AngelinaMaria

I am thinking of getting a quilt design program and the QE is the one I see mentioned the most often. It seems both QE6 and QE7 are for sale but the QE6 is considerably less expensive (because of QE7's release). Can you tell me about these programs and if 7 is significantly better than 6? Are they very complicated and hard to learn? Any tips or information you could give me would be appreciated. Thanks.

dunster

I think you mean EQ. I have 7, having upgraded from 6, and can't see all that much difference, except in the policy for installing the software. Read the information on installation on the EQ website for details. Also be aware that if you buy a used version of EQ6, you may not be able to install it, or the number of remaining installations may be limited. The other advantage of buying the latest software is that you will be able to upgrade from 7 to 8 at a greatly reduced cost when 8 comes out, and I'm sure it will, but the cost to upgrade from 6 to 8 will be much higher.

jaciqltznok

get EQ7 and take the class at Quilt University!
Easy to learn, fun to play with, (addicting really), great way to design your own stuff and use up your stash!

I EQ and have since 1999!

Grace creates

I heard this program can do a lot, but takes a lot of practice to get the benefits. I don't think it is for me right now

QuiltnLady1

I have had a version of EQ for years -- I have 7. I have a love hate relationship with it. When I can do what I want, I love it, but sometimes it simply can't do what I want to design so I have to go back to my trusty grid paper.

QuiltnNan

I have EQ5 and it does everything I have needed to do. I can't imagine quilting without it. Lots of folks like the EQ7, for sure. The problem with EQ6 is that you are limited to 2 computer installations. Take a look under tutorials. Rhonda has been doing weekly tuts on EQ and includes eq5, 6, and 7. You'll see a little of what is different in the versions.

AliKat

There is a book EQ Simplified for each of the EQ versions. It is the 'dummies' sort of book and makes learning EQ really fun.

As Jciqltzok stated there is always the online classes ... to supplement the tutorials.

One of the members of a quilt group I belong to met a few of us at a local Barnes & Noble. We treated him to coffee and he gave us some quick pointers. We had a grand time together.

ali

Hen3rietta

I've had EQ since EQ4 and now have 7. Version 6 can do most of what 7 does except for photo quilts. So if you are not into translating photos into quilts I'd go for 6. The other issue with 6 is that you have a limited number of installs. After that there is no recourse but to purchase a new program, even if the installs are because of hard drive issues. In fact I didn't see much of a difference between 5 and 6. I still use the *cookbooks* for 5 when trying to work out a thorny design problem with 7. The basic premise is still the same.

My personal suggestion would be that if you are entirely new to CAD (computer assisted design) software, try to find a copy of 5 which should be quite affordable by now and work with it for a while. And pick up the various manuals. They are easier to use than the online help. There is a learning curve and people seem to either love or hate it.

BellaBoo

I have EQ7 and having used every version since EQ3, I can say EQ7 is the best. I love the import and trace feature. It can be simple or complex depending on how much detail you want the program to do for your quilt design. Son in law says it is very similar to the very expensive design software he uses at his job.

Just Me...

I have EQ7. If you do the tutorials that come with it, it takes you through how to use it step by step....love it!