What is an EXP file?
EXP is a binary format used by Melco/Bernina. It encodes stitches as X/Y movements in 0.1 mm steps plus special commands (color change/stop, jump, end).
Features & use
- Max single movement typically ~12.7 mm; longer distances via jumps.
- Common with Bernina and Melco workflows.
Notes
- Pure stitch data (no high-level objects).
- Conversions preserve stitches but may drop object semantics.
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Practical context
EXP is useful when a machine or software expects a lean stitch format. At the same time, it contains fewer convenience details than some vendor-specific formats. Store it together with a preview image, color chart, and instructions whenever possible.
After exporting from embroidery software, check size, stitch count, colors, and order. This is especially important for dense designs where a wrong setup can waste time and fabric.