You found the perfect image. Maybe it is a logo for a local sports team, a floral design you love, or a monogram you sketched on paper. You want to see it stitched out on fabric using your Bernette machine. But your machine does not speak JPG. It speaks embroidery file languages. If you want that image to stitch without errors, you need to learn how to convert image to Bernette embroidery format. The good news is you have several options. Some tools cost nothing. Others require an investment. Each path gets you to the same destination: a stitch file your Bernette machine reads and sews perfectly.

Bernette machines, whether you own the B70 Deco, the B79, or the classic Deco 340, primarily use the EXP file format . Some models also read PES and DST . But EXP is the native language they understand best. When you convert your image correctly, you avoid thread breaks, puckered fabric, and misaligned designs. Let us look at the best tools to make that happen.

Understanding What Your Bernette Machine Needs

Before we dive into the tools, you need to know what you are aiming for. Bernette machines are designed to read specific file types. According to the official Bernette documentation and machine manuals, the primary format is EXP . When you save a design to a USB stick and plug it into your Bernette, the machine looks for that EXP file.

Sometimes you will see additional files with the same name but different extensions, like BMP or INF . These are companion files that store color information or thumbnail images. When you transfer designs, make sure you copy all the related files to your USB drive. If you leave one behind, the machine might not display the design correctly on the screen .

Some newer Bernette models like the B79 also read PES, JEF, and DST formats . This flexibility means you are not locked into one format forever. But for consistency and reliability, EXP remains the gold standard for Bernette machines .

Tool 1: Bernina Creator Software

If you want the official solution, look at Bernina Creator 9 software. This is the flagship embroidery software from the same company that makes Bernette machines . Creator is the entry-level version designed for beginners and hobbyists.

Creator includes an auto-digitizing feature called the photo-to-stitch wizard. You import your JPG image, and the software automatically converts it into stitch data . You get full editing tools to tweak the design, resize it, and change colors. The software comes with over 380 built-in designs and 60 fonts for lettering .

The biggest advantage of using Creator is compatibility. Because Bernina owns Bernette, the files work seamlessly. You do not have to guess whether the format is correct. The software exports directly to EXP and other formats your machine reads.

Creator works on Windows 10 and 11. Mac users need to run it using Boot Camp or Parallels . The software costs money, but it gives you professional control over every stitch.

Tool 2: Embrilliance Software

Embrilliance has become a favorite among embroidery enthusiasts who want flexibility without breaking the bank . This software runs on both Windows and Mac, which is rare in the embroidery world. Mac users especially appreciate Embrilliance because most other software requires Windows .

Embrilliance uses a modular approach. You start with Embrilliance Essentials, which lets you combine designs, add lettering, and resize elements. If you want to digitize your own images from scratch, you add the StitchArtist module. This module gives you manual digitizing tools to create original designs .

The software saves files in multiple formats, including EXP. You can convert your JPG images by tracing them manually or using the auto-digitize features in StitchArtist. The interface is intuitive, and you do not need a degree in computer science to figure it out.

Forum users report that Embrilliance handles Bernette files well and makes editing easy . The price is reasonable compared to full professional suites, and updates are free once you buy.

Tool 3: Free Options Like Ink/Stitch

If you are on a tight budget, free tools exist. Ink/Stitch is a free extension for Inkscape, which is a free vector graphics program . This combination lets you convert images to embroidery files without spending money.

Ink/Stitch supports EXP format, so you can save directly for your Bernette machine. The software gives you control over stitch types, densities, and underlay . You can trace your JPG image manually or use Inkscape’s vector tools to clean up the design first.

The catch is the learning curve. Free tools require more manual work and technical knowledge. You need to understand stitch angles, pull compensation, and underlay to get good results . But if you enjoy learning and have time to experiment, Ink/Stitch is a powerful option.

Online forums have active communities where users share tips and help each other troubleshoot. This support makes the learning process less lonely .

Tool 4: Online Converters (Use With Caution)

You will find dozens of websites offering free JPG to EXP conversion. These online tools look convenient. You upload your image, click a button, and download an EXP file seconds later .

For simple designs with bold shapes and few colors, online converters sometimes work. They handle basic clipart and monograms without major issues . If you only need to stitch one small design and quality is not critical, this path saves money.

But online converters have serious limitations. They treat your JPG like a photograph, not embroidery artwork. The resulting file often has excessive stitches in tiny areas, no underlay, and no pull compensation . When you stitch the design, you get puckered fabric, thread breaks, and text that looks like mush. Small details disappear or turn blocky.

Online converters also ignore color reduction. They might split one shade into multiple unnecessary color changes, wasting thread and time . For anything beyond the simplest design, you will likely end up frustrated.

Tool 5: Professional Digitizing Services

Sometimes the best tool is not software at all. Professional digitizing services take your image and do the conversion for you . Companies like Absolute Digitizing employ experienced digitizers who manually create stitch files.

You upload your JPG, choose your machine type (Bernette), and select your file format (EXP). Within hours, you receive a professional-grade embroidery file ready to stitch . Prices start around $10 for simple designs, with rush options available .

This approach eliminates the learning curve entirely. Professionals understand stitch direction, density, underlay, and pull compensation. They know how different fabrics behave and adjust the file accordingly . You get a file that runs smoothly on your Bernette machine with no guesswork.

For small businesses or anyone who values time over money, professional services make sense. Why spend weeks learning digitizing when you can pay a small fee for guaranteed results? As one source notes, if you only need one or two designs, hiring a pro is often cheaper than buying software .

Step-by-Step: Converting Your Image

Let us walk through the general process, regardless of which tool you choose.

Start with a clean image. High-resolution JPGs work best. Remove tiny details and simplify the design . Embroidery machines cannot stitch extremely fine lines like a printer can. The simpler your image, the better the final stitchout.

Open your image in the software. If you are using Creator or Embrilliance, look for the auto-digitize wizard. The software analyzes the image and assigns stitch types automatically . If you are using Ink/Stitch, you will trace the image manually to create vector paths .

Check the stitch types. Satin stitches work well for borders and text. Fill stitches cover large areas. Run stitches handle fine lines and details . Make sure each part of your design has the right stitch type assigned.

Adjust density and underlay. Density controls how close the stitches sit together. Too dense and the fabric puckers. Too loose and you see backing through the design . Underlay adds stabilizing stitches underneath to prevent shifting .

Add pull compensation. Fabric stretches when you stitch into it. Pull compensation widens certain areas so they end up the right size after stitching . This step separates professional files from amateur ones.

Set the color sequence. Arrange your colors to minimize thread changes and machine stops . The machine stitches in the order you set.

Preview and simulate. Most software shows a 3D preview of how the design will stitch . Look for gaps, overlaps, or wrong entry points. Fix any issues before exporting.

Save as EXP. Export your final file in EXP format. Also save an editable backup in your software’s native format, like EMB or DRAW . This lets you make changes later without starting over.

Transfer to your machine. Copy the EXP file to a USB stick formatted in FAT32. Insert the USB into your Bernette machine. The machine should recognize the file and display it on the screen . Run a test stitch on scrap fabric to verify everything works.

Which Tool Is Best for You?

The right tool depends on your goals.

If you are a beginner who wants to learn and has time to experiment, start with Ink/Stitch. It costs nothing and teaches you the fundamentals of digitizing . The learning curve is steep, but the knowledge stays with you forever.

If you want a balance of control and ease, buy Embrilliance. It runs on Mac and Windows, offers modular upgrades, and has a friendly interface . You can grow into the software as your skills improve.

If you want the official solution and plan to digitize frequently, invest in Bernina Creator . The direct compatibility with Bernette machines gives you peace of mind.

If you need one or two designs fast, hire a professional service. You get perfect files without buying software or learning new skills . The cost is minimal compared to the frustration of bad stitchouts.

Avoid online converters for anything important. They cause more problems than they solve . A bad file wastes thread, fabric, and time.

Conclusion

Converting an image to Bernette embroidery format does not require magic. It requires the right tool and a basic understanding of how embroidery files work. Whether you choose free software, paid programs, or professional services, the goal is the same: a clean EXP file that runs without errors on your machine.

Bernette machines deliver beautiful results when you feed them good files. Take the time to learn your chosen tool. Test your designs on scrap fabric before stitching final projects. And remember, even experienced digitizers started as beginners. Your first attempts might not be perfect, but each project teaches you something new. Pick a tool, convert that image, and watch your Bernette bring it to life in thread.