What happens to your VP3 file
Every needle point lands in the same place in the U01 file as in the VP3 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 | Dropped, as U01 has none |
| Size and density | Unchanged |
Thread colours
VP3 stores real colours, and U01 has nowhere to keep them. The stops survive and the colours do not. Print the run sheet and keep it with the file.
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 .vp3 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 .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 VP3
VP3 is the shared format for current Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff machines. Each colour block stores its own start point and a full thread record, including the colour, catalogue number and description.
Separate jump records. VP3 travels in long moves, so a jump reads back as a long move and a fresh needle down.
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.