How To Change JPG to DST Embroidery Format in Few Steps [2023]

How to change jpg to DST Embroidery format

Many people face a lot of challenges with high-tech embroidery Software and machines. They accept specific files and work with relevant codes explaining thread color, material, and alignments. Thus, you must convert your jpg files to DST format. It will simplify your embroidery process. But do you know how to convert jpg to DST Tajima format?

This blog explores the process of converting a JPG into a DST embroidery format using Adobe Illustrator and Wilcom software. Each step will be explained in detail to address challenges related to embroidery format conversions. So, keep reading to learn how to convert a simple JPG image file to a complex DST embroidery file format.

Converting JPG to DST Using Adobe Illustrator:

Adobe Illustrator is a well-known software for graphics-related tasks. You can easily create designs, convert images into vector art, edit image backgrounds, and modify graphics. However, it also allows you to convert images from one file format to another. You might assume that converting jpg into dst format is like any other file conversion. Well, that’s not true. Converting jpg files into dst format compatible with embroidery machines is slightly different. So, let’s have a look.

Step 1: Prepare Your Image

Open Adobe Illustrator and create a new document.
Import the JPG image you want to convert by going to “File”> “Place” and selecting your JPG file.

Step 2: Image Tracing

Select the placed image.
Go to the “Object” menu and choose “Image Trace.” It will convert the image into vector paths suitable for embroidery.
Adjust the Image Trace settings in the Image Trace panel to get the desired level of detail and accuracy. Experiment with different presets to find the best result for your design.

Step 3: Expand the Image Trace

Now, click the “Expand” button next to the traced image. It will convert the traced image into editable vector paths.

Step 4: Clean Up the Design

Use Illustrator’s tools like the “Direct Selection Tool” (white arrow) to refine and adjust the vector paths. It will make your design look clean and well-defined. It’s a crucial step because a blurred design and unclear color marking can destroy the final project.

Step 5: Convert to Stitches

Once your design is ready, save the file in a format like SVG or AI to preserve the vector information.
Open specific embroidery digitizing software (not Adobe Illustrator) that can generate embroidery stitches from vector graphics. Popular software options include Wilcom, Tajima Pulse, and Hatch by Wilcom.

Step 6: Import and Digitize

Import the saved vector file into your embroidery software.
Use the software’s digitization tools to convert the vector paths into stitches manually. It involves setting stitch types, densities, and other embroidery-specific parameters.

Step 7: Preview and Adjust

Use the embroidery software’s preview function to visualize how the design will appear when stitched.
Make any necessary adjustments to stitch types, densities, and other settings to ensure the design looks good in embroidery form.

Step 8: Export as DST

Save the DST file to a location you can access from your embroidery machine.

Converting Illustrator Vector file to DST Using Tajima Wilcom EmbroideryStudio e4:

Tajima has been the biggest brand providing embroidery machines for years. They also offer softwares to make design readable for their embroidery machine software. So, whether you are aware of Tajima Wilcom EmbroideryStudio e4 or not, you can convert your jpg image to DST embroidery format if you continue reading. So, let’s get to know how you can do it. It’s the best software that’s compatible with most embroidery machines. So, let’s move on to it.

Step 1: Prepare Your Image

Import the JPG image you want to convert by going to “File”> “Import” and selecting your JPG file.

Step 2: Image Tracing and Cleanup

Select the imported image.
The “Auto Digitizing” or “Create Vector Object” tool can convert the image into editable vector paths. Adjust settings according to your choice.
Refine the vector paths using the software’s editing tools. Ensure that the design is clean and accurate.

Step 3: Digitization

Use the software’s digitization tools and manually assign stitch types, densities, underlay, and other embroidery-specific settings to the vector paths. This process defines the embroidery machine and how the design will be stitched.

Step 4: Fine-Tuning

Preview the design using the software’s simulation feature to see how the stitches will be placed.
Make any necessary adjustments to stitch parameters, such as the length of each stitch, pull compensation, and direction.

Step 5: Lettering (If Applicable)

If your design includes text, use the software’s lettering tools to input and customize the text.
Adjust lettering parameters like font, size, spacing, and alignment to match your design’s requirements.

Step 6: Preview and Adjustments

Review the design again in the simulation preview to ensure that all aspects of the design look as intended.
Make any final adjustments to stitching parameters and design elements.

Step 7: Export as DST

Save the digitized design in the Wilcom native format (EMB).
Go to “File”> “Save As” and choose the DST format as the export option.
Select a location to save the DST file.

Step 8: Testing and Stitching

Transfer the DST file to your embroidery machine using the appropriate method (USB, network, etc.).
Load the DST file on the embroidery machine and prepare the fabric and thread colors.
Test the design on scrap fabric before stitching it onto your final project to ensure everything is as expected.

Final Words

Converting a JPG file to a DST is an easy task. But, an image file needs editing and fine-tuning so that an upgraded embroidery machine softwares understands it. Besides, these image-converting softwares updates regularly so that these settings can change over time, and options may vary from version to version. Therefore, hiring efficient digitizers like “The Embroider” is better. So, let them face the hassle for you. They have premium versions of softwares like Adobe Illustrator. Thus, they can easily convert jpg to dst images within a few hours..