Colors in machine files

When working with embroidery machine files like Tajima DST, developers often expect the design colors to be preserved. However, unlike Wilcom EMB files, machine files do not contain any color information – only stitch coordinates and STOP codes. This means the Embroidery Web API must assign colors in a different way when generating TrueView previews. Operators must assign needle/thread colors manually at the machine.

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Using API calls with machine files

1. When you upload a machine file such as DST and call api/editDesignTrueview, the API must still return a colored TrueView image.
2. Since DST files lack colors, the system applies the Wilcom default Color Palette.
3. This palette has 15 preset colors, cycled through if the design has more than 15 stops.
4. A DST with 20 stops will be displayed using the 15 default colors, then repeat.
   
   

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Default color palette

The Wilcom default Color Palette includes colors such as Dark Green, Blue, Red, Yellow, Aqua, Black, White, Purple, Brown, and Pink.

Example XML thread block from the API:

<threads>
  <thread color="39168" code="1" brand="Default" description="Dark Green" />
  <thread color="16711680" code="2" brand="Default" description="Blue" />
  <thread color="255" code="3" brand="Default" description="Red" />
  ...
</threads>

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Key points

1. Most commercial embroidery logos use 6 or fewer colors, so the 15-color default palette is usually enough.
2. If you want accurate brand/thread colors, always work from an EMB file (not just a machine file).

For more information, contact support@wilcom.com

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