Free online SVGZ to PEC converter

What the SVGZ format is

SVGZ is a gzip-compressed Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) file. It stores paths, fills, strokes, text, and other vector objects rather than embroidery commands such as stitch points, thread trims, or underlay.

In machine embroidery workflows, SVGZ usually arrives as artwork from a customer, designer, or graphics application. Inkscape, Adobe Illustrator, and CorelDRAW can create or export SVGZ files. The format is useful for compactly sharing logos and illustrations, but an embroidery digitizing program must interpret the artwork before a machine can sew it.

What the PEC format is

PEC is a Brother embroidery design format used by many Brother-compatible embroidery machines and by software that supports Brother-family files. It stores stitch coordinates, color blocks, thread-change information, and design metadata in a machine-readable form.

PEC is suitable when the receiving machine or embroidery application specifically requires .pec. Its compact stitch representation and broad support in Brother-oriented workflows make it practical for transferring finished designs, but it does not preserve editable SVG paths or unlimited vector colors.

How to actually convert SVGZ to PEC

Using Inkscape and Ink/Stitch

1. Make a backup of the original design.svgz.
2. Decompress the file. On systems with gzip, run gzip -dc design.svgz > design.svg. If the command is unavailable, open the SVGZ in an archive utility or save it from Inkscape as an uncompressed SVG.
3. Open design.svg in Inkscape and check that paths, fills, text, and stroke widths imported correctly. Convert text to paths before digitizing if the original font is not installed.
4. Install the Ink/Stitch extension for Inkscape, then assign embroidery settings to each object through Extensions → Ink/Stitch → Parameters. Choose fill, satin, or running-stitch methods instead of treating every vector object as a single generic shape.
5. Set the design's real dimensions, hoop placement, stitch density, underlay, pull compensation, sewing order, and thread colors. Remove hidden objects and duplicate outlines that could create unwanted stitches.
6. Use Ink/Stitch's embroidery preview or simulator to inspect stitch direction, jumps, trims, overlaps, and color changes. Correct the embroidery settings rather than relying on the visual SVG preview.
7. Open Ink/Stitch's embroidery output dialog, select PEC as the format, and save the result as design.pec. Transfer it to the machine using the manufacturer's supported media or software.

Using 101convert.com

You can also convert the file for free on 101convert.com without installing software. Upload the SVGZ, choose PEC as the output format, and download the generated file if the converter accepts the artwork and provides embroidery digitizing options. Review the resulting stitch plan and test-sew it; a basic vector-to-embroidery conversion may not produce suitable density, underlay, sequencing, or compensation settings.

Quality and compatibility limitations

This is not a lossless format change. SVGZ describes visual geometry, while PEC describes physical needle movement, so the conversion must make decisions about stitch types, density, direction, trims, and thread changes.

Large gradients, transparencies, photographic effects, very narrow details, and complex clipping masks generally need manual redesign. Small SVG strokes may disappear when converted to stitches, while enclosed areas can become too dense if their size and stitch settings are not adjusted.

Before exporting, set the intended hoop size and verify the machine's maximum design area. Check the PEC file in the target machine's software because supported thread palettes, color-change handling, trims, hoop limits, and filename requirements vary between machines. Sew a sample on the actual fabric using comparable stabilizer and thread before producing finished items.