Understanding embroidery files

Understanding embroidery files

Embroidery designs are created, edited, shared, and stitched using different types of embroidery files. Understanding the purpose of each file type will help you choose the right format for editing, sharing, and production. Wilcom applications work with two main types of embroidery files:
  1. Design files: these contain all the information needed to edit an embroidery design.
  2. Machine files: these contain the stitch information required by embroidery machines.
Throughout the embroidery process, a design typically begins as a design file and is exported as a machine file when it is ready for production.

The embroidery design workflow

A typical embroidery workflow looks like this:

Create or receive a design
        │
        ▼
   EMB design file
        │
        ├── Edit and review
        ├── Resize and transform
        ├── Create colorways
        ├── Assign thread colors
        ├── Store in Library
        ├── Print worksheets
        │
        ▼
Export machine file
        │
        ▼
Embroidery machine

Info
Wilcom applications support different stages of this workflow, but they all work with the same embroidery file types.

Design files (EMB)

EMB is Wilcom's native embroidery design format. Unlike machine files, an EMB file stores the complete embroidery design, including:
  1. Object outlines
  2. Stitch data
  3. Thread colors
  4. Colorways
  5. Stitch settings
  6. Production information
Because the original design information is preserved, EMB files remain fully editable throughout the design process. They can be resized, transformed, recolored, and reused without losing the information needed to regenerate stitches.

Working with EMB files

Depending on the Wilcom application you are using, EMB files can be used to:
  1. Review embroidery designs.
  2. Resize and transform designs.
  3. Create alternative colorways.
  4. Assign commercial or custom thread colors.
  5. Print approval sheets and production worksheets.
  6. Organize and store designs in Library.
  7. Export designs in machine file formats for production.
Because all design information is retained, EMB is the preferred format whenever a design may need further editing.

Machine files

Machine files are designed for embroidery machines rather than design editing. They contain the stitch coordinates, color changes, and machine commands required to stitch a design, but they generally do not include the original design objects or editing information. Machine files are ideal for production but have more limited editing capabilities than EMB files.

Opening machine files

Wilcom applications can open many popular embroidery machine file formats. When a machine file is opened, Wilcom attempts to recognize stitch types, spacing, and object outlines from the stitch data. Where successful, these reconstructed objects can be edited and resized more effectively than stitch-only designs. However, reconstructed objects may not exactly match the original design information.

Resizing machine files

Machine files can be resized, but the results depend on how much design information can be recovered. If a machine file is opened without object recognition, the stitch count remains unchanged as the design is resized. This changes stitch density and may affect embroidery quality. For best results, avoid resizing stitch-only machine files by more than approximately ±10%.

Choosing the right file

If you want to...
Use...
Continue editing a design
EMB design file
Resize or transform a design
EMB design file
Create colorways
EMB design file
Assign thread colors
EMB design file
Store designs in Library
EMB design file
Print production worksheets
EMB design file
Stitch the design on an embroidery machine
Machine file

Best practice

  1. Whenever possible, keep an original EMB version of every embroidery design.
  2. Export machine files only when the design is ready for production. This preserves the complete design information for future editing, resizing, and reuse.
  1. Supported file formats
  2. Open embroidery designs
  3. Transform designs
  4. Create colorways
  5. Assign threads
  6. Export machine files

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