.DST Embroidery File Format
DST (Data Stitch Tajima) is the most widely supported embroidery file format in the industry. Developed by Tajima Industries, it is the de-facto standard for commercial multi-head embroidery machines worldwide. Nearly every embroidery software package can read and write DST files.
Used by: Tajima
Compatible machines: Tajima DFMX, Tajima TMEX, Tajima TEJT, Brother commercial multi-head, Barudan BEXT, Most commercial embroidery machines
Quick Facts
| Extension | .dst |
| Full Name | Tajima DST |
| Brand | Tajima |
| Max Colors | 99 |
| Read | ✓ Supported |
| Write | ✓ Supported |
| Stitch Types | Running stitch, Satin stitch, Fill / tatami stitch |
How to Open .DST Files
- 1Launch your embroidery or digitizing software (Wilcom, Hatch, Brother PE-Design, etc.).
- 2Go to File → Open or File → Import.
- 3In the file browser, change the file type filter to 'DST' or 'All Embroidery Files'.
- 4Navigate to your .dst file and click Open.
- 5Assign thread colors manually — DST files arrive with generic color placeholders.
- 6Use the color selector to match your preferred thread brand (Madeira, Isacord, Brother, etc.).
How to Save / Export .DST Files
- 1Open your embroidery design in your software.
- 2Go to File → Save As or File → Export.
- 3Choose 'Tajima DST (.dst)' as the output format.
- 4Select your destination folder and file name.
- 5In the export options dialog, set trims and machine-specific settings if required.
- 6Click Save — your DST file is ready to send to your embroidery machine.
Color Information
DST does not store thread color data or a thread palette. Color changes are signaled by a special jump stitch sequence. You must manually assign thread colors in your embroidery software after loading a DST file. This is a known limitation of the format.
Technical Notes
DST stores stitch coordinates as pairs of relative offsets in 0.1 mm units. Maximum single stitch jump is 12.1 mm. Color stops use a special 3-byte code sequence. File has a 512-byte ASCII header.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do DST files have no color information?
- DST was designed in the 1980s for commercial machines where the operator physically changed thread spools. The format only records stitch coordinates and 'stop for color change' signals, not actual thread colors or brands. You assign colors in your software.
- What machines use DST files?
- DST is used by virtually all commercial embroidery machines including Tajima, Barudan, ZSK, Toyota, Happy, and most Brother commercial multi-head models. Many home machines can also read DST files.
- Is DST the best format to use?
- DST is the safest choice when sending files to an unknown machine or a commercial embroidery shop, because nearly every machine and software supports it. For personal machines, use your machine's native format (PES, JEF, VP3, etc.) to retain color data.
- What is the maximum stitch count in a DST file?
- DST files theoretically support up to 16 million stitches, which is more than enough for any practical embroidery design.
- Can I convert DST to PES or JEF?
- Yes — use our free format converter above to convert DST to PES, JEF, VP3, or any of 60+ formats in seconds.
Convert .DST Now — Free
Step 1 — Upload Your Embroidery File
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Step 2 — Choose Output Format
Step 3 — Convert
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Common .DST Conversions
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