XXX is the embroidery format of the Singer Futura line and other Singer machines developed with Compucon software. It stores the stitches, trims and thread colors, and the free digitizer writes it straight from your image.
Singer has made several generations of embroidery machines, and newer models don't all use the same formats. If you're not sure, download every format at once and check your manual. For a Futura, start with XXX.
Which file format Singer machines use
The Futura series (for example the XL-400, XL-550 and XL-580) uses XXX through its Futura software. XXX stores RGB thread colors, so your color order carries over to the machine.
Newer Singer machines such as the Legacy SE300 and the WiFi-equipped SE9185 are a different generation. Singer is now a sister brand of Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff, and some newer Singer models connect to mySewnet. Their manuals list the formats they read, so check before you choose. The ZIP download includes XXX, DST, VP3 and every other format, so you can try what the manual names.
How to get designs onto a Singer
- Futura models connect to a computer with a USB cable. You open the XXX in the Futura software and send it to the machine from there. The software was written for older versions of Windows, so check Singer's support pages for updates.
- Legacy SE300 and similar models take designs from a USB stick: copy the file, insert the stick and select the design.
- SE9185 and other WiFi models can also receive designs over WiFi through mySewnet.
Singer hoop sizes
| Model | Hoops |
|---|---|
| Futura XL-550 | 10 × 6 in large hoop |
| Futura XL-580 | 10 × 6 in, 4 × 4 in and a 6.75 × 4 in endless hoop |
| Legacy SE300 | 260 × 150 mm (10.25 × 6 in) and 4 × 4 in |
| SE9185 | 170 × 100 mm (6.7 × 4 in) included |
Singer's 10 × 6 in hoops are a little smaller than the digitizer's 6×10 preset (160 × 260 mm), so don't use that preset. Set the size yourself, keeping the design within about 240 × 140 mm with its long side along the hoop's 10 in side, and check it with the hoop size calculator. The 4×4 preset fits the small hoops.
Tips for Singer embroidery
- Keep a copy of every format. If you change Singer models, the ZIP saves converting later.
- Watch the color count. Singer home machines are single-needle, so each color is a stop to rethread.
- Pick the fabric preset for the garment, so density and underlay suit the fabric.
- Test-stitch on scrap with the same stabilizer before the final piece.
Convert other formats to XXX
Designs for other machines convert to XXX in your browser, keeping every stitch:
- PES to XXX for Brother and Baby Lock designs
- DST to XXX for commercial designs
- JEF to XXX, VP3 to XXX and EXP to XXX for Janome, Viking, Pfaff, Bernina and Melco files
From artwork, use PNG to XXX or image to XXX, and open any file in the embroidery file viewer to check it.