An XXX file is a machine embroidery format developed by Compucon and used by Singer Futura embroidery machines. It is an expanded stitch format: it stores the actual needle movements stitch by stitch, along with a small header and an embedded colour table, so the design and its thread colours travel together in one file.
What's Inside an XXX File?
- •A binary header recording the stitch count, colour count, and the design's bounding box.
- •Stitch data: relative X/Y movements for each needle penetration, in units of 0.1 mm.
- •Jump commands: needle-up travel moves between separated regions of the design.
- •Colour-change commands that pause the machine for a thread swap.
- •An embedded RGB colour table so the thread colours are stored inside the file.
Because XXX embeds its colour table, your colour sequence is carried with the design — SewFlow writes both the stitch stream and the matching colours so your Singer or Compucon software shows the right thread order.
Which Machines Use XXX Files?
XXX is the native format for Singer Futura embroidery machines and the Compucon EOS digitizing software. Many multi-format machines and conversion programs also import XXX directly.
XXX vs JEF vs DST vs PES
| Format | Machines | Colour Info |
|---|---|---|
| XXX | Singer, Compucon | Embedded (RGB) |
| JEF | Janome, Elna | Embedded |
| DST | Tajima, commercial | Separate |
| PES | Brother, Babylock | Embedded |
How to Create an XXX File Free
SewFlow converts any image to an XXX file instantly — no software to install, free to convert; create a free account to download (1 free download every month).
- 1Go to sewflow.com/image.
- 2Upload your PNG, JPEG, SVG, BMP, or WebP image.
- 3Set your hoop size and adjust thread colours.
- 4Select XXX in the format selector.
- 5Download the .xxx file and copy it to a USB stick for your Singer Futura machine.
Create a free XXX file for your Singer or Compucon machine:
Open Image Converter →Keep the Palette Small
Every colour adds a thread change. Limiting your design to a few solid colours keeps the XXX file quick to stitch and easy to thread.