Embroidery Machine Guide

Embroidery file formats

.VP3 embroidery files (Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff embroidery stitch file)

VP3 is the current stitch file for Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff machines. It stores stitches plus thread details for each color block, and it follows the older HUS and VIP formats. Other brands cannot read it directly.

Extension.VP3
Comes fromHusqvarna Viking and Pfaff
Native onHusqvarna Viking, Pfaff
Stores thread colours?Yes
Editable outlines?No: it is a stitch file (resizing a lot can spoil it)
Machines in our guide that read it1

About .VP3 files

VP3 is the embroidery file used by current Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff machines. It follows the older HUS and VIP formats. The UK National Archives' format registry says VIP replaced HUS after Husqvarna and Pfaff merged in the late 1990s, and VP3 and VP4 came after. Pfaff also has an older format, PCS.

A VP3 file groups stitches into color blocks. Each block can carry an RGB color, a thread brand, a catalog number and a description, so the machine can show real thread names. The file also records the design's size and position for the hoop.

It is still a stitch file, not an outline file. mySewnet software lists .vp4 as the preferred format for saving embroideries because it keeps the separate parts of multipart designs, and .edo as its own editable outline format.

Other brands cannot read VP3 directly. Brother lists .pes, .phc and .dst. To use a VP3 design on another machine, convert it with software that reads VP3, such as mySewnet, Embrilliance Essentials or Ink/Stitch.

How to convert .VP3 files

  • If a design pack offers a choice, take VP3 for current Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff machines. Use HUS, VIP or PCS only for older models, after checking the manual.
  • mySewnet reads and writes VP3, VP4, VIP, HUS, DST, EXP, JEF, PES and XXX, among others.
  • Embrilliance Essentials and Ink/Stitch can read and write VP3, which lets you move designs to and from other brands.
  • Keep an editable master file (such as EMB or mySewnet's .edo) and export VP3 from it, rather than converting from another machine format.

Machines that read .VP3 files

Singer

Frequently asked questions

Which machines use VP3 files?

Current Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff machines. Older Viking machines use HUS or VIP, and some older Pfaff machines use PCS, so check your manual.

What is the difference between VP3, VIP and HUS?

They are successive Husqvarna and Pfaff stitch formats. HUS came first, VIP replaced it after the Husqvarna and Pfaff merger, and VP3 and VP4 followed.

Does VP3 keep thread colors?

Yes. Each color block can store an RGB color, a thread brand, a catalog number and a description.

Can I use a VP3 file on a Brother or Janome machine?

Not directly. Brother lists .pes, .phc and .dst. Convert VP3 to PES or JEF with software that reads VP3 and writes the format you need, such as Embrilliance Essentials or mySewnet.

Other formats

Sources