DST vs VP3: which embroidery format should you use?
DST is Tajima's format, used by commercial multi-needle machines; VP3 is Husqvarna Viking / Pfaff's, used by Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff home machines. VP3 stores thread colors; DST doesn't, so keep a color sheet with it. The stitches are the same in both, so use the one your machine reads and convert when you need the other.
| Feature | DST | VP3 |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Tajima | Husqvarna Viking / Pfaff |
| Machines | Tajima, Barudan, SWF, Ricoma, Happy, most commercial machines | Husqvarna Viking, Pfaff |
| Mainly used on | Commercial multi-needle machines | Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff home machines |
| Stores thread colors | No (color stops only) | Yes |
| File extension | .dst | .vp3 |
Choose DST if…
… you run a commercial multi-needle machine, or need a file almost any machine can open.
DST was created by Tajima and became the common language of commercial embroidery. Nearly every multi-needle machine, and most embroidery software, can open it.
Choose VP3 if…
… you sew on a Husqvarna Viking or Pfaff machine, or use mySewnet.
VP3 is the current embroidery format of Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff machines and their mySewnet software.
Turn any image into DST or VP3
Drop a logo or drawing to see it stitched. Download DST, VP3 or all nine formats at once.
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DST vs VP3 questions
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What's the difference between DST and VP3?
DST is Tajima's format, used by commercial multi-needle machines; VP3 is Husqvarna Viking / Pfaff's, used by Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff home machines. VP3 stores thread colors; DST doesn't, so keep a color sheet with it. The stitches are the same in both, so use the one your machine reads and convert when you need the other.
Can I convert DST to VP3?
Yes. Open the .dst file in the free DST to VP3 converter and save it as .vp3. The stitches carry over exactly; thread colors are matched to the closest threads.
Does converting between DST and VP3 lose quality?
No. Both formats store the same needle positions, so the design sews the same. What can change is the color information and any software-only extras, not the stitches.
Which is better, DST or VP3?
Neither is better in itself. Use DST if you run a commercial multi-needle machine, or need a file almost any machine can open; use VP3 if you sew on a Husqvarna Viking or Pfaff machine, or use mySewnet.
How do I make a file in either format from an image?
Upload the image to the digitizer, check the stitch preview and download DST, VP3 or any other format. Digitizing and previewing are free with an account.
More format comparisons
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