IMAGE → STITCHES

Image to DST converter.

Upload your design. Get a DST file you can stitch.

5 / 5 free todayResets 00:00 UTC
DST

Your stitches start here.

Drop a clear logo or simple design.
We’ll turn it into a real embroidery file.

Algorithmic digitizing · No AI generation
Stitched area—
Stitches—
Color blocks—
DST + stitch preview + thread sequence. Always test on your actual fabric before production.

Convert an image to a DST embroidery file online

A PNG or JPG describes pixels. An embroidery machine needs stitch movements, jumps and color changes. Custombull Embroidery turns clear artwork into a real DST stitch file, with a preview and thread sequence to check before sewing. Start above without registering: five free conversions are available each day.

How to make a DST file from a PNG or JPG

  1. Upload artwork you own or can use. Choose PNG, JPG or WebP, up to 8 MB and 24 million pixels. Clean, flat-color artwork is a useful starting point.
  2. Set the finished size. Enter millimeters or inches. Proportions stay locked; the 5–300 mm limit applies to each canvas side, including transparent margins.
  3. Choose fabric and colors. Start with T-shirt / jersey, sweatshirt / fleece, woven / canvas or the neutral preset. Read the fabric description and choose a maximum thread color count.
  4. Join a queue. Free jobs share one queue. Subscriptions and credit packs use separate parallel priority processing. Your job continues if you close the page; keep your guest session or register a separate Embroidery account to return to it.
  5. Download and test. Save the DST, PNG stitch preview and text thread sequence. Check the stitched area and stitch count, then sew a sample on the intended fabric before production or sale.

Free daily conversions or unlimited priority

Free

$0

5 conversions daily. No account needed. Shared free queue. DST, preview and thread sequence included.

Unlimited monthly

$39 / month

No conversion count limit. Parallel priority queue and original-resolution mockup previews. Renews monthly until cancelled.

Unlimited yearly

$374.40 / year

Save 20% versus twelve monthly payments: $93.60 saved annually. Equivalent to $31.20/month, charged annually. Includes original-resolution mockup previews. Renews yearly until cancelled.

Up to three queued or processing jobs per account at once. No daily or monthly conversion allowance on unlimited plans. Queue time depends on demand and design complexity. One-time priority packs are also available through the Priority button. Prices are in USD. Cancel renewal in My files; access continues through the paid period. See the tool and billing terms.

Secure checkout powered by Stripe. Card details are entered and processed on the Stripe hosted payment page; Custombull does not store your full card number.

Stitch previews for your product mockups

Free PNG preview downloads are limited to 512 pixels on the longest side. An active unlimited subscription unlocks the original render resolution; its pixel dimensions vary with the design. Previews approximate the planned embroidery for mockup use. Actual thread texture, fabric movement and colors can differ, so a preview does not replace a physical sew-out. DST downloads remain included in free conversions.

Algorithmic digitizing with file checks

Image-processing and stitch-planning algorithms prepare the embroidery without generative AI. Each DST is read back and checked against the selected size, stitch count and color limits before being marked ready. Algorithmic processing makes the result checkable; it does not guarantee that every design will digitize successfully or sew perfectly.

Create embroidery files for Etsy listings

Use artwork you made or hold a suitable license to digitize and sell. Convert each advertised size, inspect the results and make a physical sew-out. Package the DST, preview and thread notes in a ZIP, and describe format, dimensions and stitch count accurately. Converting a design does not grant copyright permission or guarantee marketplace eligibility.

Read the guide to preparing DST files for Etsy, including download packaging and buyer instructions. Custombull is not affiliated with or endorsed by Etsy.

What automatic embroidery digitizing supports

The tool creates DST with automatic flat-fill stitching for clear logos, bold shapes and simple artwork. It does not create PES, JEF or EXP, specialist satin lettering, 3D puff recipes or guaranteed photographic stitch-outs. Small text, thin lines, gradients and intricate artwork may require professional manual digitizing.

Fabric presets are starting points. They do not replace suitable stabilizer, needles, thread and machine settings. Check your machine’s DST support and usable hoop area. Learn how digitizing differs from vectorizing and file conversion.

Frequently asked questions

Does the process use AI?

The tool uses image-processing and stitch-planning algorithms rather than generative AI. Generated DST files are read back and checked for dimensions, stitch counts and color blocks. These checks improve consistency and make the output inspectable, but do not replace reviewing the preview and testing a real sew-out.

Can I convert PNG to DST for free?

Yes. Upload a PNG, choose its finished size and fabric, confirm your rights to the artwork, then use the shared free queue. You receive the DST, preview and thread sequence. Five jobs are available daily, resetting at 00:00 UTC. Account and network limits apply; people sharing a network can share its allowance.

Can I convert a JPG logo to an embroidery file?

Yes, JPG and WebP are supported alongside PNG. Clean edges, a simple background and distinct flat colors are better starting points than a compressed photograph or shaded mockup. Vectorizing an image alone does not create embroidery stitches.

Does unlimited mean unlimited conversions?

Yes: an active paid unlimited subscription has no daily or monthly conversion count limit. Up to three jobs may be queued or processing at once per account. Shared priority workers process jobs as capacity becomes available. Unlimited does not promise instant completion or unlimited simultaneous jobs. Account sharing, unsupported automated bulk access and resale of access are excluded.

What if my artwork needs extra preparation?

Temporary interruptions are retried automatically. The service can reduce excessive color detail to prepare a stitchable version; review its preparation note and preview. If bounded recovery attempts cannot finish, you are asked to adjust the artwork. Unsuccessful free or credit jobs return their reserved conversion. Unlimited jobs do not spend pack credits.

How long does conversion take?

The queue shows jobs ahead and a time range based on recently completed work once enough samples exist. Artwork complexity and demand affect completion. Priority processing uses parallel workers separately from the free queue. Estimates are not delivery guarantees.

Can I sell the resulting embroidery file?

You may use the tool for lawful commercial work where you own or hold all required rights to the underlying artwork. You remain responsible for permissions, marketplace eligibility, accurate product descriptions and production testing. Custombull provides a technical conversion tool, not copyright clearance.

Does DST include thread colors?

DST stores stitch movements and color changes, rather than a complete thread color palette. Keep the separate thread sequence with your file, assign suitable thread colors on your machine and check hoop dimensions before stitching.

Are my uploads public?

No public gallery is created. Artwork and results are stored privately and served through your Embroidery session. Embroidery accounts are separate from Custombull dashboard accounts. Review the privacy policy and tool terms for service and data details.