How to view a .EXP file online
Three steps, a few seconds.
Open your .EXP file
Drop your design on the box or click to choose it from your computer or a USB stick.
Check size and colours
See the finished size in millimetres and inches, the hoop it fits, the stitch count and every thread change with its colour.
Watch it stitch
Press play to watch the design being sewn stitch by stitch, or drag the slider to any point. Save a PNG preview for your records.
What is a .EXP file?
Machine instructions, not pictures.
An EXP file is a machine-embroidery design in the native Melco stitch format, also used in the Bernina ecosystem. To view or convert it, use the free Wilcom TrueSizer (desktop or web). To stitch it, load the file onto your embroidery machine, or convert it first to your machine's format (PES for Brother, DST for Tajima, JEF for Janome).
Programs that open .EXP files
| Full name | Melco Embroidery Design |
|---|---|
| Developer | Melco |
| First released | Melco embroidery machines, 1990s (also used in the Bernina ecosystem) |
| Category | Data & Other |
| MIME type | application/octet-stream |
Related viewers
Other free tools to open and preview your files.
Frequently asked questions
Is my .EXP file uploaded?
No. Your .EXP file is decoded and drawn. Your designs stay.
Why are the colours different from my design software?
DST and EXP files don't store colours at all, only the places where thread changes. JEF stores Janome thread numbers, which we show with approximate colours. PES and PEC colours use the Brother thread palette.
How long will it take to stitch?
We estimate the time from the stitch count at 600 stitches per minute plus about 30 seconds per colour change. Real speed depends on your machine and the fabric.
Which hoop do I need?
We suggest the smallest common hoop that fits the design's width and height with a little margin. Check your machine's hoop list for the exact sizes.
Can I convert DST to PES here?
Not yet - conversion between machine formats is planned. The viewer already reads all the stitch data a converter needs.
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