Digitize Image to PES File Format for Brother and Babylock Machines
If you own a Brother or Babylock embroidery machine, chances are you’ve come across the term PES file. But how do you get from a simple image—like a logo, artwork, or even a sketch to a stitch-ready PES file?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the Digitize image to PES file conversion process, show you the tools you need, and help you avoid common mistakes—whether you’re a DIY embroiderer or just getting started in custom apparel.
Want to skip the headache and get a professionally digitized PES file fast? Check out Digitizing Buddy. They offer expert image-to-PES conversion, ensuring smooth stitching, correct thread paths, and machine compatibility—delivered within 12–24 hours.
Now, let’s get into it!
What Is a PES File?
A PES file is the embroidery file format used by Brother and Babylock machines. It contains:
- Stitch placement and order
- Thread color data
- Machine commands (start, stop, trims, color changes)
- Stitch types: satin, fill, run, etc.
Unlike a PNG or JPG, a PES file isn’t just a picture—it’s a set of detailed instructions your machine can follow to recreate your image in a thread.
Why You Can’t Use Regular Images (PNG, JPG) for Embroidery
Your Brother machine can’t “see” or understand a basic image. Regular image files don’t contain the necessary stitch info like:
- Stitch angles
- Thread density
- Layer order
- Fabric compensation
That’s why you need digitizing software or a professional service to convert your image into a stitch-friendly PES file.
What Is Embroidery Digitizing?
Digitizing is the process of recreating your image using embroidery stitches inside digitizing software. This isn’t the same as auto-tracing or vector conversion—it’s a manual, skill-based process.
The digitizer will:
- Trace your design
- Choose the best stitch types
- Assign stitch directions and densities
- Map color stops
- Add underlay and pull compensation
- Export to the PES format
It’s part technical, part artistic and it determines how well your final embroidery turns out.
Tools for Converting Images to PES
There are two main routes to get your image digitized into PES format:
Option 1: Use a Professional Digitizing Service
Recommended for most people, especially if you want it done right the first time.
Services like Digitizing Buddy make it easy:
- Upload your image (PNG, JPG, PDF, etc.)
- They digitize it manually for your exact machine and fabric
- Receive a perfect PES file within 12–24 hours
- Free edits included if needed
Why this rocks:
- No software needed
- No learning curve
- Perfect stitch results
- Saves time and thread
Option 2: Do It Yourself with Digitizing Software
Feeling ambitious? You can digitize your image yourself using embroidery software.
Here are a few options:
| Software | Skill Level | PES Support | Notes |
| SewArt | Beginner | ✅ | Budget-friendly starter tool |
| Hatch Embroidery | Intermediate | ✅ | Powerful and full-featured |
| Wilcom | Professional | ✅ | Industry-standard tool |
| Ink/Stitch | Beginner (Free) | ✅ (via Inkscape) | Open-source alternative |
| Embrilliance | Beginner–Intermediate | ✅ | Great for Mac users |
Each software lets you import an image, trace shapes, assign stitches, and export as PES.
But fair warning: digitizing takes practice. Bad digitizing = broken threads, ugly results, and wasted fabric.
What Makes a Good Image for PES Conversion?
Want your stitch-out to look clean and crisp? Start with a good-quality image.
Best Image Characteristics:
- High resolution (300 DPI preferred)
- Solid colors and clean outlines
- Minimal gradients or shadows
- No small text or fine details
Pro tip: Logos or simple illustrations work best. The more detailed your image, the more complex the digitizing process becomes.
Step-by-Step: How to Digitize an Image to PES (DIY Method)
If you’re going the DIY route, here’s what the process usually looks like:
1. Choose and Prepare Your Image
Start with a high-resolution PNG or JPG. Clean up any unnecessary background or fuzziness.
2. Import Into Digitizing Software
Open your software and load the image onto the design canvas.
3. Trace the Image
Manually outline the parts of your design. Avoid relying on auto-trace—it’s often inaccurate.
4. Assign Stitch Types
Decide what kind of stitches work best for each section:
- Satin stitch for outlines, text, or borders
- Fill stitch for large areas
- Run stitch for fine lines or detail
5. Adjust Stitch Parameters
Set:
- Stitch density
- Direction and angle
- Underlay stitching
- Pull compensation based on fabric
6. Simulate the Design
Preview how the machine will stitch the design. Tweak as needed.
7. Export to PES Format
Once you’re happy, save/export as a .PES file, then load it onto your machine via USB or memory card.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Digitizing to PES
Even small errors can ruin your embroidery. Watch out for these:
- Overly complex images
- Auto-digitizing without cleanup
- No underlay = unstable designs
- Skipping pull compensation (causes distortion)
- Not testing the file before full production
Always stitch a sample on similar fabric first!
Matching PES Files to Fabric Types
The right PES file settings depend on the fabric you’re stitching on. Here’s a quick guide:
| Fabric Type | Stitch Settings |
| Cotton (T-shirt) | Low density + cut-away stabilizer |
| Denim | Strong fill + medium density |
| Fleece/Towel | Knockdown stitch + water-soluble topper |
| Hats | Center-out stitching + underlay |
Using the wrong settings can lead to puckering, thread breaks, or unreadable designs.
FAQs
Can I use Canva or Photoshop to create PES files?
No. These are design tools, not digitizing software. You can design in them, but you still need to digitize the image with embroidery software.
How much does professional digitizing cost?
Most services charge $10–$30, depending on complexity. Simple text logos can cost less.
Can I resize a PES file after it’s made?
Only slightly. Too much resizing can ruin the stitch density. It’s best to have your file digitized at the exact size you plan to use.
What if I want to edit my PES file later?
Ask your digitizer to also provide the editable source file (.EMB, .BE, etc.) so you can tweak it later without redigitizing from scratch.
Final Thoughts: Get It Right with a Digitized PES File
Converting an image to a PES file is the foundation of any successful embroidery project—especially on Brother and Babylock machines. Whether you go the DIY route or hire a pro, the key is understanding that a PES file is more than just a conversion—it’s a translation of art into stitches.
