What happens to your DST file
Every needle point lands in the same place in the PEC file as in the DST file, and Hoopbench reads the new file back to prove it before you save it. The details below are what actually changes between these two formats.
| Stitch positions | Identical, to 0.1 mm |
|---|---|
| Colour stops | Same number, same order |
| Thread colours | Choose them first |
| Size and density | Unchanged |
Thread colours
DST stores no colours, and PEC needs one for each stop. Hoopbench starts with stand-in colours, so set your own under Colour stops before you download. Each becomes the nearest thread in the Brother chart.
Long moves
PEC can move 204.7 mm in one record and DST only 12.1 mm, so everything fits. Chains of jumps from the DST file stay as jumps.
Trims
PEC marks moves with a trim flag, so each trimmed move carries across. Brother machines cut on these moves, depending on the machine's own settings.
Before you stitch
- Open the .dst file above and watch it sew, so you know the file is sound and in the order you expect.
- Choose your hoop under Hoop fit. The check uses the design's real size, not the file's header.
- Pick your thread colours under Colour stops, because DST doesn't hold them.
- Download the .pec file, and stitch a test piece on matching fabric and stabiliser.
Converting doesn't resize a design or change its density. If a design needs to be much bigger or smaller, use digitising software, as stretching stitches without recalculating them can leave gaps or heavy spots.
About DST
DST is the file most digitisers deliver, because almost every commercial machine can sew it. It starts with a 512 byte text header holding the design name, stitch count and extents, followed by three bytes for every stitch.
Thread colours and thread names. A DST only says "stop and change thread here".
About PEC
PEC is the machine section of a PES file on its own. It holds stitches, a list of slots in the 64 colour Brother chart, and small black and white thumbnails for the machine screen.
The PEC file is for tools that use the Brother machine data on its own. Tools that ask for PEC by name. Otherwise choose PES.
Most people want PES rather than PEC, unless a specific tool asks for PEC.