Why does my embroidery machine not show all my designs?

Why Does My Embroidery Machine Not Show All My Designs?

The most common reasons an embroidery machine does not show all your designs are an unsupported file format, too many files on the USB drive, incompatible file names, an unsupported folder location, or designs that are too large for the machine.

The File Format Is Not Supported

Your machine will only display embroidery files it can read. Make sure the designs that are missing are saved in a format supported by your exact machine model.

There Are Too Many Files

Some embroidery machines have limits on how many designs they can display or process at one time. If you have a large number of designs on your USB drive, try removing some and checking again.

The Files Are in the Wrong Folder

Some machines only search specific folders on a USB drive. Check your machine's instructions to see where embroidery designs need to be stored.

The File Names Are Too Long

Older embroidery machines may not recognize long or complicated file names. Try shortening the name and using simple letters and numbers.

The Designs Are Too Large

A machine may not display a design that exceeds its maximum embroidery area or the selected hoop size. Check the design dimensions against your machine's limits.

The USB Drive May Be the Problem

Your computer may show every file while your embroidery machine has difficulty reading the USB drive. The machine may have specific requirements for USB capacity and formatting.

Quick Troubleshooting Checklist

  • Check that the missing designs use a supported file format.
  • Remove some files if the USB contains a large number of designs.
  • Check that the files are in the correct folder.
  • Shorten long or complicated file names.
  • Check that the designs fit your machine's embroidery area.
  • Try another compatible USB drive.

Best Tip

If your machine shows some designs but not others, compare a design that appears with one that does not. Check the file format, file name, design size, folder location, and USB requirements to find the difference.

Source of information: With over 200,000 customers and a private Facebook group with more than 2,000 members, we have heard just about every embroidery question and troubleshooting problem you can imagine. This question has come to us directly from customers by email, through our Facebook page, and in our private Facebook group.

Have another question? See all the answers in our machine embroidery designs FAQ.