How to extract text from your EXP file
- Click the "Select File" button above, and choose your EXP file.
- You’ll see a preview, if available.
- Click the "Convert file to..." button to extract text information.
Convert EXP to another file type
To convert your EXP file to another format, you need Microsoft Visual Studio or other Data software.
- EXP to PDF
- EXP to LOG
- EXP to JPG
- EXP to SVG
- EXP to PNG
- EXP to OBJ
- EXP to FBX
- EXP to DAE
- EXP to 3DS
- EXP to MAX
- EXP to BLEND
- EXP to MA
Convert a file to EXP
To convert other file formats to the "Export File" file type, you need software like Microsoft Visual Studio or a similar tool.
- DWG to EXP
- DAE to EXP
- X3D to EXP
- IGES to EXP
- WRL to EXP
- JT to EXP
- SKP to EXP
- 3DS to EXP
- 3DM to EXP
- OBJ to EXP
- STEP to EXP
- FBX to EXP
About EXP files
The .EXP file extension is a generic label used by various software applications to denote an "Export" file, resulting in significant ambiguity.
Common Variations
- Developer Symbols File: Traditionally, this is generated by Microsoft Visual Studio or Borland C++. It stores information about exported functions and data items, essential for linking an executable program to a Dynamic Link Library (DLL). These are strictly technical binary files.
- Embroidery Design: High-end embroidery machines like Melco and Bernina use .EXP files to store vector-based stitch patterns. Unlike consumer formats, these may lack color information, relying on the machine operator to set threads.
- Medical & Industrial Data: A large portion of .EXP files are proprietary exports from niche software like Millewin (medical records), Sogei (health data), or Investronica (apparel CAD).
The Problem: Proprietary Lock-in
Because .EXP is a "catch-all" extension, users often face compatibility errors. A SonicWall configuration export cannot be opened in embroidery software, and a Visual Studio symbol file is unreadable to a text editor. Most of these files require specific, often expensive, licensed software to view or edit. They are frequently binary-encoded, meaning opening them in a standard editor reveals gibberish.
Best Conversion Targets
- For Archiving & Viewing: If your file contains medical or configuration data, converting to PDF or CSV renders the data human-readable without needing the original proprietary software.
- For Embroidery: Convert .EXP designs to DST (Tajima) or PES (Brother) to ensure compatibility with a wider range of sewing machines.
- For Development: Developer files are rarely converted but can be inspected as TXT to view header information.
Convert.Guru analyzes your EXP file, detects the exact format, and lets you read the text inside.
Users also converted HUS, EXP64, CND, WXP, VP3, ART80, DST, LIB, EMB, PDF, XPS, PES and BMP files.
The EXP Converter Story
The history of Convert.Guru began over 25 years ago in California with Tom Simondi’s file-format database. A former contributor to Space Shuttle development and a software pioneer of the 1980s, Simondi established a trusted resource for file type analysis that was even referenced by Microsoft Windows XP. Today, we use modern technology to process and convert thousands of file formats while continually improving our EXP converter.