What happens to your EXP file
Every needle point lands in the same place in the U01 file as in the EXP 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 | Neither file has any |
| Size and density | Unchanged |
Thread colours
Neither EXP nor U01 stores thread colours, so there is nothing to lose. The stops carry over as stops, and you choose threads at the machine. The colours you set in Hoopbench are for the preview and the run sheet only.
Long moves
Both formats move at most 12.7 mm per record, so nothing needs splitting.
Trims
U01 has a real trim command, so cuts carry across as cuts.
Before you stitch
- Open the .exp 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 EXP doesn't hold them.
- Download the .u01 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 EXP
EXP is the expanded format from Melco, also widely used with Bernina. It has no header at all: the file is simply two bytes per stitch, with control codes for jumps, trims and colour changes.
Thread colours, the design name and the size summary, because there is no header to hold them.
About U01
U01 is the Barudan format. It has a 256 byte header, then three bytes per record, and it selects needles by number rather than storing colours.
The U01 file is for Barudan commercial machines. Barudan machines.
Hoopbench steps through needles 1 to 15 in order for each colour stop. Remap them on the machine if your threads are set up differently.