Convert JPG to EXP embroidery files
JPG files work well once their compression noise is cleaned up. The digitizer smooths JPEG artifacts and blurry edges before it picks thread colors. Download a Melco EXP file for Melco, Bernina machines.
Drop your JPG here
PNG, JPG, WebP or SVG · stays on your device
- Free, no signup
- Color sheet included
- Runs in your browser
Compression noise is filtered
"Clean up noise" removes the speckles and color fringes JPEG adds around edges, so they don't become extra threads.
Solid backgrounds are removed
A white or single-color background around the artwork is detected and left unstitched.
Fewer colors, cleaner result
Cap the number of colors if gradients or shading split into too many thread colors.
How to convert a JPG to EXP
It takes about a minute, and you can preview every stitch before you download.
- 1
Upload your JPG
Drop the .jpg file into the box above or open the digitizer.
- 2
Set the size
Type a width, or pick your hoop from 4×4" to 8×12". The proportions are kept.
- 3
Check colors and stitches
Review the thread colors, the stitch preview and the design check. Switch off any color you don't want stitched.
- 4
Download the .EXP file
Choose Melco or the EXP format and download. Copy the file to your machine by USB or its app.
The Melco EXP format
EXP comes from Melco's commercial machines and is one of the formats Bernina embroidery machines read directly.
Like DST, EXP stores stitches, jumps, trims and color changes but not thread colors, so keep the color sheet handy when threading.
Moves longer than 12.7 mm are split automatically.
Tips for the best result
- Use the highest-quality JPG you have. Screenshots of small logos lose detail.
- If the logo sits on a busy background, crop it or remove the background first.
- For photos, start with 4 to 6 colors and adjust from there.
More detail in our guide to preparing artwork for embroidery.
JPG to EXP converter questions
The quickest way to see what it does with your artwork is to try it. It's free and takes about a minute.
Will JPEG artifacts show up in the embroidery?
No. Noise reduction and anti-alias cleanup run before color separation, so blocky artifacts and soft edges are folded into the nearest real color.
Can I convert a photo saved as JPG?
Yes. Photos are simplified into a few flat thread colors, which suits simple, high-contrast pictures best. See the photo-to-embroidery page for tips.
Is EXP the right format for my Bernina?
Bernina embroidery machines read EXP. Many models read other formats too, such as PES or DST, so check your machine's manual.
Does EXP include colors?
No. Like DST it only marks color changes. Use the color sheet download for thread order.
Is this embroidery digitizer really free?
Yes. You can digitize and download as many designs as you like, in every format, without signing up. Everything runs in your browser, so there are no server costs to pass on.
Is my image uploaded to a server?
No. Your image is processed entirely on your own device in your web browser and is never uploaded. If you sign in and save a design, only the finished stitch file, a small preview and its thread colors are stored in your account, never the original image.
Keep going
Related tools and guides
- Machine guideBernina machinesEXP files for Bernina embroidery machines, with tips on colors, USB and WiFi transfer and hoops.Open
- Machine guideMelco machinesEXP and DST files for Melco commercial machines, with software, needle and field notes.Open
- Free toolHoop size calculatorFind which hoops fit your design and how far to scale it down if it's too big.Open
- Free toolText to embroidery fileType a name or monogram, pick a font and download a ready-to-sew lettering file.Open
- Free toolStitch count & price calculatorEstimate stitches, sew time and price for any design size and coverage.Open
Make your EXP file now
Upload an image, preview the stitches and download a Melco EXP file in under a minute.