Convert SVG to EXP embroidery files
SVG vectors give the crispest results: the digitizer renders them at high resolution in your browser, so curves and lettering stay smooth at any size. Download a Melco EXP file for Melco, Bernina machines.
Drop your SVG here
PNG, JPG, WebP or SVG · stays on your device
- Free, no signup
- Color sheet included
- Runs in your browser
Rendered at full resolution
Vectors are rasterized at 2,000 px before digitizing, so edges are clean even for large designs.
Exact colors
Flat fills in your SVG become exact thread colors, matched to the Brother or Janome chart.
Scale freely
Resize to any hoop without losing sharpness, from a 2 in badge to a full jacket back.
How to convert a SVG to EXP
It takes about a minute, and you can preview every stitch before you download.
- 1
Upload your SVG
Drop the .svg 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
- Convert text to outlines (paths) before exporting, so the fonts render exactly as designed.
- Flatten gradients and remove filters such as blurs and shadows.
- Strokes thinner than 0.5 mm at the final size will be sewn as running stitch.
More detail in our guide to preparing artwork for embroidery.
SVG 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.
Is SVG better than PNG for embroidery?
Usually, yes. A vector can be rendered at any size without blur, which gives smoother satin edges. A large, clean PNG works almost as well.
Do SVG fonts work?
Only if the font is installed on your computer. Converting text to outlines in your design tool guarantees the lettering looks right.
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.