USB, EXP and YOU

In the support department we get a lot of questions that may be on the mind of many users, one of our major questions is "what is the difference between an EXP file and an EXP+ file, and how do i get them".

An EXP file stands for Expanded file. This format of file is one of the oldest formats available and carries raw stitch data, no additional data like color information is available in the EXP format, so when a design is transferred to your machine it may look like a silhouette of the design on the machines screen.

An EXP+ design is still an Expanded file, but the "PLUS" part gets its name from the additional files included with the EXP file. These files are an INF file [displays specific colors used for the design] and a Bitmap file [to display the image of the design on the machine].

Well how do you get the EXP+ file? you might ask. The only way to generate an EXP+ design file is by using the Bernina embroidery Software or the OESD Explorations embroidery software, these two software packages contain a program called ADX, which creates then transfers the design files directly to embroidery machines, to embroidery design cards, or to usb sticks.

"I have a Bernina 340 embroidery machine, will i be able to use regular EXP designs if i don't have the Bernina or OESD software?" Yes, as mentioned before, the EXP files ARE the designs themselves, so although it may not look as fancy on your machines screen without all of its color information, it will still be able to stitch out the design properly. There are however a few steps to make sure your machine is able to locate the designs properly on your usb stick.

As indicated in your 340 machine manual the design files [exp] must be within a certain folder on your usb stick for the machine to be able to find them. This folder can be created through windows explorer and must be titled "EMBF5".

EXAMPLE of an EXP file only inside the EMBF5 folder on a USB stick











EXAMPLE of an EXP+ file inside the EMBF5 folder on a USB stick











You may transfer more than one EXP design at a time to the USB stick whether through a drag and drop method in windows or through your embroidery software. Your machine will be able to read them properly once in the proper folder.

It is STRONGLY suggested that you do not use a USB stick that you also currently use for transferring other files such as pictures, documents, programs, or multiple other files not associated with your machine. This will generally confuse the machine and cause an error in your machine preventing your from viewing your designs properly, to even causing error messages of a damaged or empty USB stick.

If you have any questions, or additional tips please feel free to drop it into the comment section.

-Mr. Mikol