How to Convert DST to PES: Complete Guide

What You'll Learn
Why Convert DST to PES?
Step-by-Step Conversion Guide
Common Mistakes to Avoid
FAQ
Related Tutorials

What You'll Learn

DST (Tajima) is the most widely used commercial embroidery format. PES is the native format for Brother and Babylock home embroidery machines. If you have DST files and a Brother machine, you need to convert.

This guide walks you through converting DST to PES using Embrowser's free browser-based converter.

Convert DST to PES Right Now Free, browser-based, no software to install. Open Embrowser - Start Free

Why Convert DST to PES?

You need DST to PES conversion when:

You own a Brother or Babylock embroidery machine
You purchased or downloaded designs in DST format
You received files from a commercial digitizer who works in DST
You want to edit the design using Brother PE-Design or similar software

PES-compatible machines include:

Brother SE600, SE1900, PE800, PE535
Brother Luminaire, Stellaire series
Babylock machines (most models)
Bernina machines using Brother formats

Step-by-Step Conversion Guide

Step 1: Open Embrowser and Sign In

Navigate to embrowser.com in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. Sign up for a free account or log in if you already have one. The converter works on any computer or tablet.

Step 2: Create a New Design

Click + Design to create a new design. This opens a blank canvas where you'll import and convert your file.

Step 3: Import Your DST File

Drag and Drop Method (Fastest):

Open your file explorer or Finder
Locate the DST file
Drag it directly onto the Embrowser canvas
Release to import

Import Menu Method:

Click Actions in the bottom toolbar
Click Import
Drop or select your DST file from the overlay

Step 4: Verify the Import

Your design now displays on the canvas. Check:

Design loads completely (no missing sections)
Stitch preview looks correct
Color count matches expected (shown in layers panel)

Tip: DST files don't store color names, so you'll see numbered colors. This is normal.

Step 5: Export as PES

Click Actions in the bottom toolbar
Hover over Export
Select PES
The file downloads to your computer

Your PES file is now ready for your Brother or Babylock machine.

Step 6: Load on Your Machine

Transfer the PES file to your embroidery machine:

Copy to USB drive (most common)
Send via WiFi if your machine supports it
Connect directly via USB cable

Keep Your Designs Organized Create a free Embrowser account to save and access your designs from any computer. Start Free

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Expecting Color Names to Transfer

Problem: DST stores color order only, not color names. Your PES file will have generic color labels. Solution: Reference the original DST color chart if available. Most machines let you reassign colors before stitching.

Mistake 2: File Too Large for Your Machine

Problem: Older Brother machines have stitch count limits (50,000-100,000 stitches). Solution: Check your machine's maximum stitch count. Split large designs if needed.

Mistake 3: Not Verifying Before Export

Problem: Converted file has issues you could have caught. Solution: Always preview in Embrowser. Zoom in on details. Check stitch paths are complete.

Mistake 4: Machine Won't Read the File

Problem: Your machine doesn't recognize the converted PES file. Solution: Check that your USB is formatted as FAT32 and the file is in the root directory. If you've tried everything and the issue persists, Embrowser is currently in beta. Please contact us so we can investigate.

Mistake 5: Filename Issues

Problem: Machine doesn't show the file. Solution: Keep filenames short (under 8 characters for old machines), use only letters and numbers, no spaces.

FAQ

Why don't my colors have names after conversion?

DST files only store color change positions, not color information. This is a limitation of the DST format itself, not the conversion. Most embroidery machines let you assign thread colors during project setup.

Can I batch convert multiple DST files?

Currently, convert files one at a time. Each conversion takes only a few seconds. Open a new project for each file.

What PES version does Embrowser export?

Embrowser exports PES files that work with most Brother machines. If you experience compatibility issues, Embrowser is currently in beta. Please contact us so we can investigate and fix the issue.

Does the design need to be re-digitized?

No. Conversion keeps all original stitch data. You're changing the container format, not the stitching itself.

Can I convert DST to PES on my phone?

Embrowser works best on desktop browsers. While mobile browsers can access the site, the interface is optimized for larger screens.

Do I need an account to convert files?

Yes, a free account is required. Sign up takes just seconds with your email. Your account also lets you save designs to the cloud and access them from multiple devices.