How to Convert PES to JEF: Brother to Janome Format

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

What You'll Learn

PES (Brother format) and JEF (Janome format) are both popular home embroidery formats. If you have a Janome machine but purchased or received designs in PES format, you need to convert them.

This guide shows you how to convert PES to JEF quickly using a free browser-based converter.

Convert PES to JEF Instantly No software to install. Works on any computer. Open Embrowser - Start Free

Why Convert PES to JEF?

Common scenarios requiring PES to JEF conversion:

You own a Janome embroidery machine
Design collections you purchased are in PES format
A friend shared PES files but you use Janome
Free designs online are offered only in PES
You switched from Brother to Janome

Janome machines that use JEF:

Janome Memory Craft series
Janome Skyline series
Janome Horizon series
Janome Continental series
Most Janome embroidery-capable machines

Step-by-Step Conversion Guide

Step 1: Open Embrowser and Sign In

Navigate to embrowser.com in any web browser. Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge all work. Sign up for a free account or log in if you already have one.

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 PES File

Drag and Drop:

Open your file manager and locate the PES file
Drag the file directly onto the Embrowser canvas
Design imports automatically

Alternative Method:

Click Actions in the bottom toolbar
Select Import
Drop or browse to select your PES file

Step 4: Preview and Verify

After import, your design displays on the canvas:

Check that all colors loaded correctly
Verify the design looks complete
Note the dimensions and stitch count

This is a good time to make any edits if needed (resize, rotate, etc.).

Step 5: Export as JEF

Click Actions in the bottom toolbar
Hover over Export
Select JEF from the format list
File downloads to your computer

The converted JEF file saves with the same name as your design.

Step 6: Transfer to Your Janome

Load the JEF file to your machine:

Copy to USB drive (formatted FAT32)
For some Janome machines: Put in root directory
For others: Use specific folder structure (check your manual)

Batch Conversion Convert multiple files by opening each as a new project. Try Embrowser Free

Understanding Format Differences

Feature	PES	JEF
Developed by	Brother	Janome
Color information	Full thread colors	Full thread colors
Stitch limit	Very high	Machine-dependent
Hoop information	Included	Included
Common use	Home embroidery	Home embroidery

What Transfers During Conversion

Fully transferred:

All stitch coordinates
Color sequence
Design dimensions
Stitch count

May need attention:

Thread color names (format uses different color tables)
Hoop size assignments (verify for your specific machine)

Color Considerations

Both PES and JEF store thread color information, but they use different internal color tables. After conversion:

Color sequence remains correct
Specific thread brand names may vary
Verify colors in Janome software or on machine before stitching

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Assuming Colors Match Perfectly

Problem: Thread color names don't match between brands. Solution: Use the color sequence as a guide. Preview or test stitch to confirm color placement.

Mistake 2: Not Checking File Size Limits

Problem: Older Janome machines have stitch count limits. Solution: Check your machine's maximum stitch count. Large designs may need splitting.

Mistake 3: Wrong Folder Structure on USB

Problem: Janome doesn't see the file. Solution: Some Janome machines require files in specific folders. Check your manual.

Mistake 4: Corrupted Source File

Problem: PES file won't import correctly. Solution: Try re-downloading the original file. Verify it opens in other software.

Mistake 5: Skipping the Preview

Problem: Something looks wrong after transfer to machine. Solution: Always preview in Embrowser before export. Catch issues early.

FAQ

Can I convert multiple PES files at once?

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

Will my thread colors match exactly?

The color sequence stays the same. Specific thread names may differ because Brother and Janome use different color reference systems. Use the colors as a guide and confirm before stitching.

My Janome is older. Will the JEF file work?

Most JEF files work on all Janome embroidery machines. Check your machine manual for specifications. If you experience issues, Embrowser is currently in beta. Please contact us so we can investigate.

Can I convert JEF back to PES?

Yes. Embrowser converts between popular formats (PES, DST, JEF, VP3, EXP) in both directions. Import JEF, export as PES.

Do I need Janome software to use JEF files?

No. JEF files load directly onto Janome machines via USB. Janome software is only needed if you want additional editing features.

Is Embrowser compatible with Janome Digitizer?

You can use both. Convert files in Embrowser, then open in Janome Digitizer if you need software-specific features.

What's the maximum design size for JEF?

The JEF format itself has no practical size limit. Your machine's largest hoop determines maximum usable size.