What happens to your VP3 file
Every needle point lands in the same place in the XXX file as in the VP3 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 | Carried exactly |
| Size and density | Unchanged |
Thread colours
VP3 and XXX both store real colour values, so colours carry across exactly. XXX cannot hold thread names, so those stay behind.
Long moves
XXX moves at most 12.3 mm per record, against 12.7 mm in VP3. Longer moves are split into a chain of jumps, and a stitch longer than 12.3 mm becomes jumps followed by one stitch. Every needle point stays in the same place.
Trims
XXX has a real trim command, so cuts carry across as cuts.
Before you stitch
- Open the .vp3 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 .xxx 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 VP3
VP3 is the shared format for current Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff machines. Each colour block stores its own start point and a full thread record, including the colour, catalogue number and description.
Separate jump records. VP3 travels in long moves, so a jump reads back as a long move and a fresh needle down.
About XXX
XXX is the Singer format. It has a 256 byte header, then stitch records, then a table of real colours after the end marker.
The XXX file is for Singer machines and the software that shipped with them. Singer machines that read XXX.
Singer home machines have long, narrow hoops on several models, so check both the width and height.