Free online SVGZ to EXP converter

An embroidery machine or digitizing program that accepts Melco EXP cannot use an SVGZ as stitch data. The conversion requires turning the compressed vector artwork into digitized stitches, then exporting those stitches as an EXP design.

What the SVGZ format is

SVGZ is a gzip-compressed Scalable Vector Graphics file. It stores paths, shapes, fills, and text rather than needle movements, so it is commonly used for compact artwork exchange and may be encountered when downloading a logo or design from a graphics application.

Programs such as Inkscape, Adobe Illustrator, and other SVG-capable editors can create or open SVGZ files. The file can usually be opened directly in Inkscape; alternatively, decompress it to an ordinary SVG with gzip -d design.svgz.

What the EXP format is

EXP is a machine-embroidery stitch format associated primarily with Melco-compatible equipment and software. It records stitch coordinates and machine commands, making it suitable for sending a digitized design to a compatible embroidery machine.

EXP is compact and widely supported by embroidery digitizing applications, but it is not an artwork format. It does not preserve editable SVG paths, gradients, filters, or ordinary font information. EXP files may also have limited or absent thread-color metadata, so the thread sequence often needs to be assigned separately in the receiving software.

How to actually convert SVGZ to EXP

1. Make a copy of the original design.svgz. Open it in Inkscape, or decompress it to design.svg with gzip -cd design.svgz > design.svg.
2. Install the Ink/Stitch extension for Inkscape, then open the SVG. If the artwork contains text, convert the text to paths before digitizing it with Path → Object to Path.
3. Set the intended hoop size and physical design dimensions. Scale the artwork before assigning stitches; resizing after digitization can change density and distort the result.
4. Assign embroidery objects and stitch types. Use satin columns for suitable narrow fills, tatami or other fill stitches for broad areas, and running stitches for outlines and fine details. Configure stitch density, underlay, pull compensation, stitch length, trims, and sewing order in Ink/Stitch.
5. Preview the design with Ink/Stitch's stitch simulator. Correct excessive jumps, small details, long satin columns, overlaps, and entry or exit points before exporting.
6. Export through Extensions → Ink/Stitch → Embroidery, choose EXP as the output format, and save the resulting file. If the target machine uses a different EXP variant or requires a separate machine transfer format, open the file in the manufacturer's software and resave it for that machine.

For a no-install conversion, 101convert.com can convert the file online for free. Check the resulting stitch count, hoop size, thread order, and machine compatibility in embroidery software before sewing; an automated conversion cannot reliably infer suitable stitch settings from vector artwork.

Quality and compatibility limitations

There is no purely structural SVGZ-to-EXP conversion because SVGZ describes appearance while EXP describes needle movement. A good result depends on manual or automated digitizing decisions, including stitch direction, underlay, density, sequencing, and fabric compensation.

Gradients, transparency, shadows, filters, very small shapes, and fine SVG details must be simplified or replaced with embroidery objects. EXP does not guarantee thread colors, and different machines may interpret jumps, trims, color blocks, and hoop limits differently. Test the exported file on a sample fabric and verify the machine's supported EXP specification before production.