EXP to SK Converter

Convert EXP embroidery files to Sketch SK format

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Open-Source Vector

Transform EXP embroidery stitch data into SK vector format. Edit patterns in Skencil and other open-source vector tools.

Confidential Processing

EXP files are deleted after conversion. SK outputs are purged from servers within 24 hours — your embroidery designs stay private.

Cloud Conversion

No local resources consumed. The server handles EXP to SK conversion remotely so your device stays free for other tasks.

How to convert EXP to SK

1

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

2

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

3

Let the file convert and you can download your sk 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
SK is the native file format of Skencil (originally named Sketch), a free vector graphics editor for Linux created by Bernhard Herzog, with the first public release on October 31, 1998. Skencil holds historical significance as one of the earliest full-featured vector drawing applications written almost entirely in Python, with only performance-critical rendering components implemented in C. The SK file format uses a text-based, Python-like syntax to describe document structure — pages, layers, groups, and individual graphic objects are represented as nested statements with parameters specifying coordinates, colors, line styles, and transformations. The format supports Bezier curves, rectangles, ellipses, text objects with font specifications, imported raster images, gradient and pattern fills, and hierarchical grouping with affine transforms. One advantage is human readability — SK files can be opened in any text editor, making it possible to inspect, modify, or generate artwork programmatically using simple scripts. The Python-native structure also provides a benefit for automation: since Skencil itself is a Python application, the file format integrates naturally with scripting workflows for batch processing and procedural graphic generation. While Skencil's development slowed after the mid-2000s, its SK format became the foundation for the sK1 project, which extended the format and continued active open-source vector graphics development. SK files remain convertible through sK1, UniConvertor, and other open-source tools.
Developer: Bernhard Herzog
Initial release: October 31, 1998

Frequently Asked Questions

Why convert EXP to SK?

SK is the Skencil vector format. Converting EXP to SK allows editing embroidery patterns in Skencil and compatible open-source vector editors.

What software opens SK files?

SK files are native to Skencil (formerly Sketch), an open-source vector graphics editor for Linux. Some other editors also import this format.

Does the SK file retain vector paths?

Yes — the stitch geometry from EXP is mapped to vector paths in SK format, maintaining the design structure for further editing.

Can I convert multiple EXP files at once?

Convertio supports batch uploads. Add several EXP files and convert them all to SK in one go for efficient workflow.

Is it free to convert EXP to SK?

Yes, basic conversions are free. Premium plans offer higher limits for heavy or commercial usage requirements.