A Design/Pack Isn't In My Format. Why?

Each embroidery machine speaks a different language known as a "format." And, just as not all thoughts, concepts, or ideas can be translated into every written or spoken language, not all designs can be translated into every format.

Different formats have different limitations, and sometimes the failure to translate or convert a design into a particular format is based on a combination of factors, such as the design's size, stitch count, and number of color changes.

Designs that are more complex in nature, with large size, high stitch count, and numerous color changes, are oftentimes not available in PCS or HUS formats. Those formats are pretty old, and limited to the amount of data that they can hold. Designs that have more than 12 color changes are not available in the SEW format, although there's an easy way around that limitation here. Extremely complex designs (large jacket backs and murals such as The Last Supper, Out of Africa, Out of Asia, etc.) are only available in the DST and EXP formats.

If we see a strange error message or failure while translating and converting, we will not offer that format. Sometimes we do not know the reason for the failure or error message. If a design is not available in your machine's format today, it is unlikely that it will be available in your machine's format in the future.
 
If a design is not available in your format, check to see if your machine can read a different format. If you use a Viking or Pfaff machine, it's possible that the DST or VIP formats will work for you. If you use a Brother machine, it's possible that the DST format will work. Try before you buy. Download a free design in the alternate format to ensure compatibility with your machine.

If you absolutely love a complex design and it isn't available in your usual format, remember that there is always -- always -- a way around a format's limitation. Sometimes it will require a little extra effort, such as splitting a design by stitch count and converting the smaller, less complex pieces to your machine's format. Sometimes it requires more-than-a-little effort, such as splitting a design by size, converting those smaller pieces to your machine's format, and stitching the design while rehooping the fabric. It may require you to order special software, or to work with a design editor (such as Marian Ecker at www.MurphysDesigns.com), but any embroidery design can be stitched on any machine. Where there's a will, there's a way!