Stitch-only format
EXP stores only needle positions and movement commands. It contains no embedded thread color data — colors are determined by the order of thread changes at the machine.
StitchPilot.aiFormat reference · Bernina & Melco
EXP Embroidery File Format
EXP is a stitch-only embroidery format used by Bernina home machines and Melco commercial systems. No color metadata is stored — thread colors are assigned at the machine by reading the color stop sequence.
Working with EXP files
Machine compatibility
Designed for Bernina home embroidery machines and Melco commercial systems. Some legacy Barudan industrial machines also accept EXP input files.
Convert any image
StitchPilot.ai digitizes PNG, JPG, SVG, or WebP images to EXP using AI-assisted stitch planning. Download a machine-ready file in seconds.
Free online viewer
Preview any EXP file in the browser — no plugins or software needed. Inspect the stitch path and color change count before sending to your machine.
Format specifications
EXP file structure
EXP uses relative coordinate encoding, similar to DST. It lacks a standardized color palette block, so thread color order must be documented and managed separately.
- Extension: .exp
- Developer: Melco / Bernina ecosystem
- Color metadata: none — stitch-only
- Common machines: Bernina Artista, Bernina 7 series, Melco EMT series
Tips for EXP files
Getting the best results
Because EXP stores no color data, careful thread planning before running the design is essential. Use the StitchPilot.ai viewer to count color stops before setting up bobbins.
- Record thread color order separately — EXP doesn't store color names
- Test a small section on scrap fabric before running a full design
- Keep design dimensions within your machine's hoop size limit
- Re-export from StitchPilot.ai if your machine shows a format error
EXP format — common questions
What machines use the EXP format?
EXP is primarily associated with Bernina embroidery machines and Melco commercial systems. Some older Barudan industrial machines also read EXP files.
Does EXP store color information?
No. EXP is a stitch-only format and does not embed thread color metadata. Thread colors must be assigned manually based on the color stop sequence.
Can I convert a PNG or JPG to EXP?
Yes. StitchPilot.ai converts raster images (PNG, JPG, WebP, SVG) to EXP using AI-assisted digitizing. The resulting file is compatible with Bernina and Melco machines.
How do I open an EXP file on my computer?
Upload the EXP file to StitchPilot.ai's free embroidery viewer to inspect the stitch path and color sequence without any software installation.
What is the difference between EXP and DST?
Both EXP and DST are stitch-only formats without embedded color data, but they use different encoding schemes. EXP is associated with Bernina/Melco, while DST (Tajima) is the most widely supported industrial standard.
Ready to continue?
Convert an image to EXP or open an existing file
StitchPilot.ai handles EXP alongside all major embroidery formats — no software installation required.
Start Converting →