How to view a .JEF file online
Three steps, a few seconds.
Open your .JEF file
Drop your design on the box or click to choose it from your computer or a USB stick.
Check size and colours
See the finished size in millimetres and inches, the hoop it fits, the stitch count and every thread change with its colour.
Watch it stitch
Press play to watch the design being sewn stitch by stitch, or drag the slider to any point. Save a PNG preview for your records.
What is a .JEF file?
Machine instructions, not pictures.
A JEF file is a machine embroidery design for Janome (and Elna) machines. It stores the needle path, stitch coordinates, and thread colour sequence, not a printable image. To preview one free, use Wilcom TrueSizer or a free online embroidery viewer. To stitch it, copy the .jef to your machine's USB stick or card as your machine's manual specifies.
Programs that open .JEF files
| Full name | Janome Embroidery File |
|---|---|
| Developer | Janome (Janome Sewing Machine Co.) |
| First released | late 1990s (Janome/Elna home embroidery machines) |
| Category | Data & Other |
| MIME type | application/octet-stream |
Related viewers
Other free tools to open and preview your files.
Frequently asked questions
Is my .JEF file uploaded?
No. Your .JEF file is decoded and drawn. Your designs stay.
Why are the colours different from my design software?
DST and EXP files don't store colours at all, only the places where thread changes. JEF stores Janome thread numbers, which we show with approximate colours. PES and PEC colours use the Brother thread palette.
How long will it take to stitch?
We estimate the time from the stitch count at 600 stitches per minute plus about 30 seconds per colour change. Real speed depends on your machine and the fabric.
Which hoop do I need?
We suggest the smallest common hoop that fits the design's width and height with a little margin. Check your machine's hoop list for the exact sizes.
Can I convert DST to PES here?
Not yet - conversion between machine formats is planned. The viewer already reads all the stitch data a converter needs.
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