What happens to your JEF file
Every needle point lands in the same place in the PEC file as in the JEF 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 | Matched to the Brother chart |
| Size and density | Unchanged |
Thread colours
JEF and PEC each use their own fixed thread list, so each thread is matched to the nearest in the Brother chart. Neighbouring stops stay different, and the names will change. Match by eye against your own spools if the exact shade matters.
Long moves
PEC can move 204.7 mm in one record and JEF only 12.7 mm, so everything fits. Chains of jumps from the JEF 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 .jef 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.
- 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 JEF
JEF is the Janome format. Its header records the hoop it expects, the stitch count, and a colour for each stop as a slot in a fixed Janome thread list.
Exact colours, and explicit trims. JEF has no trim record, so the machine decides whether to cut from the length of each jump, usually about 3 mm or more.
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.