Drop the EXP file
Drag your .exp file into the StitchPilot.ai viewer, or use the file picker. The file is read in your browser — useful for opening designs without committing to a machine run.
StitchPilot.aiTutorial · EXP file
How to Open a EXP File Online
EXP is a widely-used embroidery format associated with Melco commercial systems and Bernina home embroidery machines. Open one in your browser with StitchPilot.ai — view stitches, check the color order, export a PNG preview, or convert to another format for a different machine. No Melco / Bernina software install required.
Step-by-step
Inspect the stitch layout
See the design rendered with stitches, color order, and approximate dimensions. Identify color changes, hoop fit, density anomalies, or unexpected gaps before transferring to your Melco / Bernina machine.
Export a PNG (optional)
Save a PNG preview if you need to share the design with a client, list it on a marketplace, or include it in a design library archive.
Convert to another format (optional)
If you need to run the design on a non-Melco / Bernina machine, convert EXP to PES (Brother), DST (Tajima), JEF (Janome), or other supported formats.
Other ways to open a EXP
Three options compared
For opening EXP files, you have a few practical paths:
- StitchPilot.ai (browser): no install, free, works on any device.
- Melco / Bernina dealer software: official toolchain, paid, Windows / macOS.
- Wilcom TrueSizer (free viewer): Windows-only third-party viewer that reads many embroidery formats.
- For quick inspection — especially on macOS, Linux, or a tablet — the browser route is fastest.
What the EXP viewer shows
EXP preview at a glance
The in-browser EXP viewer renders the design as it would stitch — stitch direction, color order, and approximate finished dimensions. Useful before you transfer the file to your Melco / Bernina machine.
- Visual stitch render with color order
- Approximate design dimensions
- Stitch count summary
- One-click PNG export for sharing
How to open EXP file — common questions
What is a EXP file?
EXP is an embroidery format developed by Melco that became the de facto standard for commercial Melco systems and Bernina home machines a widely-used embroidery format associated with Melco commercial systems and Bernina home embroidery machines. It stores stitch data, thread colors, and design metadata. Melco Amaya, Bravo X, EMC commercial systems, and Bernina home embroidery models read EXP directly.
Can I open a EXP file without Melco / Bernina software?
Yes. StitchPilot.ai opens EXP files in the browser — no Melco / Bernina software required. You can preview stitches, see colors, export a PNG, or convert to PES, DST, or JEF for a different machine.
Will the preview match the stitched result?
The browser preview shows stitches, colors, and approximate dimensions. The actual stitched result depends on fabric, stabilizer, thread, hoop size, and machine settings. Always test stitch on production work.
Can I convert EXP to other embroidery formats?
Yes. Use the format-specific converter pages, or open the file in the StitchPilot.ai workspace and choose a different output format.
Which machines accept EXP?
EXP is primarily used by Melco Amaya, Bravo X, EMC commercial systems, and Bernina home embroidery models. Check your specific model documentation to confirm format support.
Open a EXP now
Drop your EXP file into StitchPilot.ai
Free browser viewer for Melco / Bernina embroidery designs. No install, no signup required for basic viewing.
Open EXP file →