How to Open and Work with .EFT Files: A Comprehensive Guide

Embroidery has come a long way since the days of painstakingly stitching designs by hand. With the advent of computerized sewing machines and advanced software, creating intricate and beautiful embroidery has never been easier. In this blog post, we’ll explore the world of .EFT files and guide you through the process of opening and working with these files to help you bring your embroidery designs to life.

What Exactly is an .EFT File?

The .EFT file format is specifically designed for storing embroidery designs, along with the essential information associated with them, such as thread colors, stitch patterns, and machine settings. This file format is primarily used with Elna, Janome, and Kenmore sewing machine brands, allowing users to share and transfer embroidery designs between various machines and software applications seamlessly.

Essential Software and Tools

To open and work with .EFT files, you will need embroidery software that supports this particular file format. Some popular options include:

• Embird
• Wilcom Embroidery Studio
• PE-DESIGN by Brother
• Hatch Embroidery Software by Wilcom
• SewWhat-Pro

These software applications allow you to view, edit, and convert .EFT files, making them compatible with different embroidery machines and other file formats. Each software has its unique features and pricing, so choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.

Opening .EFT Files: A Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s explore the process of opening an .EFT file using one of the mentioned software applications. For this example, we’ll be using Embird:

Download and Install Embird

Visit the Embird website (https://www.embird.net/) and download the latest version of the software. Follow the installation instructions provided on the website to install Embird on your computer.

Launch Embird

Once the installation is complete, run the software by double-clicking the Embird icon on your desktop or from the Start menu.

Import .EFT File

In the Embird main window, go to the “File” menu and select “Import” > “Embroidery File.” Locate the .EFT file you wish to open, and click the “Open” button.

View and Edit .EFT File

After importing the .EFT file, you can view the embroidery design and its associated information, such as thread colors and stitch patterns. Embird provides a variety of editing tools that allow you to modify the design as needed. You can resize, rotate, and change the colors of the design, as well as adjust stitch settings and optimize the sewing order.

Save and Export .EFT File

Once you have made the desired changes to the .EFT file, you can save your edited design by going to the “File” menu and selecting “Save As.” Choose the file format you wish to save the design in, such as .PES, .DST, or .EXP. If you want to maintain the .EFT file format, simply select .EFT as the output format.

Conclusion

Embroidery enthusiasts, rejoice! With the right embroidery software, opening and working with .EFT files becomes a breeze, allowing you to create stunning embroidery designs with ease. We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with the knowledge and confidence to tackle .EFT files head-on. Happy stitching!