Convert Logo to PES File Format: A Complete Guide for Embroidery Beginners

So, you’ve got a logo you love—maybe for your small business, club, or side hustle—and now you want to stitch it onto shirts, hats, or tote bags using your embroidery machine. Sounds simple enough, right?

But there’s a catch: your embroidery machine can’t use JPGs, PNGs, or even SVGs directly. It needs a special format—like PES, which is the go-to file type for Brother and Babylock embroidery machines.

If you’re new to embroidery and wondering how to convert logo to PES file format, this guide is here to help—no tech background needed!

Want to skip the learning curve? Digitizing Buddy offers fast, affordable logo to PES conversion by professionals—perfect for beginners who want a flawless stitch-ready file.

Let’s break everything down step-by-step.

What Is a PES File?

PES stands for “Brother Embroidery Format.” It’s a file type that holds:

• Stitch patterns
• Thread color changes
• Stitch angles and densities
• Instructions your embroidery machine reads

Think of it like this: a JPG shows your logo visually, but a PES file tells the machine how to stitch it.

Most Brother and Babylock embroidery machines require PES files to function properly. If your design isn’t in this format, your machine simply won’t know what to do.

Why You Can’t Just Rename a JPG to PES

We get this question a lot: “Can I just change the file extension from .jpg to .pes?”

Nope! Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way.

A JPG is an image—a flat, pixel-based file.

A PES file is full of stitch data: where to place each needle point, what stitch type to use, how many stitches per inch, etc.

You can’t “convert” JPG to PES with a simple file converter. You need to digitize it first.

What Is Logo Digitizing?

Digitizing is the process of turning your logo into instructions your embroidery machine understands.

It includes:

• Tracing your logo’s elements
• Assigning stitch types (satin, fill, run)
• Adjusting stitch direction and density
• Setting up color sequences
• Matching it to the correct hoop size

It’s a design process, not just a file conversion.

How to Convert a Logo to PES (Step-by-Step)

There are two main paths to getting your logo in PES format:

Option 1: Use a Professional Digitizing Service

This is the easiest, fastest, and most beginner-friendly option.

Here’s how it works:

1. Upload your logo file (PNG, JPG, SVG, etc.)
2. Choose your machine format (PES for Brother/Babylock)
3. Specify size, fabric type, or special request
4. Receive your digitized file by email—ready to stitch

Pro services like Digitizing Buddy offer:

• Same-day or next-day turnaround
• Clean, accurate stitching with minimal thread breaks
• Free minor edits or resizing if needed

It’s perfect for business logos, team patches, uniforms, and more.

Option 2: Use Digitizing Software (DIY Route)

If you love the idea of learning the process yourself, digitizing software gives you creative control.

Here are some beginner-friendly programs:

Steps to digitize your logo manually:

1. Import your image into the software
2. Trace each part of the logo (or auto-trace)
3. Assign stitch types to each section (satin for borders, fill for blocks)
4. Adjust density, stitch direction, and underlay
5. Preview your design
6. Export as a PES file

Heads up: It takes time and patience to learn. Most people need several tries to get it just right.

Best File Types to Start With

Before digitizing (or sending your logo to a service), make sure you have a high-quality version of the image.

Avoid blurry screenshots or tiny web icons—they don’t digitize well.

Choosing the Right Size for Your Logo

Before digitizing, decide where the logo will go:

• Left chest (small size, ~3.5 inches)
• Hat front (usually 2.25 inches tall max)
• Large back or jacket logo (~6–10 inches wide)

The digitizing settings will change depending on the size and fabric. Always let your digitizer know where it’s going!

Pro Tips for Better Results

Here’s how to make sure your digitized logo looks amazing:

Keep It Simple

Thin lines and tiny text often don’t translate well in thread. Simplify if needed.

Convert Text to Outlines

If you’re using a logo with typed text, convert the text to outlines before digitizing. Otherwise, the fonts may not render properly.

Test on Scrap Fabric

Always test your PES file on similar fabric before committing to your final product.

Match Thread Colors

Use embroidery software or digitizing services that let you match to brands like Madeira, Isacord, or Floriani.

FAQs About Logo to PES Conversion

Can I convert a logo to PES for free?

Technically yes—if you use free tools like Ink/Stitch or a trial version of SewArt. But the results may not be perfect without experience.

How much does it cost to digitize a logo?

With Digitizing Buddy, most logo digitizing jobs range from $10 to $25, depending on size and complexity.

Can I resize a PES file after it’s digitized?

You can resize a little (about 10–15%) without issues. For major changes, re-digitizing is best to maintain quality and density.

What machines use PES files?

• Brother
• Babylock
• Some Bernette models
• Machines using Brother’s embroidery platform

Final Thoughts: Get Your Logo Machine-Ready with Confidence

Converting a logo to PES format might sound technical, but it’s totally doable—even if you’re just starting out. Whether you go the DIY route or use a professional digitizing service, the key is:

• Start with a clean, high-quality logo
• Use the right stitch types and settings
• Match your file to your machine’s format and hoop size

Want a perfect stitch-out without the learning curve? Upload your logo to Digitizing Buddy and get a flawless PES file that’s ready to go—fast, affordable, and beginner-friendly.