EmbroViewer › Guides › PES vs DST: which embroidery format should you use?
PES vs DST: which embroidery format should you use?
Short answer: use PES if you sew on a Brother or Baby Lock machine. Use DST for commercial multi-needle machines or when sending a design to an embroidery shop. If you sell designs, include both.
| PES | DST | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Brother | Tajima |
| Machines | Brother, Baby Lock | Tajima and most commercial machines |
| Thread colours | Stored (Brother thread chart) | Not stored — only colour stops |
| On-machine preview | Yes (PEC thumbnail) | No |
| Compatibility | Brother ecosystem | Near-universal |
| Best for | Home embroidery on Brother/Baby Lock | Shops, multi-needle production, sending to contractors |
Colours are the main difference
A PES file opens in the intended colours; a DST file does not, because it only stores where colour changes happen. When you send a DST, include a colour sheet or PNG preview — EmbroViewer can export both.
The stitches are the same
Both formats store the exact needle path, so a well-made conversion sews identically. The difference is metadata: colours, preview images and machine-specific information.
Compare them yourself
Open a PES and a DST version of the same design together in EmbroViewer and switch to the Compare view to see stitch counts, sizes and colour changes side by side.
Frequently asked questions
Can Brother machines read DST?
Many can, but colours are lost. PES is recommended for Brother.
Which is better for Etsy design sales?
Offer both. PES covers Brother/Baby Lock owners, DST covers commercial users; add JEF, EXP and VP3 to cover the other major brands.
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Last updated 2026-09-30