What is a VP3 file?
A VP3 file (.vp3) is the Husqvarna Viking / Pfaff VP3 machine embroidery format, used by Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff 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 | .vp3 |
|---|---|
| Made by | Husqvarna Viking / Pfaff |
| Machines | Husqvarna Viking, Pfaff |
| Thread colors | Stored in the file |
| Opens in | Embroidery machines and embroidery software or viewers |
What's inside a .vp3 file
- Every needle position, in order
- Jumps and trims between areas
- Where each color starts (color stops)
- Thread colors with brand and code
- Design information for Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff software
VP3 is the current embroidery format of Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff machines and their mySewnet software.
VP3 stores the exact color of every thread along with its name, so the machine and software show your design as you designed it.
Stitch data is stored per color block, with explicit trims between separate areas.
How to open and use a VP3 file
- 1
View it
Drop the .vp3 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 VP3
VP3 is the native or a supported format on these machines, from the makers' specs.
Free VP3 embroidery designs
Every free design downloads as VP3 with a free account.
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VP3 file questions
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What is a VP3 file?
A VP3 file (.vp3) is the Husqvarna Viking / Pfaff VP3 machine embroidery format, used by Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff 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 VP3 file?
Open it in an embroidery file viewer: drop the .vp3 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 VP3 file keep thread colors?
Yes. VP3 stores the thread colors, so a machine that reads it shows close equivalents on screen.
How do I convert a VP3 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 VP3 file from a picture?
Yes. Upload a PNG, JPG or SVG to the Embrizo digitizer, check the stitch preview and save a VP3 file for your machine.
Does VP3 keep the exact colors?
Yes. VP3 stores full RGB thread colors and names for every color in the design.
Will older Viking machines read VP3?
Some older Husqvarna Viking models use the HUS or VIP formats instead. Check which formats your machine lists.
Convert VP3 files
VP3 compared
Other formats
Embroidery file formats explainedNeed a VP3 file of your logo?
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