What happens to your PCS file
Every needle point lands in the same place in the PEC file as in the PCS file, and Hoopbench reads the new file back to prove it before you save it. The details below are what actually changes between these two formats.
| Stitch positions | Identical, to 0.1 mm |
|---|---|
| Colour stops | Same number, same order |
| Thread colours | Matched to the Brother chart |
| Size and density | Unchanged |
Thread colours
PCS stores real colours, and PEC needs a thread from a fixed chart. Each colour moves to the nearest in the Brother chart, so close shades can land on the same or a slightly different thread.
Long moves
PCS stores absolute positions, while PEC moves up to 204.7 mm per record. Longer moves are split into a chain of jumps.
Trims
PEC marks moves with a trim flag, so each trimmed move carries across. Brother machines cut on these moves, depending on the machine's own settings.
Before you stitch
- Open the .pcs file above and watch it sew, so you know the file is sound and in the order you expect.
- Choose your hoop under Hoop fit. The check uses the design's real size, not the file's header.
- Download the .pec file, and stitch a test piece on matching fabric and stabiliser.
Converting doesn't resize a design or change its density. If a design needs to be much bigger or smaller, use digitising software, as stretching stitches without recalculating them can leave gaps or heavy spots.
About PCS
PCS is an older Pfaff format. Unlike most formats, it stores the absolute position of each stitch, in units of 0.06 mm rather than the usual 0.1 mm.
Trims. Rounding to 0.1 mm can also move a stitch by a tiny fraction of a millimetre when you convert away from it.
About PEC
PEC is the machine section of a PES file on its own. It holds stitches, a list of slots in the 64 colour Brother chart, and small black and white thumbnails for the machine screen.
The PEC file is for tools that use the Brother machine data on its own. Tools that ask for PEC by name. Otherwise choose PES.
Most people want PES rather than PEC, unless a specific tool asks for PEC.