Includes info published in the Nov. 1999 issue of EMB magazine.

Preferred Font: 12 point Helvetica
Last Updated: 15 December 1999 

  *******************************************
  *****                                                       *****
  *****      Embroidery File Formats     *****
  *****                                                       *****
  *******************************************

Compiled by: Embroidery Group Online (EGO on AOL) member Dan Moynihan (DTizer)
email:dtizer@aol.com

Note: This is still a work in progress.  Persons with information about formats 
           not included here (or corrections) should email that data to:
           DTizer@aol.com.


 *******************************************************************

*****
                                                                                               *****
 *****     Summary of Embroidery File Format Extentions     *****

*****
                                                                                               *****
 *******************************************************************


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++                                                                    +++++
+++++     Industrial Machine Disk Formats     +++++
+++++                                                                    +++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 Barudan 
       Beat 900 (.DC2, .DD2, .DM2, .DP2, DS2) 
                           --> 5 files per design in "Nogroups" directory on machine disk
       FDR {1.4 MB only} (.T03, .U01 --> The last 2 digits are the pattern)
       M7000 (.DAT --> file names are A01, A02, etc., .DIR) 
        ????               --> .DSB 
 Eltac (machine disk format has no file extention)
 Happy (.TAP) 
 Juki --> serger (.M3) --> Files reside in Ams directory & start with AMS
 Melco  (.CND --> vector*, .EXP) 
 Pfaff --> professional (.KSD, .KSM)  
 SWF --> distributed by HSE Corp.
 Tajima (.DSB -->Binary, .DST --> Ternary, .DSZ --> ZXK code, .T01)
 Toyota (.10o, .PCH --> vector*, .STI, .STX)
 Zangs (.TO4)
 ZSK (T05, .DOS, .DSZ)

   Comment: Certain machine disk formats do not use standard DOS formatting. 
                       Instead they employ some other formatting scheme. These include:
                               ** Barudan FDR (720 k disks)
                               ** Barudan FMC (720 k disks only) 
                               ** Fortron (720 k disks only)
                               ** Marco (720 k disks only)


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++                                                            +++++
+++++     Industrial Software Formats     +++++
+++++                                                            +++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 APS --> by Gunold (.PCH --> vector*) 
 APS Lite --> by Gunold (.STC)
 BE-100 --> by Brother (.BDF, .CND --> vector*)
 B & V --> by  ??? (.BRO, .BRE, .PBB, .PHE)
 Capital Automation --> DOS version (.STI --> vector*)
 DigiSYS --> by Mr. Logo
 EDS III --> by Melco (.CND --> vector* ,.EXP, .OFM ---> vector*)
 EOS {Embroidery Operating System} by Compucon -->  (.REF --> vector*, .XXX)
 EPC {Embroidery Punch Computer} by ZSK --> 
 Epicor --> by Melco for DOS  (.CND --> vector*)
 HyperStitch --> by Compucon (.REF --> vector*, .XXX)
 PG --> by Brother (.KWK, .PCH --> vector*)
 PDW  --> by Pantograms 
 ProLine --> by Pantograms(.PCH --> vector*)
 proWin --> by Proel 
 QDT Verifier IIC --> by Moritz (.CND --> vector*)
 Signature --> by Pulse Microsystems division of Hirsch
                          DOS version (.ICN, .KWK, .PCH --> vector*) 
                          Win version (.PED, .PSF)
                          Vers. 7.0 (.POF --> vector*, .PSF)
 Stitch 98 --> by DataStitch  (.STI --> vector*, .STX) 
 Stitch Shop Pro --> 
 Super EDS {SEDS} --> by Capital Automation (.EDF --> vector*)
 Tajima DG/ML -->  (.DST)
 Wilcom (.EMB --> vector*) 
 WINgs --> by Gunold (.PCH --> vector*, .STC)

Comments:  1. Contributions sorely needed to complete this section. 
                       2. Many commercial programs can read and write a variety of 
                           machine disk formats. Most commonly, Melco .ESP and 
                           Tajima .DST are supported. 
                       3. Some commercial programs can also read and write file formats 
                            which are native to other software packages.
                       4. Older versions of some software may not be able to open files 
                            created by a newer version of the same program even though the 
                            file extentions are the same as used by the older version. Generally, 
                            the newer software can read designs created with the older version.
                       5. Some commercial programs can also convert machine disk stitches 
                            files to vector* files. Such conversions tend be imperfect, requring 
                            adjustment of shape and control parameters.
                       6. Macintosh-based software does not use DOS file extentions. 
                           Instead, file headers contain two four- character codes to designate 
                           the format and creator. These programs are written for the Mac:
                              ** Embroidery Expert (outdated)  --> by Textile Technologies
                              ** Embroidery Plus (outdated)  --> by Textile Technologies
                              ** PantoStitch --> by Pantograms
                              ** Punto --> by SofTeam
                              ** PowerStitch --> by Textile Technologies

* Note:Vector designs are resizable with the stitchcount being adjusted in the process 
             to maintain the original stitch length specifications for automatic walking 
             stitches and step fills and original density settings in satin columns and step 
             fills. Vector formats also permit changing these and other stitch parameters. 
             Other names for vector elements include "blocks", "objects" and "outlines".


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++                                                                      +++++
+++++     Home & Hobby Machine Formats     +++++
+++++                                                                      +++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 Babylock (.PEL, .PES) 
 Bernette (.PES)
 Bernina (.EXP, .ISD, .PEL, .PES) 
         Artista (.ART)
 Brother (.DST, .PEC --> card format, PEL --> line drawing, .PEM --> vector*, .PES)
 Deco (.PES)
 Elna (.SEW)
 Essante (.PES)
 Huskygram (.CSD)
 Husqvarna & Viking (.CSD, .HUS)
 Janome --> formerly New Home (.SEW)
 Kenmore (.SEW)
 New Home --> now Janome (.SEW.)
 Pfaff
          large frame embroidery --> Mac and Windows (.PCS) 
          6 mm & 9 mm stitches --> (.PCD)  
          60 mm maxi stitches  --> (.PCQ) 
 POEM 
          Windows --> (.CSD, .PSW)
          Mac Designer --> [Correction: (.sit) is a StuffIt archive format]
 Singer (.XXX)
 Singer EU (.CSD, .PSW)
 Viking (.CSD, .HUS)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++                                                                        +++++
+++++      Home & Hobby Software Formats      +++++
+++++                                                                        +++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 Flutter Whumper (Macintosh .PCS)
 Kreuz 2.0 beta version #4 --> Crosstitch (.KRZ, .PCS)
 POEM 
          Embroiderer & Designer  (.EMB ---> vector* for Windows only)
          Mac Designer --> {uses a 4-character Macintosh format code}

   Commenst: 
                  1. Where more than one format is indicated, the format may be dependent 
                       on model or version. 
                  2. In some cases, the file format encoding may change with a new version 
                       yet the extension remains the same. Generally, in such cases the older 
                       software cannot read designs created with the newer version but the 
                       newer software can still read designs created with the older version.


References:

     http://members.aol.com/Moonltd/surf.html
     http://members.aol.com/rrosebud13/FilExt.htm
     http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/beacoqui/help/exxxhelp/exxxhelp.htm
     http://www.amazingdesigns.com/software/szexprss.htm
     http://buzztools.com/
     http://www.cyberport.net/users/milnerwm/FAQ/Embroidery%20Formats
     http://www.flash.net/~keepsake/howdoi/instr.htm
     http://www.puncher.com
     http://www.sewdesigns.com/derosia/download.htm
     http://www.threadimages.com/blurb.html
     http://www.wilcom.com
     Capital Automation literature
     Compucon promotional CD and literature
     EMB magazine (Aug. 1999, Nov. 1999)
     HyperStitch software and manual
     Stitches Magazine (ads)



 ****************************************************
 *****                                                                      *****
 *****     File Format Conversion Software     *****
 *****                                                                      *****
 ****************************************************


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++                                                             +++++
+++++      PC Converters and Viewers     +++++
+++++                                                             +++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Comment: Most (if not all) of hese programs may be also be used on Macs running 
                    Windows emulation software or with a DOS card installed.


=========
Buzz Tools
=========

Buzz Tools is the main format conversion program available for embroiderers. It may be purchased
and downloaded directly from the following website:

         http://buzztools.com/

Buzz Tools is a great embroidery format conversion program that has a modest price tag of $99.
Version 3.21 was current as of May 31, 1999.

This program converts embroidery designs obtained from websites on the internet or sent as email
attachments to a variety of embroidery machine formats. 

Buzz Tools supports conversion from these machine formats:

      ** CSD - POEM, Singer EU, Viking, Huskygram (Buzz Tools version 3 and above) 
      ** DST - Tajima
      ** EXP - DOS Expanded
      ** HUS - Viking Husqvarna
      ** PES, PEC - Baby Lock
      ** PES, PEC - Bernina
      ** PES, PEC - Brother
      ** PCS - Pfaff
      ** PCQ, PCD - Pfaff (Buzz Tools version 3 and above) 
      ** PSW - Singer
      ** SEW - Janome, New Home (Buzz Tools version 3 and above) 

 Conversion can be made to any of the following file formats:

      ** CSD - POEM, Singer EU, Viking Huskygram (Buzz Tools version 3 and above) 
      ** DST - Tajima
      ** EXP - DOS Expanded
      ** DST - Tajima
      ** HUS - Viking Husqvarna
      ** PES - Baby Lock
      ** PES - Bernina
      ** PES - Brother
      ** PCS - Pfaff
      ** SEW - Janome New Home (Buzz Tools version 3 and above) 


Most embroidery software packages can read at least one of these formats. 


-------------------------------------------------------------

============
eXXXterminator
============

eXXXterminator is a multiple embroidery file conversion program that is less ambitious than Buzz
Tools but handles a couple of embroidery formats that Buzz Tools does not. As of May 31, 1999
version 2.5 was current.  PC users can download the program itself plus the two required DLL files
at:

       http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/beacoqui/main/programs.htm

A help file is available online or you can download it from the same page.

eXXXterminator will read (load) the following embroidery formats:
                                                          
      ** DST - Tajima 
      ** EXP - DOS Expanded (Melco) 
      ** ELA - Tape 
      ** KSM - Pfaff professional 
      ** PCS - Pfaff home 
      ** PEC - Brother 
      ** PES - Brother 
      ** SEW - Janome 
      ** XXX - Singer                                          

eXXXterminator will write (save) the following  embroidery formats only:
          
      ** DST - Tajima 
      ** EXP - DOS Expanded (Melco) 
      ** PCS - Pfaff home 


-------------------------------------------------------------

=========
SuperSizer
=========

SuperSizer is sold by Great Notion 

      http://www.agreatnotion.com/software/index.html

for less than $100. As of June 12, 1999 the current version was 1.72. An updater to this version is
posted at:

      http://www.amazingdesigns.com/SmartSizer.shtml 

A demo (vers. 1.61) is also posted on this page. SuperSizer will cross convert between:

      ** DST - Tajima 
      ** EXP - DOS Expanded (Melco) 
      ** GNC - Great Notion's condensed 
      ** HUS - Husqvarna & Viking
      ** PCS - Pfaff home for Macintosh 
      ** PCS - Pfaff home 
      ** PEC - Brother 
      ** PES - Brother 


===============
SmartSizer Gold
===============


SmartSizer Gold is a $150 progran for home embroidery machines that became available in February of
1999 and requires Windows 95 or later. Owners of SuperSizer can upgrade for $50. Details of added
features are at:

      http://www.amazingdesigns   M.com/software/ssgold.htm


=========
Magic View
=========

Magic View is a freeware utility that displays and prints embroidery designs on PCs running Windows
3.1 or Windows 95. Printing options include color or monnochrome and full or reduced size. Written
by Rudolf Veit, version #0598 was current as of June 4, 1999. Download it and the required .DLL
files from:

       http://www.punching.com/calfree.html

Formats supported by Magic View are:

      ** 10o - Toyota 
      ** DAT - Barudan DES (M7000)
      ** DST - Tajima 
      ** EXP - Melco 
      ** KSM - Pfaff Professional 
      ** PCS - Pfaff 
      ** PES - Brother 
      ** SEW - Janome (New Home) 
      ** STX  -  Toyota
      ** Some ZSK designs 

Comment: Demos of some commercial digitizing software can serve as a viewer. 
                    Generally, demos have the **Save** command disabled and, 
                    consequently, cannot  convert from one format to another. 



======================
EDFormat Pro & EDView Pro
======================

EDFormat Pro is a $199 software package from Capital Automation that converts
among popular commercial formats.

EDView Pro is a $199 viewing utility (also from Capital Automation) that supports photorealistic
embroidery simulation. 

Formats supported by these two applications include:

      ** 10o - Toyota
      ** CND - Melco
      ** DSB - Tajima (binary code)
      ** DST - Tajima (ternary code)
      ** DSZ - Tajima (ZSK code)
      ** EXP - Melco
      ** FDR - Barudan 
      ** FMC - Barudan
      ** KSM - Pfaff Professional
      **  Also ZSK files

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++                                                                        +++++
+++++      Macintosh File Format Converters            +++++
+++++                                                                        +++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Comment: Useful for Pfaff users who control their machine from a Macintosh
                    (Thanks to Paula Milner for this information.)


======
PESkey
======

PESkey is a free design file converter for Macintosh users that have a PFAFF 7570/7560 sewing /
embroidery machine. As of June 1, 1999, version 4.0 was current.  This utility may be downloaded
from the author's (Mel Patrick) website at:

      http://www.intergate.bc.ca/business/mel/

PESKey can convert from:

      ** Brother - (.PES, .PEC) --> version 1 and 2 formats   
      ** Janome, Elna, New Home (.SEW) 
      ** Pfaff - (.PCS - WIN)  
      ** Pfaff - (.PCQ) - MAXI stitches, 
      ** Pfaff - (.PCD) - 9 mm stitches,  


to Macintosh format for use with the Macintosh version of PC-Designer or with StitchBunny (a
viewer, editor, and print tool for Macintosh users who own a Pfaff 7570/7560 sewing machine with
the Creative Fantasy embroidery unit). StitchBunny is also available from Mel's site for a $20 fee..


MacPfaffies also will want to download Billie Finney's two freeware converters.
 
==========
 PCtoMACvs
==========

 PCtoMACvs3.0  (PCS-WIN to Macintosh format & Mac to PCS-WIN) 

       http://www.cyberport.net/users/milnerwm/FAQ/PCtoMAC.sea.hqx 
 
The latest version (3.0) was posted in mid-August of 1999.

===========
 MacConverter
===========

 MacConverter (.DST to .PCS)  

        http://www.cyberport.net/users/milnerwm/FAQ/macconve.zip


----------------------

Disclaimer: While considerable effort has been made to be correct in this report, 
                      the author does not warrant the accuracy of the information presented 
                      herein nor can the author certify the suitability of any software product 
                      mentioned for a particular end use. Furthermore, no responsibility for 
                      loss or damage may be ascribed to the author based on information 
                      contained herein.