How to Turn PNG into PES File for Embroidery Machines (Complete Beginner-to-Pro Guide)

How to turn PNG into PES is one of the most searched questions among embroidery beginners, designers, and small business owners who use Brother embroidery machines. PNG images are easy to create and download, but embroidery machines cannot read PNG files directly. They require PES embroidery files, which contain stitch data instead of pixels.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to convert PNG to PES step by step, the best software tools, common mistakes to avoid, and professional tips to get clean, high-quality embroidery results.

What Is a PNG File?

A PNG (Portable Network Graphics) file is a high-quality raster image format widely used for logos, icons, digital artwork, and transparent images across websites, apps, and design platforms. PNG files are popular because they preserve image clarity and support transparent backgrounds, making them ideal for branding and online use. However, PNG images are built entirely from pixels, meaning they only store visual information such as color and resolution. Embroidery machines do not read images the way screens do—they require precise stitch instructions, thread paths, and needle movements. Because of this fundamental difference, a PNG file cannot be read or stitched by an embroidery machine without proper digitization.

PNG limitations for embroidery:

• No stitch information
• Resolution-based (pixels)
• Cannot control thread direction or stitch type

That’s why simply renaming a PNG file to PES will not work.

What Is a PES File?

A PES file is a specialized embroidery file format primarily used by Brother embroidery machines and several compatible embroidery brands. Unlike standard image files, a PES file does not display a picture made of pixels. Instead, it stores detailed embroidery instructions that tell the machine exactly how to stitch a design onto fabric. These instructions include needle movements, stitch order, thread changes, and design sequencing, allowing the embroidery machine to accurately reproduce the design with thread rather than ink. Because embroidery machines rely entirely on this technical data, a simple image file like PNG must be properly digitized into stitch data before it can function as a PES file.

PES file features:

• Contains stitch paths
• Thread color data
• Stitch type information
• Machine-readable embroidery instructions

To turn PNG into PES, the image must be digitized, not just converted.

Why You Can’t Directly Convert PNG to PES

Many beginners search for "how to turn PNG into PES online" because they want a quick, simple solution without installing software or learning technical skills. At first glance, this seems reasonable—after all, many image formats can be converted with just one click. However, embroidery file conversion works very differently from standard image conversion. Embroidery machines do not recognize pictures; they require detailed stitching instructions that define how the design will be sewn onto fabric. This fundamental difference is why converting PNG to PES is not as simple as uploading a file and clicking a button.

There is no true one-click PNG to PES conversion.

Because:

• PNG = image pixels
• PES = stitch commands

You need embroidery digitizing software to convert PNG artwork into stitch-based embroidery data.

Best Software to Turn PNG into PES (2026 Updated)

1. Wilcom Embroidery Studio (Professional Choice)

Best for: Professionals and embroidery businesses

Pros:

• Highest stitch accuracy
• Advanced auto + manual digitizing
• Industry standard

Cons:

• Expensive
• Steep learning curve

2. Brother PE-Design

Best for: Brother machine users

Pros:

• Designed for PES files
• Easy interface
• Official Brother support

Cons:

• Paid software
• Limited advanced tools

3. Hatch Embroidery Software

Best for: Beginners + intermediate users

Pros:

• Easy auto-digitizing
• Excellent stitch control
• Affordable compared to Wilcom

Cons:

• Requires practice for complex designs

4. Ink/Stitch (Free Option)

Best for: Budget users

Pros:

• Free & open-source
• Works with Inkscape
• Good for simple designs

Cons:

• Manual process
• Less accurate auto-digitizing

How to Turn PNG into PES Using Hatch (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare Your PNG Image

Before converting PNG to PES:

• Use high-resolution PNG
• Remove background
• Limit colors (2–6 colors ideal)
• Avoid gradients

Clean images digitize better.

Step 2: Import PNG into Embroidery Software

Open Hatch / PE-Design and:

• Click Import Image
• Select your PNG file
• Resize to actual embroidery size

Always size before digitizing to avoid stitch distortion.

Step 3: Convert PNG to Embroidery (Digitizing)

Use Auto Digitize:

• Select stitch types (fill, satin, running)
• Adjust stitch density
• Assign thread colors

Or use Manual Digitizing for professional results.

Step 4: Edit & Optimize Stitches

This step is critical:

• Remove unnecessary stitches
• Adjust stitch direction
• Fix overlaps
• Reduce stitch count

Good optimization prevents:

• Thread breaks
• Fabric puckering
• Poor embroidery quality

Step 5: Export as PES File

Once satisfied:

• Click Export
• Choose PES format
• Select your Brother machine version

Congratulations! You’ve successfully turned PNG into PES.

How to Turn PNG into PES Using Ink/Stitch (Free Method)

If you want a free PNG to PES conversion, follow this:

Tools needed:

• Inkscape
• Ink/Stitch extension

Steps:

• Import PNG into Inkscape
• Trace bitmap (convert PNG to vector)
• Assign stitch types
• Generate embroidery paths
• Save as PES

This method requires patience and practice.

Online PNG to PES Converters – Are They Safe?

Many websites claim: "Upload PNG and get PES instantly"

Reality:

• Most create low-quality stitches
• No stitch optimization
• Risk of file corruption
• Poor embroidery output

Best practice: Use software or professional digitizing.

Common Mistakes When Turning PNG into PES

• Using low-resolution PNG - Leads to jagged stitches.
• Too many colors - Increases stitch count and thread changes.
• Skipping stitch optimization - Causes machine errors.
• Using gradients - Embroidery does not support gradients well.

Best PNG Design Tips for PES Conversion

To get professional results:

• Use bold lines
• Keep text above 10mm height
• Avoid tiny details
• Use solid colors
• Test stitch sample before final embroidery

Final Thoughts

Learning how to turn PNG into PES is an essential skill for anyone working with embroidery machines. While it may seem complicated at first, the right software, clean artwork, and proper digitizing techniques can help you create professional embroidery designs every time.

If you’re serious about embroidery, invest time in learning digitizing instead of relying on low-quality converters. Your machine—and your final product—will thank you.