.JEF file format
JEF embroidery files
Janome and Elna embroidery format
JEF is Janome's home embroidery format, also used by Elna and by Kenmore machines built by Janome. Like PES it stores thread colours as Janome palette colours, so the machine shows sensible colours on screen, and its header records a hoop code that Janome machines and software use to suggest the right hoop; StitchMyPic sets it from the design size. Each move is limited to 12.7 mm, and longer moves are split automatically.
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Machine files:.PES.DST.JEF.EXP
JEF at a glance
| Created by | Janome |
|---|---|
| Read by | Janome, Elna, Kenmore (Janome-built) |
| Thread colours stored | Yes, as entries in the Janome thread palette |
| Stitch precision | 0.1 mm |
| Longest single move | 12.7 mm; longer moves are split automatically |
| Also in the file | Hoop code that suggests the hoop to use |
What the JEF format stores
A JEF file has a header followed by the stitches. The header records the number of colours and stitches, the design's extents, a hoop code, and the thread colours as indexes into Janome's palette. Each stitch is a move stored as a signed byte per direction, in 0.1 mm units, with special codes for jumps, trims and colour changes.
As with every machine format, the file holds stitches, not shapes, so it's the end of the line: to change the design, go back to the source.
Limits of the JEF format
- 12.7 mm per move. Longer moves are split into jumps; the design size is limited by the hoop, not the file.
- Colours are palette entries. The screen shows the nearest Janome thread, a guide rather than an exact match.
- Folder rules on some models. Several Janome machines only list JEF files inside the folder they create on the USB stick.
- Resizing stretches stitches. Re-export at the new size rather than scaling by more than 10–20%.
Machines that read JEF
These brands read JEF files. Open a brand to see its hoop sizes and how to transfer the design.
Tips for converting a picture to JEF
- Size the design for your Janome hoop (SQ14, RE20, SQ20 …) with 5–10 mm of clearance.
- If a Janome doesn't list your file, save any built-in design to the stick from the machine and copy the JEF into the folder it made.
- Keep capitals at least 6 mm tall; on towels and fleece, go larger.
- Use JEF rather than DST on a Janome to keep the on-screen colours.
Convert to JEF from
JEF questions
Do Janome machines read DST as well?
Yes, Janome machines also read DST. You lose the colour information, though, so JEF is the better choice whenever your machine supports it.
Can I sew a JEF in a larger hoop than the one it suggests?
Yes. The hoop code is a suggestion based on the design size; any hoop whose sewing field fits the design with a margin works. A smaller hoop holds the fabric tighter, though, so pick the smallest one that fits.