In the world of custom embroidery, one of the most common questions is:
“How do I convert my logo into a PES file?”
Whether you’re a small business owner, a hobbyist, or a designer working with embroidery machines, understanding the PES file format is crucial. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from what a PES file is, to how you can get your logo converted into a machine-ready embroidery file.
Short on time? Digitizing Buddy offers fast, professional logo to PES conversion services with pinpoint accuracy. Send your artwork today and get it stitch-ready in no time!
What Is a PES File?
A PES file is a proprietary embroidery design file format used by Brother, Babylock, and Bernina embroidery machines. It contains stitch commands, color data, and needle movement information that tells your machine exactly how to embroider your design.
PES files include:
- Stitch types (satin, fill, running)
- Thread colors
- Stitch density
- Design placement and rotation
Unlike regular image files (like JPG or PNG), PES files are not images — they’re instructions that embroidery machines can read.
Why You Can’t Just Upload a JPG or PNG to Your Embroidery Machine
You might have a logo saved as a JPG, PNG, or even PDF, but embroidery machines don’t recognize image formats. These formats are not stitch files.
Here’s why:
- A JPG is a flat image made of pixels.
- PES is a structured set of commands for needles and threads.
To use your logo in embroidery, it needs to be digitized — translated into stitches.
What Is Embroidery Digitizing?
Digitizing is the process of converting a regular logo or image into a stitch file that embroidery machines can read. It involves:
- Mapping out stitch paths
- Assigning stitch types
- Adjusting underlay, pull compensation, and density
- Choosing thread color codes
Think of it as creating a blueprint for your embroidery machine.
Common stitch file formats:
| Format | Machine Brand |
| PES | Brother, Babylock |
| DST | Tajima |
| JEF | Janome |
| EXP | Bernina |
| XXX | Singer |
If your machine requires PES, that’s the format your digitized logo must be delivered in.
Steps to Convert a Logo to PES
Let’s break down how to get your logo ready for embroidery in PES format.
Step 1: Choose Your Artwork
Start with a high-quality version of your logo:
- Preferably in vector format (AI, SVG, EPS)
- Alternatively, use a high-res PNG or JPG (at least 300 DPI)
Step 2: Hire a Professional Digitizer
This is not a job for auto-trace software. Digitizing for embroidery is both an art and a technical skill.
We recommend using Digitizing Buddy — they offer:
- Clean, accurate digitizing
- Fast turnaround
- PES format delivery
- Expert advice on stitch type & size
Step 3: Provide Design Details
When placing your order, be sure to share:
- Size of the final embroidery (e.g., 3” wide for a cap)
- Fabric type (e.g., cotton, nylon, hats)
- Placement (e.g., chest, sleeve, hat front)
- Thread brand/color preferences (if any)
Step 4: Approve the Preview (Optional)
Many digitizers will send you a stitch-out preview or a simulation before finalizing the PES file.
Step 5: Receive Your PES File
Your digitizer will send you:
- A .PES file
- A PDF preview of the design
- A thread color chart
Now, it’s ready to load into your embroidery machine!
Can I Convert JPG to PES Myself?
Technically? With the right software — yes.
Practically? If you’re not trained — no.
DIY PES Conversion Software (Paid):
- Embird
- Hatch Embroidery
- Wilcom
- SewArt
However, learning to digitize takes practice and precision. A poorly digitized file can lead to:
- Broken threads
- Misaligned stitches
- Frustrating embroidery results
That’s why most beginners — and professionals — prefer to let the experts handle it.
What Makes a Good PES File?
When digitized properly, your logo should:
- Use the right stitch types (e.g., satin for text, fill for shapes)
- Maintain original proportions and detail
- Have the correct density and underlay
- Match fabric type to avoid puckering or distortion
- Be scaled to your machine’s hoop size
A bad PES file causes machine jams and ugly results. A great PES file gives you smooth, professional stitching every time.
Choosing the Right Stitch Types
| Stitch Type | Best For |
| Satin Stitch | Logos, text, outlines |
| Fill Stitch | Larger solid areas |
| Running Stitch | Borders, fine details |
| Tatami Stitch | Light fills, background areas |
A skilled digitizer knows when and where to use these — based on your design’s shape, size, and complexity.
Tips to Get the Best PES File Conversion
- Use clean artwork — avoid pixelated or blurry images
- Avoid gradients — embroidery is not ideal for smooth fades
- Keep text legible — letters smaller than 0.2” may not stitch well
- Choose the right size — inform your digitizer where and how you plan to use it
- Work with professionals — quality digitizing saves you headaches later
Why Choose Digitizing Buddy?
Digitizing Buddy is a go-to source for businesses, hobbyists, and apparel brands who want:
- Fast logo to PES conversions (usually within 24 hours)
- Expert stitch planning
- Affordable rates
- Responsive customer support
They accept all major formats (JPG, PNG, PDF, AI, etc.) and return perfectly optimized PES files for your machine.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Logo Machine-Ready Today
Getting your logo into a PES file is more than a simple file conversion — it’s a technical process that requires embroidery knowledge, creative judgment, and attention to detail.
Whether you’re preparing for a custom polo run, hat embroidery, or merch for your brand, having a properly digitized PES file ensures:
- Better stitch quality
- Faster production
- Less thread breakage
- Happier customers
Ready to digitize your logo?
Let Digitizing Buddy do the heavy lifting. Upload your logo today and get a high-quality PES file that’s ready to stitch and built to last.
