Frequently Asked Questions
PES size limitations
The maximum size for PES v1.0 files is 5"x7" (130 x 180 mm) with 50,000 stitches.
Unfortunately embroidery machine vendors are not willing to share details about their proprietary file formats, and the PES format is quite complex and often updated: Decrypting version 1.0 was already a challenge and chances are low StitchBuddy will ever be able to write the other versions, sad story told.
As a bypass you might be able to use a different file format supported by your embroidery machine: The best alternative is the PEC format: It originates from Brother, too, and uses the same colors, but doesn’t come with a size limitation. Please check if your embroidery machine can handle a PEC file.
In case it doesn’t, a DST file might work: this Tajima file format is accepted by most Brother machines. Unfortunately a DST file does not hold any color information, but only commands when a thread needs to be changed (common practice with professional embroidery file formats like DST, EXP, KSM). You can preserve color information at least within StitchBuddy using the following steps:
- Open the PES file
- Change the thread chart to „Brother“
- Save the file as DST