ThreadView file guide
How to preview DST and PES embroidery files on Mac
Machine embroidery files are instruction streams, not ordinary pictures. A trustworthy preview reads the stitches, color changes and design bounds from the file instead of displaying a generic icon.
1. Identify the machine format
Check the filename extension and keep the original file intact. DST, PES, JEF and EXP encode color and header details differently, so the viewer must parse the actual format.
2. Render the stitch sequence
Open the design and inspect the path at a useful scale. Look for long jumps, unexpected lines, missing sections or a shape that differs from the artwork approval.
3. Confirm physical dimensions
Compare the decoded width and height with the intended hoop and garment placement. A visually correct design can still be scaled incorrectly.
4. Review thread blocks
Check the order and number of color blocks. Some formats store exact colors while others rely on a separate production sheet, so preserve that distinction in the handoff.