I haven't used any quilting computer programs for designing. I would love to see a forum on this topic, so I can learn from everyone here.

I use EQ6 and Coral Painter-IX. My only complaint with EQ6 is that it's hard to see what the fabrics look like a large quilt as they are reduced so much.

I use EQ6, COrel Draw and Corel Photo for quilt designs. I mainly use EQ6 but Corel Draw comes in handy when I am designing my own fabric to use in a quilt - ie, when I need a fabric that just isn't available, I create it in Corel Draw.... for example, the circuit board fabric used in my 3 Blind Mice quilt (see my profile for a pic).
Using EQ6 allows me to see colors. I was getting ready for a class last year and put the quilt pattern in EQ6 and experimented with fabrics - I was sure glad that I did because my original fabric choices were too LOUD for the quilt. EQ has come a long way from the earlier versions which used to crash for no apparent reasons. It is still not completely what I would call a "windows" program but it is better than before - the upgrade is well worth it. (I've been using EQ since the beginning). As with anything, practice in EQ6 really helps.

I'd love to learn how to design on the computer. Marcia-how the heck were you able to get into the QU class? It's always full when I try. Hubby is the computer geek and the EQ6 is actually his. But if I want to get into designing, I have to learn something.
I think this would be an awesome forum to expand on!
eileenkny

I use EQ 6 for most of my designs.

Ritzy, does anyone in your local quilt guild have EQ6? If so, maybe they would let you come over and try it out. When I upgraded from EQ5, I would sit down every day and do one of the exercises they have in the book, to learn how to use it. Now, I don't use it often, so when I want to do something, I have to get the book out again, but I do love it.

Pat in Rockport, TX

I have EQ4 and find it frustrating most of the time. Has anyone had EQ4 and then upgraded to EQ6 to let me have an opinion on comparisons? I hate to spend the money if I would have problems with the EQ6. ritzy from rainy Indiana (64* in Jan?)!

I'm just learning EQ6 as I go, but having a lot of fun on the way. I used to use graph paper and pencils, but that would get very iritating when I would have to erase or redo everything. I love being able to change lines and colors easily without losing my original design.

I'm currently taking the class on EQ6 on the Quilt University site. I just have to catch up with the second lesson.

I have quilts in my profile that were designed in EQ6 and I am by no means a professional. I love the new free-hand tool and the new text tools. I also love that I can take an embroidery design in Artista D+ 5 and create a PNG file that has a transparent background, and then I can open EQ6 and import the picture and use it on my quilts or on blocks, very cool! I just play with the program a lot, won't break if I push the wrong button and there is always the undo arrow.

Juanita in N. Illinois where it is finally drying out.

I design using Corel Draw. It will do line drawing. It has a grid feature for making block designs. All my Rhapsody designs have been done on this program using the mirror image and rotate functions. Also featured in this program is a Paint/Photo suite. I create paintings and print my own fabrics. I am now working on some spiral applique pieces that I designed in this program. I would love to hear from others that use this program and share the things we do with our toys other than our sewing machines.
Betty Ann often at my computer in Florida.

That could be a really cool forum! I've recently started to learn EQ6. efore that it was pencil and paper for me. I'd love to learn how others plan their quilt designs!

I use EQ5, I've had it for about 3 years now, and am still learning new thing to do with it!

Lissette

I have seen many posts requesting video of Ricky designing in Photoshop in the "All things Rhapsody" forum. I do most of my designing on the computer in Illustrator since it is specifically meant for line drawing. I'm sure others here also have experience with other programs. What do you think?