What is a EXP file?
A EXP file (.exp) is the Melco EXP machine embroidery format, used by Melco and Bernina machines. It stores the stitches, jumps, trims and color changes of a design but not the thread colors themselves. You can't open it in an image editor: view it in an embroidery file viewer, load it on the machine by USB or Wi-Fi, or convert it to another format.
| File extension | .exp |
|---|---|
| Made by | Melco |
| Machines | Melco, Bernina |
| Thread colors | Not stored (color stops only) |
| Opens in | Embroidery machines and embroidery software or viewers |
What's inside a .exp file
- Every needle position, in order
- Jumps and trims between areas
- Where each color starts (color stops)
- No thread colors: only where they change
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.
How to open and use a EXP file
- 1
View it
Drop the .exp file into the file viewer to see the stitches, colors, size and stitch count in your browser.
- 2
Check it
Run it through the file checker for hoop fit, density and stitches that might snag or break.
- 3
Convert if needed
If your machine reads another format, save it as that format in the converter; every stitch is kept.
- 4
Load it
Copy the file to a USB stick or send it over Wi-Fi, then open it on the machine and sew a test.
Machines that read EXP
EXP is the native or a supported format on these machines, from the makers' specs.
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What is a EXP file?
A EXP file (.exp) is the Melco EXP machine embroidery format, used by Melco and Bernina machines. It stores the stitches, jumps, trims and color changes of a design but not the thread colors themselves. You can't open it in an image editor: view it in an embroidery file viewer, load it on the machine by USB or Wi-Fi, or convert it to another format.
How do I open a EXP file?
Open it in an embroidery file viewer: drop the .exp file into Embrizo's viewer to see every stitch, the colors and the size in your browser. Image editors and PDF readers can't open stitch files.
Does a EXP file keep thread colors?
No. EXP only marks where colors change. Keep the color sheet with the file and assign threads at the machine.
How do I convert a EXP file?
Open it in the embroidery file converter and save it as DST, PES, JEF, EXP, VP3, XXX or another format. Converting keeps every stitch; only the container changes.
Can I make a EXP file from a picture?
Yes. Upload a PNG, JPG or SVG to the Embrizo digitizer, check the stitch preview and save a EXP file for your machine.
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.
Convert EXP files
EXP compared
Other formats
Embroidery file formats explainedNeed a EXP file of your logo?
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