Which format
The EXP (Melco format) is read by every Bernina embroidery machine and every bernette. It carries only stitches, jumps, trims and colour changes, no thread names; Bernina pairs it with .inf (colours) and .bmp (thumbnail) files when they exist. Many recent models (590, 790, 880, 990, bernette 70 and 79) also read PES, which carries colours: often more practical. Native ART can only be written by Bernina software; free ARTlink converts EXP or PES to ART if you insist.
Transferring the file
- USB stick: FAT32, file at the root or in a folder. On 7 and 8 series the screen lists the stick's designs with a thumbnail when the format has one (PES).
- Wi-Fi: 990, 790 Pro and recent 590 receive designs over the network through Bernina software or ARTlink.
Hoops and sizes
| Hoop | Sewing field | Machines |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 72 × 50 mm | all |
| Medium | 130 × 100 mm | all |
| Large oval | 255 × 145 mm | 500 and up |
| Maxi | 400 × 210 mm | 790, 880, 990 |
| Jumbo | 400 × 260 mm | 880, 990 |
Recommended settings
- Density: 0.35 mm.
- Compensation: 0.25 mm on satins, as default.
- Trims: automatic on 590 and up; in EXP trims are explicit.
Models
Bernina 500, 535, 570 QE, 590, 700, 735, 770 QE, 790 Plus, 790 Pro, 880 Plus, 990; bernette b70 Deco, b79, Chicago 7.
Frequently asked questions
EXP or PES on Bernina?
If your model reads PES, take PES: it carries colours and a thumbnail. Otherwise EXP, with the printable run sheet for thread order.
Can I produce ART files?
No, ART is proprietary. ARTlink (free from Bernina) converts EXP or PES to ART.
Go further
The studio is free to draw, open and check designs. Your first machine file takes five minutes.
Updated 2026-09-24.