Learn / Formats / EXP

Format guide · Melco EXP

Open EXP embroidery files on a Mac

EXP is Melco's expanded format, also used across Bernina's software and machines. It stores stitches, jumps, trims and color changes but no thread colors.

Commonly used with: Melco commercial machines and many Bernina machines.

What Satinsmith does with EXP

Open and preview EXP files free. Save a design as EXP with any export: the free plan includes five exports a month, and paid plans are unlimited. Converting many files at once needs Studio.

    Satinsmith runs on Apple silicon Macs with macOS 14 or later. Download it free.

    What the format stores

    • Extensions: .exp. Maker: Melco.
    • Stores thread colors: no, only color changes.
    • Trims: yes. Stops: yes.
    • Longest single stitch the format can store: 12.7 mm.

    Try your own file

    Add a folder with your EXP files to the free Satinsmith library to preview them before you rely on a workflow. The library lesson shows the steps with practice files.

    Before you sew

    Check your machine's manual for the formats and versions it accepts. Satinsmith checks files in software, reports what an export changes, and does not test files on machines. Known limits.