How to Transfer Embroidery Designs from Computer to Brother machine

If you just purchased an embroidery design and you're staring at a folder full of files wondering what on earth to do next - you are in the right place. Transferring embroidery designs from your computer to your Brother machine is simpler than it looks, and once you know the steps it takes about two minutes.

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There are two ways to do this - via USB thumb drive or wirelessly through the Artspira app. This tutorial covers the USB method, which works for any design you purchase or download regardless of where you got it.

Open your design file and pick the right size

When you purchase an embroidery design it downloads as a zip file which will contain a whole bunch of files. You won't be using nearly all of them so you need ot narrow down the file that works best fro your hoop and your machine.

In the folder, find the size that matches your hoop. The Brother SE2000 has a 5x7 inch hoop, so pick a file that is 5x7 inches or smaller. File names usually include the size - look for "4x4", "5x5", "5x7" or similar. If you see measurements in millimeters, 127x178mm = 5x7 inches.

If you're not sure what a size abbreviation means, go back to the product listing where you purchased the design. Most sellers include a size chart in the product description.

Pick the correct file format

Embroidery designs come in many formats - DST, EXP, HUS, JEF, PES, VP3 and more. Brother machines use PES format. Inside the folder for your chosen size, find the file in the size you need with the .PES extension - that is the one you want to use.

Do NOT resize the design yourself. Embroidery files are engineered for a specific size and changing the dimensions throws off the stitch density and how everything lines up. It's best to use the pre-sized version that fits your hoop.

Copy the PES file to a USB thumb drive

Plug a USB thumb drive into your computer. Drag and drop just the PES file onto the thumb drive. You do not need the entire folder, just the single file.

The thumb drive can have other files on it too. Your Brother machine will simply show you everything on the drive and let you pick. When you are done copying, safely eject the thumb drive from your computer before removing it.

Load the design onto your Brother machine

Now plug the USB thumb drive into the USB port on the side of your Brother SE2000.

On the touchscreen, press the button that looks like a small pocket then press the USB icon.

Your machine will display all the files on the drive.

Find your design, select it, and press Set.

The machine will show you a preview and confirm the design fits within your hoop boundaries. From there you can adjust the placement, rotation and scale if needed. Press End and Set when you are ready to embroider.

Watch the full video on moving embroidery files from your computer to your machine here:

What about transferring wirelessly with the Artspira app?

The USB method works great for designs you download to your computer. But if you want to transfer designs wirelessly from your phone - or access the 5,000+ designs built into the Artspira app - you can do that too once your machine is set up on your wireless network.

Check out these tutorials to get the wireless method set up:

How to set up Brother SE2000 on wireless network

How to download and install the Artspira app

How to connect the Artspira app to your Brother SE2000

Where to get embroidery designs

Looking for beginner-friendly embroidery and applique designs? So Fontsy has a huge selection and their product listings clearly show which sizes and formats are included - which makes picking the right file much easier when you're just starting out.

Shop Brother SE2000 bundles

Brother SE2000 Embroidery Machines

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Need more help getting started?

Check out the complete Brother SE2000 beginner's guide for every tutorial you need in one place. And if you want same-day 1:1 support, come join us at Silhouette U - use code YOUTUBE to get 50% off your first payment.

Have a question about transferring your embroidery files? Drop it in the comments - I read every one!

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing products through my links, I receive a small commission. That's what helps fund Silhouette School so I can keep buying new Silhouette-related products to show you how to get the most out of your machine!

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