workflows

While the embroidery industry hasn’t fully embraced cloud-native formats, the groundwork is being laid for a more connected future:

• Cloud-Based AI Services: Upload your DST or PES file, and cloud tools can optimize stitch parameters or convert formats for specific machines and materials.
• Collaborative Editing: Next-gen formats like Barudan’s FDR-3 (.U03) now offer visual thread color previews in thumbnails, helping teams avoid costly color mistakes.
• Enhanced Machine Communication: Formats such as Barudan’s DSB are improving real-time feedback between software and machines, paving the way for smarter, more adaptive production.

What’s Next? Expect gradual, evolutionary changes: smarter software, richer metadata, and seamless integration with cloud services—all while maintaining backward compatibility with your trusted machines.

How to Adapt:

• Invest in software that supports both legacy and AI-enhanced workflows.
• Stay updated on firmware and software releases for your machines.
• Embrace cloud-based tools for design management and collaboration as they become available.

9. Conclusion: Mastering Your Embroidery Ecosystem

Selecting the right embroidery file format isn’t just a technical detail—it’s the key to unlocking flawless, efficient, and creative stitching. Whether you’re running commercial jobs with DST, crafting vibrant home projects with PES, or fine-tuning professional designs in EXP, mastering the workflow from format selection to final stitch-out is essential.

Remember: start by identifying your machine’s format, convert files with care, and always test before production. Embrace new technologies like AI-driven optimization and cloud-based collaboration to future-proof your process. And don’t overlook the power of tools like MaggieFrame magnetic hoops for garment embroidery—they’re game-changers for both quality and efficiency.

Ready to elevate your embroidery? Treat your files—and your workflow—with the respect of a true artisan, and you’ll enjoy professional results on every project. Happy stitching!

10. Embroidery File Format FAQ

10.1 Q: What's the difference between expanded and machine formats?

A: Expanded formats (like DST and EXP) are the “universal translators” of the embroidery world. They contain only the bare essentials: X/Y stitch coordinates and basic machine commands. This makes them compact, robust, and readable by almost any embroidery machine—perfect for sharing or running designs across different brands. However, expanded formats don’t retain color information, so your machine will default to its preset colors, and you’ll need to assign threads manually.

Machine formats (such as PES, JEF, ART, HUS, VP3) are brand-specific “dialects.” These files store not just stitches, but also color sequences and machine-specific commands. The result? Your design stitches out as intended, with all the right hues and effects—no more surprise green pigs! The trade-off is that machine formats are less universally compatible, but they deliver greater precision and user convenience on supported machines.

In short:

• Expanded formats: Universal, minimal, no color data, best for cross-brand compatibility.
• Machine formats: Brand-specific, include color data, optimal for precise, colorful results on the right machine.

10.2 Q: Can I edit machine-readable files directly?

A: You can make basic edits—like minor resizing or color changes—to machine-readable files (e.g., PES, DST), but there are limitations. These formats are designed primarily for stitching, not for in-depth editing. When you try to edit a DST or PES file, you’re working with flattened stitch data, not the original design structure. This means you can’t easily adjust underlay, stitch types, or object properties, and resizing can distort the stitch density or pattern.

For robust, lossless editing, always use your software’s native file format (like EMB, OFM, or PXF). Native files retain all the design’s layers, properties, and flexibility. Only convert to machine or expanded formats when you’re ready to stitch. If you need to tweak a design after conversion, it’s best to return to your native file and re-export—this preserves quality and avoids cumulative errors.

10.3 Q: How do I fix unrecognized file formats?

A: If your embroidery machine refuses to recognize a file, follow these steps for a smooth rescue:

1. Check Compatibility: Confirm that the file format matches your machine’s requirements—consult your manual or the manufacturer’s website for supported formats.
2. Reconvert the File: Open the design in embroidery software (like Embrilliance, Wilcom Truesizer, or Embird) and export it again in the correct format. Sometimes, a fresh conversion resolves hidden glitches.
3. Update Software and Firmware: Ensure both your embroidery software and machine firmware are up to date. Outdated versions may not support newer file formats or features.
4. Manual Verification: Inspect the file extension for typos (e.g., .pes instead of .PES). On some systems, especially Windows 11, file associations can change—try renaming the extension if needed.
5. Unzip and Transfer Properly: If your file came in a ZIP folder, extract it fully before transferring. Incomplete downloads or antivirus interference can also cause recognition issues—check your quarantine folder.

By methodically checking compatibility, reconverting files, and keeping your software updated, you’ll sidestep most format headaches and get back to stitching in no time.