What File is Best for Logo Embroidery: 3 Steps to Consider

Selecting the correct file type for logo embroidery is crucial to ensure your design embroiders well on fabric. Embroidery machines require a specific digital format that can translate your logo into stitches without losing any intricacies or quality.

Vector files are typically the preferred choice for creating a logo for embroidery. These files, often in formats such as .AI or .EPS, maintain the quality of your image at any size. They also allow a professional embroidery digitiser to adapt your design with precision.

The digitiser converts these vector files into an embroidery file. This file is a format that embroidery machines can read, such as .DST or .PES. This step is known as embroidery digitising and it is an essential process for converting your logo design into a stitch-ready file.

When preparing a logo file for embroidery, it’s important to consider various factors such as the level of detail, stitch types and fabric choice. The embroidery process can provide a high degree of detail, but intricate designs require careful planning to re-create successfully.

Vector vs Raster

When selecting a logo file for embroidery, understanding the type of graphics file you have is crucial.

Vector files are typically the superior choice as they allow for scalability without loss of quality. These files are composed of paths defined by mathematical equations, rather than pixels, which means they can be resized easily and are ideal for creating smooth, clean embroidery designs.

On the other hand, raster files — like PNG or high-resolution JPG — are pixel-based. These are suitable for intricate designs with multiple colours or gradients. However, when these images are scaled up, they can lose resolution, which might affect the quality of the embroidered final product.

	Vector Files	Raster Files
Basis	Mathematical paths	Pixels
Scalability	Easily scaled	Quality loss when scaled
Ideal For	Embroidery, Screen Printing	Digital Artwork, Detailed Images
Common Formats	AI, EPS, PDF, Corel Draw	PNG, JPG
Embroidery Software Compatibility	Often preferred	May require conversion or high degree of detail

Embroidery File Formats

For the embroidery machine to accurately render your logo for embroidery, converting artwork to a proper embroidery file format is vital. These file formats are specific to the embroidery world and include extensions like .DST and .PES.

• .DST (Tajima): This file type involves standard embroidery file formats used across many professional embroidery digitisers and embroidery machines. It focuses on simple stitch types like the running stitch, satin stitch and fill stitch.
• .PES (Brother): This format is specific to Brother machines and accommodates different colour threads and complex stitch densities.

Embroidery files store critical information such as thread colours, stitch count, stitch direction and stitch types. It’s essential to ensure the embroidery digitising software used can handle your specific file type for optimal results. Since not all embroidery software is compatible with every file format, you should confirm compatibility before starting the embroidery process.

File Extension	Compatibility	Characteristics
.DST	Most embroidery machines	Standard stitches, commonly used
.PES	Brother machines	Colour information, for more complex designs
.JEF	Janome machines
.EXP	Melco machines
.XXX	Singer machines

Our talented artwork team are on hand to help set up your logo file to ensure that we are using the best file types and formats for your specific requirements, ensuring a durable decoration method across items such as t-shirts and company uniforms.

Resolution and Detail

For your logo to be embroidered with precision, the file must have sufficient resolution to capture intricate details. High-resolution files retain the clarity of your design when converted by embroidery digitising software.

Aim for vector files such as AI or EPS, as these allow for resizing without loss of quality and can easily be converted into the stitch types needed for embroidery. When working with bitmap images, like JPG or PNG files, ensure they are high resolution, typically above 300dpi, to prevent pixelation when scaling.

Compatibility with Embroidery Machines

Embroidery machines require specific file formats that contain data on stitch count, stitch direction, and thread colours.

Commonly, a DST file is preferred as it is widely compatible with professional embroidery machines. It holds information on the running stitch, satin stitch or fill stitch that will be used to create your embroidered logo.

If you possess a vector file, professional embroidery software can convert it into a machine-readable format, preserving the delicate details for a polished final product.

Optimising Design Elements

Your logo should be designed to accommodate the unique nature of embroidery, which includes considering stitch types, thread colours and fabric.

Firstly, simplify the design to avoid tiny details and thin lines that won’t translate well when stitched. Your text and graphics should use solid colours, with text no smaller than 0.25 inches in height to maintain legibility.

Detail is lost easily in embroidery, so re-create logos that focus on simple shapes and avoid fine detailing that will not embroider well. A professional embroidery digitiser can advise on the necessary adjustments to ensure the design maintains its integrity when translated to stitches.

Converting to a Suitable File Format

Embroidery machines need a specific digital artwork file to produce embroidered logos. The logo file must be converted into an embroidery file, such as DST. Most embroidery machines are compatible with this file format.

This conversion involves using embroidery digitising software. You’ll use the software to map out the stitch count, stitch direction and stitch densities of your design.

Make sure to note the different file types that different machines may use. Common file formats include .dts, .exp and .jef, among others. The digitised file informs the embroidery machine how to recreate the design with a high degree of accuracy and quality.

Vector files are often preferred for their scalability and precision. However, logos in formats such as PNG or JPG can also be used for digitising. Just make sure that the resolution is high enough.

Why Choose Essential Workwear for Custom Logo Embroidery?

At Essential Workwear, our expert artwork team can take care of all of the above. They can work their magic on almost any file, so you don’t have to! That’s what we like to call The Essential Difference and we will look after you through every step of your order.

We are experts in creating custom workwear for your brand or business. Whether you want your logo added to t-shirts, polo shirts, jackets or hoodies, we can do it. Our top-of-the-line Barudan embroidery machines can highlight your brand’s logo fantastically.

We offer both embroidery and printing as application methods for branded workwear. To start the order process, you can request a quote or contact us at +44 (0)330 202 1001 or sales@essentialworkwear.com. One of our sales members can then discuss the details with you, regarding colour, product quantities and logo size.