What happens to your U01 file
Every needle point lands in the same place in the PEC file as in the U01 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
U01 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 U01 only 12.7 mm, so everything fits. Chains of jumps from the U01 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 .u01 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 U01 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 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.
Thread colours and names. Which thread sits on which needle is set up at the machine.
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.