This guide takes you from the unzipped download to selecting the design on your embroidery machine. Always check formatting, folders and drive size in your model manual.

For USB transfer you need an unzipped design in the correct machine format and a USB drive supported by your model. File system, capacity and folder structure vary, so the machine manual takes priority.

Transfer an embroidery file by USB step by step

  1. Unzip the download completely on your computer or mobile device.
  2. Select the machine format your exact model can read. Use our format guide for orientation.
  3. Check hoop size: an oversized design is often hidden.
  4. Check the drive: use the media type, capacity and file system specified in the manual. Some machines initialise storage or create their own folders.
  5. Place the file correctly: use the root or designated folder as required. A BERNINA EXP set may also include INF and BMP files.
  6. Eject safely after writing has finished.
  7. Open it on the machine: choose the USB or media area and review preview, size and colours.

What should not be copied instead of the design?

  • the compressed ZIP archive unless the manual explicitly supports ZIP,
  • a PDF instruction or colour chart instead of the embroidery file,
  • a similar-looking format that is not approved for your model,
  • unnecessary files if the machine reads only a limited number.

USB drive or design is not recognised

SymptomCheck
The drive is missingCheck compatibility, file system and port in the manual, then test confirmed media.
The drive appears but the design does notCheck ZIP status, extension, folder, file name and hoop size.
Colours are wrong or absentUse the colour chart; DST normally lacks colour data, while INF/BMP can matter for BERNINA.
The file is invalidExport again for the exact machine model and check the format version.

See all transfer methods or use the detailed file-not-displayed diagnosis.

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