What happens to your PCS file
Every needle point lands in the same place in the PES file as in the PCS 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 and Baby Lock chart |
| Size and density | Unchanged |
Thread colours
PCS stores real colours, and PES needs a thread from a fixed chart. Each colour moves to the nearest in the Brother and Baby Lock chart, so close shades can land on the same or a slightly different thread.
Long moves
PCS stores absolute positions, while PES moves up to 204.7 mm per record. Longer moves are split into a chain of jumps.
Trims
PES 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 .pcs 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 .pes 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 PCS
PCS is an older Pfaff format. Unlike most formats, it stores the absolute position of each stitch, in units of 0.06 mm rather than the usual 0.1 mm.
Trims. Rounding to 0.1 mm can also move a stitch by a tiny fraction of a millimetre when you convert away from it.
About PES
PES is the Brother and Baby Lock format and probably the most common home embroidery file. Inside it is a PEC block, which is the part the machine actually sews, and in newer versions a list of exact thread colours for design software.
The PES file is for Brother and Baby Lock home machines, and many other machines and programs that accept it. Any Brother or Baby Lock machine. Hoopbench writes PES version 6, and version 1 if very old software needs it.
Brother machines only have a few hoop sizes, and a design that overhangs the hoop usually will not load. Check the size before you transfer it.