A DST file is the most common embroidery file format for commercial machines. DST stands for Data Stitch Tajima. It stores stitch-by-stitch X and Y coordinates, colour stop commands and machine control codes. It is used by Tajima, Barudan and most commercial multi-head embroidery systems. DST files do not store thread colour information. Colours are set manually at the machine. If you need a DST file for your logo, we convert any artwork to a production-ready DST in 2 to 4 hours from $15.
Guaranteed File Compatibility & Industry Standards
A DST file is a machine stitch file used by the most common embroidery formats in the DST family. It stores machine stitch points, colour stop commands and machine control codes.
It is a machine-ready file: you load it directly into your embroidery machine and run it.
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DST files are supported by Tajima, Barudan, ZSK, Happy, Sunstar and most other commercial multi-head embroidery machines. It is the closest thing to a universal embroidery format in the commercial production world.
DST files store stitch coordinates and colour stop commands but do not store thread colour information. Operators set thread colours manually at the machine. Sassy Digitizing includes a colour worksheet with every DST file delivery.
Every order from Sassy Digitizing includes DST format delivery alongside any other format you request. All formats are included in your order price. No extra charge for DST.
We deliver your DST file in 2 to 4 hours from artwork approval. Rush delivery in 1 to 2 hours is available at no extra charge.
DST is accepted by the widest range of commercial embroidery machines of any single format. It was developed by Tajima Industries and became the commercial standard because of Tajima's dominant position in the commercial embroidery market.
The DST format was designed for industrial machines that pre-date digital colour management. It stores only the stitch data your machine needs to run: XY coordinates, jump commands, colour stops and speed codes. Thread colour is not stored because on industrial machines, the operator loads the correct thread manually at each colour stop. This is why a DST file viewed in software appears as a single solid colour or uses placeholder colours. The actual thread colours are defined by a separate colour reference sheet, which we always include with DST deliveries.
For commercial multi-head machines
For Brother and Baby Lock machines
Loading a DST file requires preparation. Before you start, print or save your colour worksheet. The worksheet lists every thread colour in the order the machine will stop and ask for it. Load the first colour before starting. When the machine pauses, change to the next colour listed.
💡 Always run a test sew on scrap fabric before the full production piece. This confirms colours are in the correct sequence.
✓ Do this:
✗ Avoid this:
| Format | Machine Type | Stores Colours | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DST | Commercial multi-head (Tajima, Barudan) | No | Industrial shops |
| PES | Brother, Baby Lock | Yes | Home and small commercial |
| EMB | Wilcom software | Yes | Source file for editing |
| JEF | Janome | Yes | Janome machines |
| VP3 | Husqvarna Viking, Pfaff | Yes | Viking and Pfaff |
Need a production-ready DST file? Delivered in 2 to 4 hours.
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I highly recommend Sassy Digitizing. Easy to submit, quick turnaround and stitches out beautifully! I use them for all of my digitizing needs.
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Sassy does all of my digitizing and each logo stitches out beautifully
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From the beginning of my project til the end, John was extremely responsive and customized all my images perfectly. I will use Sassydigitizing for all my custom work in the future. They are professional and timely.
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I have never worked with such a kind, knowledgeable company. Ben is absolutely amazing and extremely fast at completing any design you throw his way with great file quality. Very fast responses and they go above and beyond. I would recommend sassy digitizing to everyone who needs any design
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Everything you need to know about our embroidery digitizing service, pricing, file formats, turnaround times and revision policy.
DST files can be slightly resized in embroidery software, but large scaling changes may affect stitch density and embroidery quality. For best results, designs should be re-digitized for different sizes.
Yes. DST files can be opened on a computer using embroidery software such as Wilcom, Hatch, SewArt or free viewer software provided by many machine manufacturers. You can view the stitch path and colour sequence but cannot edit the file without professional digitizing software.
Upload your logo in JPG, PNG, PDF or AI format and it will be manually converted into a production-ready DST file using professional digitizing software. Turnaround is usually within a few hours after artwork approval.
DST is one of many embroidery file formats. Other common formats include PES (Brother), JEF (Janome), VP3 (Husqvarna Viking) and EMB (Wilcom source). DST is the most widely supported commercial format.
DST is a machine-ready file that contains stitch coordinates and colour stops but no editable objects. EMB is a source file that contains full design data, colours and editable elements. DST is used for machines, EMB is used for editing.
DST files are used by Tajima machines and are supported by Barudan, ZSK, Happy, Sunstar and most commercial multi-head embroidery machines. Many Brother commercial machines also support DST.
DST files do not store thread colour data. This is a limitation of the format. Colours must be set manually on the embroidery machine using a colour sequence or worksheet.
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