found this site: http://embroidermodder.sourceforg...

Sandy, have you downloaded Tajima's Pulse Ambassador? It's a free conversion program, and will definitely do DST, because that's Tajima's file extension. You can also view your designs, change colors, watch it stitch out with the draw ribbon, see how much thread of each color is needed, how much bobbin thread is needed. It's a cool little program. I've included the link to the site for you, you can read about it and decide if you want it. It runs on XP and Vista. Hugs, Marji

2 comments

by marjialexa 27 Aug 2009

Oh, by the way, I change all those DST colors in my software, because I want to see what the thing is going to look like before I sew it out. Also, I take the laptop into the sewing room and use it for reference, I never print out color charts or anything, just use the laptop. And, when I change the colors in the software, I save them, so if I like it I know what I did and can duplicate it. I started out with little scraps of paper and backs of envelopes, but I lose way too much stuff it that hopeless "filing system", hee hee hee.

by sandynavas 27 Aug 2009

Thanks, I have Ambassador but guess I haven't investigated far enough. I always open TruSizer for my conversions. Perhaps I need to learn to read the instructions and help files, right?

Thanks to everyone for the info and I have learned a lot here, too!!

*4U

DST is indeed hopeless as far as colours are concerned evn the bought ones have no colour information at all. I (usually) write down the colours I intend to use on a piece of paper. Over time I had quite a collection of odd scraps of paper, so I copied my choices on index cards. Have a box next to my sewing machine.

learned something I did not know........thanks. *4u all

DST is an industrial file format and has no color information, just machine information for stops- as jofrog said.
Converting them into other machine formats is no problem, but do not waste time to switch colors to nice ones- if the file is not accompanied by a separate color information file just download the pic for inspiration.

It is possible to run "old" software on your "new" computer- you have to tell it to simulate an old operating system when using this special programm.
It is a pitty that my computer speaks german with me, so I can give you just a rough direction: Start menu, Help and Support, and (translated, do not know if it is the right term) programm compatibily assistent. There you can learn how to switch the OS to an older version just for using this programm.
Give it a try.
Problem might be another: the program (when it works fine when it is not confronted with dst) just can not read dst.
There are some file formats which wilcom, ambassador or eos can not open too- .art and .vip files are such troublemakers.
But as I mentioned before: do not waste time with nice colors on the screen, just feel free to be creative.

All kinds of software out there to convert files, but those DST files are always psychedelic, Sandy! I just convert them one by one to the threads I have in my Digitizer Pro. I don't think I've ever seen a color chart for dst designs, or at least haven't gotten one in the free downloads I have. Maybe I'll have to go look at those zip files again. Good Luck, Hugs, Marji

Welcome Sandynavas, I second the suggestion by tterry5. I use embroiderydesigns.com with great success. Good luck. Anne

The colors you see in a dst file are just there to separate sections for color stops. Notice that all dst files have the same color sequence. So you need a color chart to follow . At Marie's Embroidery Haven, are 2 free downloads for software that will convert files.=with tutorials to know how to use them. The funky colors will still be there, I'm pretty sure you ccan change colors with these programs and save that file. I still have my colors written down on scrap envelopes so I have them right in front of me-I don't necessarily use the colors that are shown, and this double checks my line of thread spools so I don't get purple skin. LOL Most programs work fine with XP. It's Vista that is a problem with things.
Welcome to cute, it is a great place for answers and comraderie. Here is a flower from me to you *
Jo

1 comment

by sandynavas 25 Aug 2009

Thanks so much - I need to get in the habit of either jotting down colors or printing my color sheets before heading to the sewing machine.

I use embroiderydesigns.com....you have to register a login. Then on the left go to embroidery tools. Under that is a conversion. They let you do it for free once you register. Hope you have luck there.

1 comment

by sandynavas 25 Aug 2009

Thank you - will try there.

I can convert the files okay - I just don't like seeing the funny colors on my screen. Call me silly . . .