What is a TBF file?
A TBF file (.tbf) is the Tajima TBF machine embroidery format, used by Tajima (newer models) machines. It stores the stitches, jumps, trims and color changes of a design together with its thread colors. 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 | .tbf |
|---|---|
| Made by | Tajima |
| Machines | Tajima (newer models) |
| Thread colors | Stored in the file |
| Opens in | Embroidery machines and embroidery software or viewers |
What's inside a .tbf file
- Every needle position, in order
- Jumps and trims between areas
- Where each color starts (color stops)
- Thread colors and needle assignments
TBF is a newer Tajima format. Alongside the stitches it can carry thread colors and needle assignments, which plain DST can't.
It's meant for Tajima machines that read it; DST remains the format almost every commercial machine accepts.
If you're not sure your Tajima reads TBF, send DST with a color sheet.
How to open and use a TBF file
- 1
View it
Drop the .tbf 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.
Free TBF embroidery designs
Every free design downloads in every format, including TBF, with a free account.
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TBF file questions
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What is a TBF file?
A TBF file (.tbf) is the Tajima TBF machine embroidery format, used by Tajima (newer models) machines. It stores the stitches, jumps, trims and color changes of a design together with its thread colors. 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 TBF file?
Open it in an embroidery file viewer: drop the .tbf 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 TBF file keep thread colors?
Yes. TBF stores the thread colors, so a machine that reads it shows close equivalents on screen.
How do I convert a TBF 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 TBF file from a picture?
Yes. Upload a PNG, JPG or SVG to the Embrizo digitizer, check the stitch preview and save a TBF file for your machine.
Other formats
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