Files with the .DST extension contain source code for sewing and embroidery machines, including operating instructions – when the needle should stop, skip, and pierce the material. These files utilize the Tajma CAM standard, which stands for computer automated manufacturing.

DST files are commonly used by software for designing machine-made embroidery, as well as by sewing machines themselves. The relevant software transforms an uploaded vector graphic into a list of instructions for the machine to follow – it can also often transform other forms of images into vector graphics for the purposes of converting them into embroidery projects.