Free online HUS to PEC converter

A Brother or Baby Lock embroidery machine may need a PEC file when a design is available only in Husqvarna Viking’s HUS format. Converting it changes the machine format so the design can be opened, transferred, or edited by compatible software.

What the HUS format is

HUS is a machine embroidery format associated with Husqvarna Viking sewing and embroidery machines. It stores stitch coordinates, stitch order, thread changes, color information, and machine commands rather than a conventional image.

HUS files are produced or exported by Husqvarna Viking software, including 4D, 5D, 6D, and PREMIER+ applications. A HUS file normally has a defined design size, hoop assumption, stitch sequence, and color-change sequence. Different HUS revisions and software versions may not be supported equally by every converter.

What the PEC format is

PEC is a Brother embroidery format also supported by many Brother-compatible and Baby Lock machines and by embroidery editing programs. It stores the stitch path, color-change positions, basic design metadata, and machine-readable movement commands.

PEC is often used as a practical interchange format, but support depends on the specific machine. Some Brother and Baby Lock models expect PES or another model-specific format instead, so check the machine manual before transferring the converted file. PEC’s thread palette is not identical to HUS, and displayed color names or shades can change during export.

Convert HUS to PEC online

1. Open the HUS-to-PEC converter on 101convert.com.
2. Choose the source file, such as design.hus, with the upload control.
3. Select PEC as the output format.
4. Start the conversion and save the resulting file, such as design.pec.
5. Open the PEC file in embroidery software and check its dimensions, hoop requirements, stitch count, thread changes, and preview before copying it to the machine.

This option runs without installed desktop software and is free to use. Do not upload confidential, proprietary, or licensed designs unless the service’s file-handling terms are acceptable.

Convert the file with desktop software

Embroidery editors that explicitly support both HUS import and PEC export can perform the conversion locally. Embird is one example when the required format support is installed; menu names vary by version.

1. Open the HUS file through File → Open.
2. Verify the design’s hoop size, dimensions, orientation, stitch count, and thread-change sequence.
3. Use File → Export or File → Save As, depending on the program.
4. Choose PEC as the output format and save a new file without overwriting the HUS original.
5. Reopen or preview the PEC file, then test-stitch it on comparable fabric and stabilizer before production use.

Do not assume that an editor can export PEC merely because it can display HUS; confirm that PEC export is listed in the program’s supported formats.

Quality and compatibility checks

• Confirm that the design fits the target machine’s actual hoop. A valid PEC file can still be rejected if its dimensions exceed the machine’s limits.
• Inspect lettering, narrow columns, dense fills, appliqué, trims, jumps, and very short stitches. Format conversion cannot correct poor digitizing, and unsupported commands may be simplified or lost.
• Avoid resizing unless necessary. Enlarging or reducing an existing stitch file changes stitch density and can cause gaps, bulky areas, thread breaks, or distorted details; substantial size changes are better handled by re-digitizing.
• Assign the target thread brand and colors in the receiving software because HUS and PEC palettes do not map exactly.
• Check every color-change stop and run a test stitch-out before sending the file to the embroidery machine.
• Keep the original HUS file with the converted PEC file so you can export again for a different hoop, thread chart, or machine.