EXP to G4 Converter

Convert EXP embroidery patterns to G4 fax encoding

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Efficient Compression

G4 provides superior bi-level image compression. Your EXP embroidery pattern stores in a very compact monochrome file.

Browser-Based Access

No fax software or special tools needed. Convert EXP to G4 directly from any web browser on any device.

Private Processing

EXP uploads are deleted right after conversion. G4 outputs are purged from servers within 24 hours for security.

How to convert EXP to G4

1

Select files from Computer, Google Drive, Dropbox, URL or by dragging it on the page.

2

Choose g4 or any other format you need as a result (more than 200 formats supported)

3

Let the file convert and you can download your g4 file right afterwards

About formats

EXP (Melco) is a machine embroidery file format developed by Melco, a company founded in 1972 that pioneered the commercial embroidery industry. The format stores stitch data as a series of relative coordinate movements using a compact binary structure, with each record encoding the needle's horizontal and vertical displacement along with control flags for stitch type, color changes, and machine stops. EXP files use a straightforward sequential layout — stitch records follow one after another without complex headers or nested structures, making the format reliable and fast to process on embroidery machine controllers. Melco developed the format for their commercial multi-head embroidery machines, widely deployed in contract embroidery shops, uniform manufacturers, and promotional product companies. One advantage is efficiency for commercial production — the lean binary structure minimizes file size and loading time, important when operators run hundreds of designs daily on multi-head machines. The format's association with Melco's professional-grade equipment gives it credibility in the commercial embroidery sector, where reliability and speed are prioritized. Most professional digitizing software — including Wilcom, Pulse, and Hatch — supports EXP export, ensuring designs from any major platform can target Melco equipment. While EXP lacks embedded thread color metadata, its simplicity and industry acceptance have sustained its use across decades of commercial embroidery production.
Initial release: 1985
G4 is a monochrome image format based on the ITU-T Group 4 facsimile coding standard (Recommendation T.6), ratified by the CCITT in 1984 as an improvement over Group 3 for use on error-free digital networks like ISDN rather than analog telephone lines. G4 files contain 1-bit image data compressed using exclusively two-dimensional Modified Modified READ (MMR) coding, where each scanline is encoded as a set of differences (changing elements) relative to the line above it. By eliminating the one-dimensional coding fallback and the end-of-line synchronization markers required by Group 3, G4 achieves 20-50% better compression ratios on typical document pages while producing a simpler, more regular bitstream. The format is most commonly encountered as a compression method within TIFF files (TIFF compression tag 4), where it became the standard archival format for scanned documents in enterprise document management, government records, and legal imaging systems. G4 compression is specified at 200, 300, or 400 dpi depending on the scanning application, with 300 dpi being the most common for archival-quality document imaging. One advantage is exceptional compression efficiency for document content: G4's two-dimensional prediction exploits the strong vertical correlation in text and line art pages, typically compressing a 300 dpi letter-size page to 30-50 KB — roughly half the size of equivalent Group 3 encoding. The format's entrenchment in document management infrastructure is another strength — G4 TIFF is the mandated format for many government digital records systems, court filing systems, and corporate archives, supported by every enterprise imaging platform.
Developer: ITU-T (CCITT)
Initial release: 1984

Frequently Asked Questions

Why convert EXP to G4?

G4 is the Group 4 fax compression standard — efficient for bi-level images. Converting EXP to G4 creates compact monochrome embroidery images.

What opens G4 files?

G4 files open in IrfanView, XnView, GIMP, fax server software, and document imaging applications supporting Group 4 encoding.

How does G4 compare to G3?

G4 achieves better compression than G3 for the same image. Both are monochrome fax standards, but G4 is more efficient.

Is the compression lossless?

Yes — G4 fax encoding is lossless for bi-level images. Every pixel of your embroidery pattern is accurately preserved.

Is EXP to G4 conversion free?

Convertio provides free conversions. Premium accounts unlock larger files and priority processing.