Preview embroidery files - DST, EXP - in your browser
Look at the DST before the machine does
A Tajima .dst is a binary stitch list. You can’t open it in Preview. You can’t open it in Illustrator. So most of us just send it to the digitizer, get a confirmation back, and hope. This puts the file on the page.
What the render shows you
- The stitch path itself, color-by-color, so you can see the order the machine will actually run it.
- Stitch count. Most suppliers price embroidery in 1,000-stitch tiers above a base. This is the number that picks the tier.
- Color block count. Production machines top out around 12-15 needles. If a file has 18 colors, somebody is going to have to stop and re-thread.
- Real bounding box, in mm and inches. The file’s header sometimes lies about this. We measure the actual stitches.
- Runtime estimate at 750 stitches/min plus a 5-second color-change penalty. Within ~10% of production reality.
Roughly how many stitches?
Reference points from the floor:
- Monogram or simple text: 4-8K
- Standard 3-4” left-chest logo: 6-12K
- Detailed multi-color with small text: 12-20K
- Full jacket back or large patch: 30-60K, sometimes more
If a file you’re looking at is way outside its size band, ask the digitizer. There’s usually a reason.
What we read
Tajima DST, Melco EXP, Brother PES. PES support handles the common Brother-saved files. If you have a weird cross-converted PES that doesn’t parse, re-export as DST - it’s the universal interchange and every machine takes it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I open a DST file without an embroidery machine?
Yes - that's exactly what this tool does. DST is a binary stitch-list format, not an image. We render it visually so you can verify the design, color order, and dimensions before it goes to the machine. No embroidery software install required.
How accurate is the runtime estimate?
It assumes 750 stitches per minute (industrial single-head speed) plus ~5 seconds per color change. Real machine speed varies by hoop size, fabric, thread tension, and operator habit. Our estimate is typically within 10-15% of actual production time. Use it for scheduling, not for binding promises.
Why don't the dimensions in the file match what my machine shows?
DST headers can lie. The header records what the digitizing software claimed, but doesn't always match the actual stitch bounding box. We measure from the real stitch coordinates so the dimensions you see here are what the machine will actually sew.
What's the difference between DST, EXP, and PES?
All three are stitch-list formats. DST (Tajima) is the universal interchange format - every commercial machine reads it. EXP (Melco) is similar with slightly more metadata. PES (Brother) embeds full color information for home machines. When in doubt, ask for DST.
Do you keep my embroidery file?
No. The file is parsed in memory and discarded as soon as the response renders. We don't store, log, or share it.
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