What a DST file contains
A DST starts with a 512-byte header (design name, stitch count, colour changes, extents, start point) followed by 3-byte records: each encodes an x and y move from −121 to +121 tenths of a millimetre and a type (stitch, jump, colour change, end). There are no colours: the colour order lives in the operator's head, on the run sheet, or in an .rgb file of the same name read by some panels. Trims are not a separate command: by Tajima convention, three consecutive jumps mean “trim”.
Which machines read DST
Every Tajima, Barudan, SWF, ZSK, Happy, Ricoma, Melco (reading), Brother PR, Janome MB, recent Bernina, and almost every Chinese machine. It is the format to hand a shop when you don't know its machine. See Tajima, Ricoma, Barudan.
Opening a DST file
Drop it above or open the viewer: the design appears in relief with colours, stitch count, size and estimated run time. A whole folder opens as thumbnails. The file is read in your browser and sent nowhere.
Producing a DST file
From an image: convert an image to DST. From a Brother file: PES to DST. Broderly writes the full header, trims as three jumps, machine stops, and can write the .rgb; the run sheet and machine sheet give colour order and needles.
Technical details
- Extension .dst; 512-byte ASCII header with LA (name), ST (stitches), CO (colours), +X −X +Y −Y (extents), AX AY (end), MX MY, PD fields.
- 3-byte records; a move over 12.1 mm is split into several jumps.
- Colour change: record 0xC3; end: 0xF3; sequins use specific codes the studio writes for Tajima devices.
Frequently asked questions
Why has my DST no colours?
The format has none. Open it with its .rgb file if it exists, or assign colours in the Sequence panel; the run sheet prints them.
Trims are not happening
The machine must interpret three jumps as a trim (“jump trim” enabled on the panel). Otherwise lower the trim threshold in the studio.
Go further
The studio is free to draw, open and check designs. Your first machine file takes five minutes.
Updated 2026-09-24.