What Is PEC Format in Machine Embroidery?
PEC format in machine embroidery is an older Brother file type, read by Brother and Baby Lock embroidery machines. A PEC file ends in .pec and tells the machine exactly where to place each stitch.
PEC is closely related to PES. It was first used for designs stored on Brother embroidery cards, and it is the simpler of the two formats. Most Brother and Baby Lock owners today use PES, and only need PEC if their machine or software asks for it.
A PEC file is a set of instructions, not a picture. It holds:
- the position of every stitch
- where the machine should jump, trim and stop
- the order of the thread colors
Not sure whether to use PEC or PES? Try PES first. It is the standard format for Brother and Baby Lock machines and is supported by nearly all of them. Use PEC if your manual lists it, or if a PES file won't load on an older machine.
PEC is one of several machine embroidery formats. Each machine brand reads its own, such as JEF for Janome and VP3 for Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff. Most embroidery designs are sold with several formats in one download, so you pick the file that matches your machine.
Comparing formats? See what is PES format in machine embroidery, what is JEF format in machine embroidery and what is DST format in machine embroidery.
Have another question? See all the answers in our machine embroidery designs FAQ.