converting files errors

When converting .emb files in Hatch, sometimes the file exports as two separate files. For example, instead of converting to file.xxx, it will export as file-a.xxx and file-b.xxx

Does anybody know why this happens and what I can do about it?

Hello,
This will happen with some very old file formats like xxx. That file format has a limit of colors, stitches, etc. that it can contain. It's not just one or the other, it's a combination. When this happens the file format is saved to what you see a -a -b. The only thing you can do is to use a different format. Most likely where you are using xxx, your machine can also take a DST.
Having said that, if you have an older machine, it also may have a limit. In this case you would need to use the xxx and stitch the -a first and then the -b.

Kim, thank you for your helpful response! In your opinion, what are the most important/relevant file formats to make available when you are selling your designs online?

Hi. That's a tough one. It really depends on what you customer base is asking for.
For sure:
EMB, if you want them to be able to open and edit the designs.
DST, EXP, PES can be read by almost all the machines.
You will also want to always include a PDF of the print preview from your EMB file so they have your colors and thread selection.
If you start with these and you have multiple requests for others, you can add them.

Janome is another one to consider (JEF) but it can be a hard one because the Janome machines require that you have a Janome hoop set and the design fits within the hoop and is saved to JEF with that hoop.

how do I create a PDF from my print preview? I thought that wasn't possible (I've spent a lot of time creating design worksheets in illustrator because I couldn't figure out how to just use the print preview page).

Hi,
Print preview will print to whatever your default printer is. So if you have your PDF set as your default printer you can print from Print preveiw. However, what I do is once I have my print preview set like it I want it. I go to File Menu > Print Preview. It will bring up the list of your printers. Most Windows will have one PDF printer. You select that and it does not actually "print out" on the printer but it saves a PDF on your computer.