How to view a .DST file online
Three steps, a few seconds.
Open your .DST 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 .DST file?
Machine instructions, not pictures.
A DST file is a Tajima embroidery design, stitch coordinates and machine commands that tell a computerized embroidery machine how to sew a pattern. It is not an image. To preview one free, use Wilcom TrueSizer (desktop or web). To stitch it, copy the file to your machine via USB or transfer software. DST is the most widely supported embroidery format, but it does not store thread colors.
Programs that open .DST files
| Full name | Tajima Embroidery Stitch File |
|---|---|
| Developer | Tajima (Tokai Industrial Sewing Machine Co.) |
| First released | Tajima DST, 1980s — the de facto universal embroidery interchange format |
| Category | Data & Other |
| MIME type | application/octet-stream |
| Signature | 4C 41 3A ("LA:" - the header begins with "LA:" followed by the design label, at offset 0) |
Related viewers
Other free tools to open and preview your files.
Frequently asked questions
Is my .DST file uploaded?
No. Your .DST 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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