.JEF: Janome Embroidery Format
The native format of Janome embroidery machines since the early 2000s, also used by Elna machines built by Janome.
- Extension
- .jef
- File type
- Stitch (machine) file
- Used by
- Janome, Elna, some Kenmore models made by Janome
- Market
- home
- Thread colors
- Fixed brand palette
- Status
- current
How it works
A JEF file stores a header with the date, the hoop code for which the design was saved, the design extents, and a list of thread colors given as indexes into Janome's thread table. The stitch data uses two-byte relative moves with escape codes for jumps, trims and color changes.
The hoop code matters: some Janome machines refuse or warn about a design that was saved for a hoop larger than the one attached. If a design will not load, check that it fits the hoop and was saved for that hoop size.
Newer Janome machines also read JEF+, an extended variant used by Janome's own software.
What the file stores
- Stitches, jumps and trims
- Janome palette color indexes
- Hoop code
- Design extents
Watch out for
- Design must fit the hoop code saved in the file.
- Colors are limited to Janome's palette.
Machines that read .JEF
- Janome (native format)
- Elna (native format)
Support differs between models and generations, so always confirm in your machine's manual.
Related formats
Need this design in another format? Read converting between formats to learn what survives a conversion.