.PHX embroidery files (Brother newer-generation embroidery file)
PHX is a newer Brother format. Brother's help page says only a short list of machines and PE-Design 11 recognize it. Embrilliance Essentials can read PHX but not save it, so older machines need a PES copy.
| Extension | .PHX |
|---|---|
| Comes from | Brother |
| Native on | Brother, Baby Lock |
| Stores thread colours? | Yes |
| Editable outlines? | No: it is a stitch file (resizing a lot can spoil it) |
| Machines in our guide that read it | 7 |
About .PHX files
PHX is a Brother format for its newer machines and for its PE-Design 11 software. Brother's help page lists .phx as both an import and an export format, and says it is exclusive to the EV1, EV1-LE, Luminaire (XP1, XP2, XP3), SDX325 and SDX330 machines and to PE-Design 11. Brother's Innov-is XP1 page lists it among the six file types that machine accepts, with .pes, .pha, .phb, .phc and .dst.
Our own machine pages also show PHX for the Baby Lock Array and the Brother Stellaire XE2, which are not on that Brother list, so the list may have grown with newer models. Check your own manual.
We found no public description of what is inside a PHX file. Outside Brother's software, Embrilliance Essentials can read PHX but cannot write it, and Ink/Stitch's format table does not list it.
The practical rule is simple. Keep PHX for the machines Brother names. For any other machine, use a PES copy. Open the PHX in Embrilliance Essentials and save it as PES, or export PES again from PE-Design 11.
How to convert .PHX files
- When you have a choice, take PES unless your machine lists PHX. PES is read by far more machines and programs.
- To use a PHX on an older machine, open it in Embrilliance Essentials, which reads PHX, and save it as PES. Check the colors and size afterward.
- Brother's page says PHX is recognized only by the machines and software it names. Do not send PHX files to other brands.
- Save to the root of a FAT32 USB stick with a plain file name, as Brother's XP1 page advises.
Machines that read .PHX files
Brother
- Brother Stellaire XE1 (embroidery only, 9.5 × 14 in field)
- Brother Luminaire XP3 (sewing and embroidery, 10.7 × 16.1 in field)
- Brother Stellaire XJ1 (sewing and embroidery, 9.5 × 14 in field)
- Brother PR1060W (multi-needle, 14 × 8 in field)
- Brother Stellaire XE2 (embroidery only, 9.5 × 14 in field)
Baby Lock
- Baby Lock Array (multi-needle, 12 × 8 in field)
- Baby Lock Venture (multi-needle, 14 × 8 in field)
Frequently asked questions
Which machines read PHX files?
Brother's help page names the EV1, EV1-LE, Luminaire (XP1, XP2, XP3), SDX325 and SDX330, plus PE-Design 11. Our pages also show it on the Baby Lock Array and Brother Stellaire XE2, so check your manual.
Can I use a PHX file on an older Brother machine?
Probably not. Brother says PHX is exclusive to the machines and software it lists. Convert the design to PES first.
Can I convert a PHX file to PES?
Yes. Embrilliance Essentials reads PHX and writes PES, so open the file and save a copy. Check the colors and size on the preview afterward.
What software can save PHX?
Brother lists PHX as an import and export format for the machines and PE-Design 11 it names. Embrilliance Essentials can open PHX but not save it, and Ink/Stitch does not list it.