ART File Format: What It Is and Which Machines Read It
An ART file is Bernina’s embroidery software format, used with Bernina machines and the Bernina embroidery software. It is a rich editable design file that carries the stitch path, the thread colors, and the settings a digitizer can reopen and adjust. Every order we deliver includes it, along with the six other formats your shop might run.
What is an ART file?
An ART file is Bernina’s native embroidery design format. It holds the stitch path, the thread colors, and the digitizing settings behind the design, which means it can be reopened and edited in Bernina embroidery software. It is the working format, not only a machine output.
ART is used across the Bernina embroidery software line. Bernina machines commonly stitch from an EXP file, while the ART file is what a digitizer opens to make changes. This is the key difference between the two Bernina-related formats we deliver.
| Extension | .art |
|---|---|
| Machine brand | Bernina |
| Stores color | Yes, embedded in the file |
| Stores | Stitch coordinates, jumps, trims, color-change commands |
| Included with your order | Every order, no extra charge |
What an ART file carries
An ART file carries more than a plain stitch file: the stitch path, the thread colors, and the underlying digitizing settings, so a digitizer can reopen it and adjust density, sequencing, or stitch type. This makes it the editable working format for Bernina. Bernina embroidery software uses numbered ART versions tied to the software release, and a file saved in a newer version will not open in older software. [FILL: default ART version shipped, newer version on request.]
Which machines read ART files?
ART is the native format for Bernina machines. Reading the file is not the same as running it cleanly. Hoop size and design area still have to match, which is why we build every file to your placement, not just your format.
| Brand | ART support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bernina embroidery software | Native | ART is the editable Bernina design format |
| Bernina machines | Stitch from EXP | Bernina machines commonly run the EXP file for stitching |
| Bernina artista and 7 or 8 series | Native ecosystem | Use ART for editing, EXP for stitching |
How to open an ART file
You can open an ART file without owning digitizing software. Bernina machines load it directly from a USB drive. To check a file before it reaches the machine, that is, to see the stitch path, the color sequence, and the design size, use a browser-based viewer.
Every file we deliver can be checked this way before you run it, so a placement or sizing problem shows up on screen instead of on fabric.
Preview an embroidery file freeConverting artwork to an ART file
Yes, artwork can become an ART file, but not by automatic conversion. Auto-digitizing software traces an image’s outline and assigns generic stitch settings without judging fabric, size, or placement. The result reads as a valid ART file and still puckers, gaps, or runs the wrong direction on the machine.
Start from your artwork:
Any image to embroideryART compared with the other formats we deliver
We deliver seven embroidery formats. Here is how ART compares to the rest, by machine family and whether the format stores color inside the file.
| Format | Machine brand | Stores color |
|---|---|---|
| DST | Tajima and most commercial machines | No, separate color chart |
| PES | Brother, Babylock | Yes |
| JEF | Janome | Yes |
| EXP | Melco, Bernina | No, separate color chart |
| VP3 | Husqvarna Viking, Pfaff | Yes |
| XXX | Singer | Yes |
| ART | Bernina | Yes |
Every one of these seven formats is included with your order, regardless of which one you need. See the full format guide for machine-by-machine detail.
The ART file you receive from us
[CONFIRM: delivery scope, all seven formats shipped with every order, or the single format selected at checkout. Copy below is written for the all-seven version, pending sign-off.] Every order includes your ART file and the six other formats we deliver, so your file works whether it heads to your own machine or a subcontractor’s.
Left-chest logos, polos, caps
Vertical designs, badges, detailed artwork
Jacket backs, large designs, event logos
Free unlimited revisions. Invoiced on delivery, no upfront payment. Your first order is $5 on simple jobs, standard pricing applies from the second order onward.
ART for editing, EXP for stitching
This ART file has nothing to do with the older AOL image format or general artwork file types like AI or PNG. It is Bernina’s own embroidery design format. Bernina uses two formats, and they are not interchangeable. ART is the editable design file that opens in Bernina embroidery software, so a digitizer can adjust the design. EXP is the stitch file the Bernina machine actually runs. If you want to edit the design later you need the ART file. If you only need to stitch it you need the EXP file. We can supply either, so tell us which you need.
Other formats we deliver
Frequently asked questions
What is an ART file?
An ART file is Bernina’s editable embroidery design format. It holds the stitch path, colors, and digitizing settings, so it can be reopened and adjusted in Bernina embroidery software.
What program opens an ART file?
Bernina embroidery software opens an ART file. A Bernina machine usually stitches from an EXP file instead, so the ART file is for editing rather than direct stitching.
What is the difference between ART and EXP for Bernina?
ART is the editable design file that opens in Bernina software. EXP is the stitch file the machine runs. You need ART to edit the design and EXP to stitch it.
Which ART version should I ask for?
A newer ART version will not open in older Bernina software, so the safe choice is the version your software reads. Tell us your Bernina software version and we match it.