What is a ZIP file?
A ZIP file (or ZIP folder) is a compressed archive that combines multiple files into a single package.
In the world of machine embroidery, ZIP files are especially common because designers usually deliver their designs as complete sets:
- different embroidery file formats (e.g., PES, DST, EXP)
- multiple hoop sizes of the same design
- color charts or preview images
- instructions (PDF)
- sometimes entire design sets with subfolders
This means you don’t have to download every file individually — everything comes bundled in one ZIP.
Why do embroidery designers use ZIP files?
- Organization & structure: Variants of a design stay together.
- Compatibility: ZIP works on Windows, macOS, and almost any device.
- Smaller file size: Compression makes downloads faster.
- Safe packaging: Less risk of corrupted downloads.
However, this also creates a challenge for users:
Operating systems cannot display embroidery file previews — even after unzipping, it can be hard to keep track of everything.
Typical contents of a ZIP file for embroidery designs
A ZIP file often includes:
- one design in multiple machine formats
- different hoop sizes
- preview images (JPG/PNG)
- PDF instructions
- decorative variations or additional designs
- subfolders for structure (“4x4”, “5x7”, …)
Large design sets can quickly become confusing — especially when many ZIP files accumulate over time.
Do ZIP files need to be extracted?
Normally, yes — ZIP files must be extracted before using the contained embroidery files.
💡 But not with emborado.
Using ZIP files in emborado
With the new upload feature in emborado, you no longer need to extract ZIP files manually.
For more details, see our blog post.
- upload ZIP folders directly
- automatic extraction by emborado
- live previews of all designs inside
- PDFs, images & additional files assigned automatically
👉 It couldn’t be more efficient:
You can upload ZIP files exactly as you purchased them.