How to Import Embroidery Files into CorelDRAW

Importing embroidery files into CorelDRAW allows designers to view, scale, and manipulate embroidery artwork alongside standard vector graphics. While CorelDRAW is a vector graphics editor and does not natively read raw stitch machine files like DST, PES, or EXP on its own, you can successfully import them by using integrated embroidery software like Wilcom, converting stitch data into vector formats, or importing stitch preview files. This guide covers the practical methods to bring embroidery design files into CorelDRAW efficiently.

Method 1: Using an Integrated Embroidery Suite (Wilcom)

The most direct way to work with embroidery files in CorelDRAW is through an integrated embroidery solution, such as Wilcom EmbroideryStudio or DecoStudio, which pairs directly with CorelDRAW Graphics Suite.

  1. Open your integrated Wilcom software, which automatically loads the CorelDRAW engine.
  2. Toggle to the Embroidery workspace mode.
  3. Go to File > Open or Import, select your embroidery file (such as .DST, .PES, or .EMB), and click Open.
  4. Switch to the Graphics mode (CorelDRAW workspace) using the mode-switch toolbar button.
  5. The software will automatically convert and display the embroidery layout within CorelDRAW as editable shapes or stitch-rendered objects.

Method 2: Converting Stitch Files to Vector Formats

If you run standalone CorelDRAW without Wilcom integration, you must convert the stitch data into a format CorelDRAW can parse (such as EPS, SVG, or PDF).

  1. Open your embroidery design file in a dedicated viewer or converter program, such as Wilcom TrueSizer, Embrilliance, or your machine’s proprietary software.
  2. Navigate to File > Export or Save As.
  3. Choose a vector-compatible format such as .EPS, .SVG, or .PDF. If vector export is not available, choose Print to PDF.
  4. Launch CorelDRAW and open a new document.
  5. Go to File > Import (or press Ctrl + I).
  6. Locate the converted file, select it, and click Import.
  7. Click anywhere on your workspace to place the design at its original scale.

Method 3: Importing and Tracing Image Previews

If you only possess a raster preview of the embroidery file (such as a PNG or JPG render from your digitizing software), you can import the image and convert it into vector lines using CorelDRAW’s built-in tracing engine.

  1. Open CorelDRAW and create a new project.
  2. Go to File > Import and select your embroidery preview image.
  3. Click the canvas to place the image.
  4. With the image selected, go to the top property bar and click Trace Bitmap.
  5. Select Outline Trace > Clipart (or Detailed Logo).
  6. Adjust the Detail, Smoothing, and Corner smoothness sliders in the PowerTRACE dialog box until the stitch shapes are captured accurately.
  7. Click OK to generate editable vector paths from the embroidery image, then delete the original raster background.