How to Convert PNG to PES Embroidery File Free Online

PES is the native embroidery format for Brother and Babylock sewing machines — two of the most popular brands for home and small-business embroidery. If you have a PNG you want to stitch with your Brother machine, SewFlow converts it to a ready-to-use PES file in seconds.

What Is a PES File?

PES (Brother Embroidery Format) stores absolute stitch coordinates along with color-sorting data that tells the machine which thread to use at each stage. Unlike DST, PES can embed thread color suggestions, which makes the stitching process smoother on Brother machines.

Step-by-Step: Convert PNG to PES with SewFlow

1. 1Go to sewflow.com/image in any browser — on desktop or mobile.
2. 2Upload your PNG image by clicking the upload zone.
3. 3If your image has an unwanted background, enable the 'Remove Background' toggle to strip it automatically.
4. 4Adjust the design width and height. Typical PE-design sizes for shirt placement are 90–150 mm.
5. 5Select PES from the Output Format dropdown.
6. 6Hit 'Preview Stitches' to watch the stitch simulation and verify the result.
7. 7Click 'Download PES' to get your .pes file.
8. 8Transfer the file to a USB stick, insert it in your Brother or Babylock machine, and start embroidering.

Compatible Brother and Babylock Machines

PES files work with the Brother PE800, PE535, SE700, Luminaire series, Innov-ís series, and the full Babylock Destiny, Flourish, and Solaris lines. Most Brother embroidery machines sold since 2005 accept PES files.

Getting the Best PNG-to-PES Results

• •PNGs with transparent backgrounds give SewFlow's digitizer the cleanest subject outline.
• •Bold, simple shapes embroider more crisply than complex photography.
• •Keep designs above 50 mm wide to preserve fine details.
• •Use the thread color override feature in SewFlow to match your actual thread inventory.
• •Test stitch on a similar fabric weight before your final project.