Upgrade from EQ Mini to EQ8
Upgrade from EQ Mini to EQ8
For EQ Mini owners only! This product is the same full-featured software as Electric Quilt 8 (EQ8), but offered at a reduced price for registered owners of EQ Mini. We are reducing the price of EQ8 by $89.95, the MSRP of EQ Mini. In order to be eligible for this discount, strictly available on this website, your EQ Mini license must be verified. To purchase, please enter your EQ Mini License ID and License Password below and click Verify My License to continue. Your EQ Mini License ID and License Password can be found in your account on ElectricQuilt.com. If you need assistance verifying your EQ7 license ID, contact technical support.
I own a previous version of EQ. How do I upgrade to EQ8?
If you own EQ7, you can purchase the Upgrade from EQ7 to EQ8.If you own EQ Mini, you can purchase the Upgrade from EQ Mini to EQ8.
Own older versions of EQ software? Contact us and ask about special pricing.
Choose a product before verifying your license:
$150.00
Details
Details
Allow us to introduce you to…
The most user-friendly quilt design software on the market.
In Electric Quilt 8, you can…
Design quilts at any size!
Start with a layout from the library, or choose a pre-designed Quick Quilt project for instant inspiration. For complete control, design your layout from scratch! Choose any layout style—from traditional, to modern, to a completely custom design. Adjust your layout settings to make your quilt exactly as you like.
Create custom-designed layouts and borders too!
Favorite Feature: Quick Quilt t-shirt project and more!
Draw blocks of all sizes and styles!
EQ8 has full drawing capabilities to create any kind of block. Draft your block from scratch, use the built-in grids or import a photo or sketch to trace.
The Block Library is full of over 6,700 pre-drawn designs ready for you to use in your quilt designs. Use these blocks as they are, or edit them to add your own touch. Use existing blocks to create completely new ones with the Serendipity feature!
Favorite Feature: Applique shape presets!
Scan and import fabric
Scan your fabric or take a picture of it, then import the image into EQ8. Use the scaling, straightening and cropping tools to make sure your fabric looks as accurate as possible.
You can also add fabrics from the web! Download fabric images from a website, then import into EQ8.
The EQ8 Fabric Library comes pre-loaded with 6,200 fabrics from top manufacturers!
Favorite Feature: Fabric scaling and straightening tools!
Calculate yardage
Get yardage estimates for your quilt, including borders! You choose the appropriate fabric width to get the most accurate requirements. Using fat quarters? No problem! If you make changes to your quilt, your yardage automatically updates. No math involved! Printouts include the fabric name and SKU.
Favorite Feature: Print fat quarter estimates!
Print your blocks!
Print what you need to sew the blocks in your quilt. EQ uses the sizes you defined for the blocks and adds the seam allowance, where necessary. Choose to print templates, foundation patterns, rotary cutting charts and pictures of your blocks and quilts.
Favorite Feature: Print foundation patterns in color!
Export images
Are you submitting your quilt design to a magazine? EQ8 exports high-resolution images perfect for print publications.
Export web images to post on your blog, website or on social media. Link your Facebook account to EQ8 so you can easily share images of your designs with your friends and followers.
Favorite Feature: Share quilt designs to Facebook!
Features
Features
EQ8 New Features
Check out the list of new and enhanced features of EQ8. Click an image to see a larger view, or to watch a video. (Note: Videos do not contain audio.) Click here for a printable version >
Updated User InterfaceThe user interface has been redesigned for faster learning and more complete designing. Its friendly new look introduces large interface elements, customizable workspace, help tips, and guided designing—creating the most intuitive version yet! |
Home Screen to Get You StartedThe Home Screen is a convenient way to perform commonly used actions quickly and easily. It’s perfect for directing users to the worktable and tools they need for their project. |
Customize the Start-up ProjectEQ8 comes with blocks, fabrics and threads pre-loaded in every new project. It’s quick and easy to delete all of these designs and create your own start-up project, with or without any blocks, fabrics or threads using the Save Palette as Default feature. Make every new project the way YOU want it! |
Quick Quilt T-Shirt Quilt Project, and More!EQ8 comes with 11 new Quick Quilt projects with 75 quilts, including quilt labels, t-shirt quilts, table runners, traditional and modern. Use these projects just as they are, make adjustments to block settings and colors, or simply use them as inspiration for your own project. |
Fabric PreviewThe detachable Fabric Preview window lets you customize your workspace to display the selected fabric swatch in its own window – in any size. This is perfect for viewing the print of the fabric in a larger scale. |
Applique Patchmaker ToolsCreate stars, posies and quilting stencils with simple-to-use controls. No drawing involved! These new applique tools make creating these shapes easy and fun! |
Interactive WreathMakerWatch your wreath come alive with the interactive preview added to the all-time favorite tool: WreathMaker. This preview takes the guessing game out of creating beautiful wreath designs. |
Import Fabric: Straighten, Scale and CropWant to use your own fabric in your EQ design? Take a photo of your fabric with your camera, or scan it with a scanner. Use the Straighten and Scale Fabric tools to ensure your fabric looks just the same on-screen as it will in your actual quilt. Straighten, scale and crop to the repeat! |
See the Quilt’s Block Size Right on the ScreenNot sure of the dimensions of your border? Want to know the size of your block, motif or stencil before printing? Simply click on any block to display its size from the quilt. |
PolyDraw Grids – No More Sticky Blue Line!EQ7 users…you know what we’re talking about! Now, when you choose to draw a pieced block with the PolyDraw tools, you simply double-click to start and end a patch drawing. This makes using this drawing style so much easier…and fun! |
New Frame Options for SerendipitySeveral new on-point frame options are now included in the Serendipity Frame Block feature. These new options can create amazing designs quickly! |
Enhancements to the Project SketchbookResize the Project Sketchbook larger or smaller. See the notecard information of every design without having to open every notecard. The block sizes and quilt sizes are always available here too! |
Copyright-Free Blocks Galore!The libraries have been updated and enhanced! The Block Library has been freshened up with newly colored favorites and over 1,500 completely new blocks! All blocks are copyright free and can be used in your projects. (EQ8 library patterns cannot be resold as patterns. Read more about copyright.) |
Thousands of Fabrics at Your FingertipsOver 6,200 new fabrics have been carefully scanned, cropped and imported into the Fabric Library for you. Each fabric is marked with the line, designer and manufacturer name, as well as the SKU number. |
New and Fresh Photos in the Photo LibraryThe EQ8 Photo Library has 181 new photos to experiment with! Use these photos for your next photo quilt project, or simply for inspiration. |
Improved Template PatternsA new “mirror” option is perfect for fusible applique designs and text templates. Use the improved rotation option in Print Preview to adjust the rotation in 30 degree increments instead of 90 degrees. |
Yardage EstimatesEQ8 provides yardage estimates based on several different yardage widths and now on fat quarters too! See the fabric SKU number right on the yardage printout. |
Colored Foundation PatternsNew color-filled foundation patterns eliminates all confusion as to which fabric comes next when you sew by number. Print foundations in color, grayscale or no color at all! |
Enhanced Display in Rotary Cutting ChartsThe visual display of the cuttable piece of fabric has been enhanced. The print dialog now includes the option to calculate actual sizes, without rounding, to aid in selection of block size and final accuracy of the pattern. |
Edit Blocks and Photos from the PalettesAs you work on a quilt design, you might decide that you want to make a small edit to a block. Maybe add another seam line, or another leaf to the stem of a flower. Simply select it in the Blocks palette and choose Edit Block. This will put the block right on the Block worktable so you can edit right away. You can do the same with the Photo palette too! |
Edit Design Name from the Print DialogOoops! You’re ready to print your block, but you realize you didn’t give it a name! No one wants an Unnamed printout. Now you can add a name to your block or quilt directly from the print dialog. Easy peasy! |
Quilt First, Then BordersDesign your quilt’s center layout, then choose to preview the center while you add borders. Previewing your completed quilt center while adding borders helps with alignment and style choices. |
Design and Print Quilt Labels Right in EQ8Design your quilt label on the Quilt Worktable using any of the design tools and the Applique Text tool. Once you’re finished, add your label to the Sketchbook as a photo! This puts a printable version of your label in the Photos section of your Sketchbook so you can print it from the Image Worktable’s Photo Layout. |
EasyDraw is Even BetterIt’s the enhancement you’ve been asking for! As you continue to add and remove lines and arcs to an existing EasyDraw block drawing, EQ8 preserves the existing coloring as you go. You will love it! |
Easy Access to the Library From Every WorktableMake your workflow more efficient by opening the library for blocks, fabrics, photos or embroidery right from the worktable, right when you need it. Don’t have exactly what you need in your palette? Click the Open Library button directly in the palette! |
Edit Designs Directly From the LibraryDid you find a design you like in the Library? Click the Edit to Worktable button to work on this design right away. Clicking this button automatically adds this design to your Project Sketchbook AND puts it on the worktable ready to be edited. There’s no need to locate it in your Sketchbook first. This feature is available in the Block Library, Layout Library and Photo Library. |
Hide Patch Outlines in QuiltThis new tool makes easy one-click access for toggling on and off the outlines for blocks and patches, resulting in more realistic-looking quilts on the computer screen. |
Easier Custom Quilt Design ToolsDesigning custom quilts is so much easier with the palette controls right at your fingertips. Let the block size and position snap right into place using the Adjust tool and the grid settings. |
Turn Quilt Layers On and Off While DesigningIf you’re designing on all 3 layers of the quilt, the other layers can be distracting. Use the Eye icons to hide layers 2 and 3 while making edits to Layer 1. See a washed out preview of Layer 1 while designing on Layers 2 and 3 so you can still get perfect placement of your motifs and stencils. |
Preserve Aspect RatioResizing blocks on Layers 2 and 3 and Layer 1 of Custom Quilts is effortless when this option is checked. Type a new width and let the height auto adjust to keep the proportions intact. Or, manually resize the block with the Adjust tool by dragging a corner larger or smaller. Both the width and height will adjust proportionally. |
Customizable InterfaceChoose from large, labeled tools, or small tools. Tips in the palette can be visible, or hidden. Palettes can dock on the right or left side of the screen and expanded larger to view more items at a time. Use the Preferences dialog to see all the customizing capabilities. |
No More Hidden ToolsAll tools are visible and larger on your workspace for quick access—no tools are hidden in menus! The tools are labeled to help familiarize you with each tool for faster learning. |
Worktable RibbonThe new worktable ribbon includes helpful tabs and illustrated icons to help you make the best choices for your design. See a sample of every layout and border style before you make your selection! |
Zoom In and Zoom OutUse the CTRL key and your mouse’s scroll wheel to zoom in and out on the worktable. (Mac users use Command instead of CTRL.) |
Export Images for Print, Web and FacebookAre you submitting your quilt design to a magazine? EQ8 exports high-resolution images perfect for print publications. Export web images to post on your blog, website or on social media. Let your quilt designs shine on social media by sharing directly to your Facebook page. Your friends will love seeing what you’re designing in EQ8! |
Help Tips in the SoftwareBuilt-in tips for every tool appear in the palettes along with “Read More” buttons for more extensive help. Use these tips to help you learn your software quickly! |
Additional Features and Enhancements
- Library dialogs now have a Select All button for selecting all the items in a style at once.
- The name of the selected design displays in the library dialog.
- The Color palette has been improved and reorganized.
- The block colorings now stack by 2 instead of 10.
- The opacity of Layer 1 was increased to see more of the Layer 1 content when using the Eye icons to hide and show layers.
- Quilts in the Sketchbook display better and draw more quickly.
- The default grid on the Quilt Worktable snaps to 1/2 inch.
- The quilt grid snap settings are turned on by default.
- Can now export images at 72 DPI, along with 75, 150, 300 and 600 DPI.
- Improved update system to keep your software up-to-date.
- When you print a block from the Block Worktable, the print dialog automatically sets the block size to the size in which the block was drawn.
Additional features and improvements have been added in free updates since EQ8's original release.
View the complete list >
Watch a Demo
Watch a Demo
Watch a Demo
See EQ8 in action in this demo! Electric Quilt 8 Quilt Design Software is the most user-friendly quilt design software on the market. Imagine what you could design with EQ8!Want to see more? Watch how you go from designing a quilt in EQ8 to sewing it!
For additional videos, check out our YouTube Channel and Support Website.
FAQ
FAQ
FAQ: Before Purchasing
What is the difference between the License Card and the Download?
Both options are downloads, however the license card is shipped to the customer while the "download" option is delivered at the time of purchase. The license card is a box containing a Quick Start Guide (48 page booklet) and a License ID and Password. Once the customer has the license card, he/she will claim the download on ElectricQuilt.com before installing. If you're purchasing EQ8 for yourself from our website, we recommend getting the download. The Quick Start Guide is available as a free PDF if you would like it. If you're purchasing as a gift, the license card is the perfect option.If I purchase the download, can I only download it 1 time?
No. Once you purchase EQ8, whether as a download or the license card, the download and your License ID and Password will always be available in your ElectricQuilt.com account.Are the books available as eBooks?
No, the books are only available as a printed books. The EQ8 Reference Manual, however, is available as a free PDF for EQ8 owners. You can find it in the Help menu of EQ8.How much is shipping?
You will find our shipping costs to be high. We apologize. We wish we could offer free shipping like Amazon, but we simply can’t compete. We encourage you to check your local quilt shop for our products to save on shipping.Is there a discount if I'm an owner of EQ Mini software?
Yes. EQ Mini owners can upgrade to EQ8 for $150.00. Get it now >Is there a discount if I'm an owner of older EQ software?
Yes. Contact us and ask for special pricing.FAQ: Installation, Activation, Requirements and Compatibility
On how many computers can I install EQ8?
EQ8 can be installed on as many computers as you need, but can only be active on 2 computers at a time. If you have it installed on 3 computers, for example, you will need to deactivate 1 computer to activate it on another.I only have 1 computer. Can I let my friend use the 2nd activation?
No. EQ8 is licensed to a single user. Sharing your license ID with someone is breaking the license agreement and is the same as stealing. Each user must purchase their own personal license of the software. Read more about software piracy >Do I have to be connected to the internet to use EQ8?
No. An internet connection is required for: downloading, activating, periodic validation and accessing the support materials. Once you have EQ8 installed and activated, you are free to use it disconnected from the internet for up to 60 days. You will receive a warning message when you have 45 days left to reconnect to the internet so our server can validate your license. If your computer is always connected to the internet, you may never know validation is happening. Validation happens silently in the background once you establish a good connection to the internet and open EQ8. It is possible that a firewall or anti-virus could block this connection.Do I have to install previous versions (EQ7 or earlier) before installing the Upgrade to EQ8?
No. The Upgrade to EQ8 will install the full software onto your computer, completely separate from any previous versions. You do not need to have any other versions installed, but if you do, the Upgrade will not overwrite them.I have a Mac and a Windows computer. Can I use EQ8 on both platforms?
Yes, but you have to purchase the Migration Kit first. For only $24.95, the Migration Kit will give you the installation files for the second platform. You will use the same License ID and Password. EQ8 Migration Kit >Can I open other EQ project files in EQ8?
Yes. You can open project files from previous versions of EQ software in EQ8. You cannot, however, open EQ8 project files in previous EQ versions.Can I sell my EQ7 now that I have upgraded to EQ8?
No. If you purchased the Upgrade to EQ8, your EQ7 license has now been upgraded and tied to your EQ8 license. You can uninstall your EQ7, but you must keep a record of your EQ7 and EQ8 License IDs and License Passwords for future installations.Will EQ8 run on my tablet?
EQ8 is compatible only with tablets running Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10. It is not compatible with iOS (iPads), Android tablets, or tablets running Windows RT.FAQ: EQ8 and EQStitch
I own EQStitch. Do I need to Upgrade?
Going forward, EQStitch will be a separate program from EQ8. You should not uninstall EQStitch. Continue to use EQStitch for your embroidery needs. If you want to Upgrade to EQ8, you certainly can. EQ8 will run independently and separately from EQStitch.Will there be an EQStitch for EQ8?
There are no plans to update EQStitch to include the new enhancements and features of EQ8.FAQ: Previous EQ Projects, Books and Add-ons
Can I open my current EQ project files (PJ7, P7E, PJ6, etc.) in EQ8?
Absolutely. Your project files from previous versions of EQ software can be opened in EQ8. You will need to save them as EQ8 projects once they are in EQ8. You can find complete steps on our Support Site.Will my EQ7 lesson books work for EQ8?
Yes and no. Because these books are written step-by-step and highly illustrated, it’s the illustrations in the EQ7 books that will make following the steps a bit confusing. EQ8 has a completely new interface and is easy to follow on the screen. If you already own these books, then rely on the words of the book and not the illustrations. You should be able to create the quilts and draw the blocks by following the words. If you don’t own these books, don’t buy them. Wait for the new companion books for EQ8.Will all my add-ons work with EQ8?
Yes. Any add-on purchases you made for EQ7 or earlier should link to your EQ8 software. Read more >How do I add more to my EQ8?
ElectricQuilt.com has hundreds of add-on products that are full-compatible with EQ8. Download and install new block or fabric libraries, or get more project files designed by your favorite designer. Shop add-ons >System Requirements
System Requirements
System Requirements
EQ8 will not run on Chromebooks, iPads, or any other devices running Android or iOS. EQ8 will not install on computers in S mode. (Read about switching out of S mode.)
EQ8 requires Windows or macOS operating systems, as listed below.
If you have questions about EQ8's compatibility with your device, contact us.
Windows
Recommended | Minimum | |
---|---|---|
Processor | Intel i5 or higher, or AMD Ryzen series. | Intel i3, or AMD dual-core. |
Operating system | Windows 11, or Windows 10 | Windows 8.1, or Windows 7 with Service Pack 1 |
RAM | 16 GB or more | 6GB |
Monitor resolution | 1920 x 1080 at 100% UI scaling | 1366 x 768 at 100% UI scaling |
Hard disk space | 850 MB of available hard-disk space; additional free space required during installation | |
Internet | Internet access required for downloading, activating, periodic validation, and accessing the support materials. You can be disconnected from the internet for general use of the software. |
Click here for directions on how to check the specifications on your PC.
macOS
Recommended | Minimum | |
---|---|---|
Processor | Intel and M series processors | |
Operating system | macOS Sequoia (15), macOS Sonoma (14), macOS Ventura (13), macOS Monterey (12), or macOS Big Sur (11) | macOS Catalina (10.15), macOS Mojave (10.14), or macOS High Sierra (10.13) |
RAM | 16 GB or more | 6GB |
Monitor resolution | 1920 x 1080 at 100% UI scaling | 1366 x 768 at 100% UI scaling |
Hard disk space | 850 MB of available hard-disk space; additional free space required during installation | |
Internet | Internet access required for downloading, activating, periodic validation, and accessing the support materials. You can be disconnected from the internet for general use of the software. |
To find the specifications of your Mac, find the serial number printed on the underside of your Mac, then enter that serial number on the Apple Tech Specs page.
If you want to run EQ8 on BOTH platforms, you must purchase the EQ8 Migration Kit to get the installation files for the second platform.
Activation
Unlimited installations. Two (2) computers may be simultaneously active. Activations can be easily transferred between computers. Read more about activations on our Support Site.
Book Translations
Book Translations
EQ8 software has not been translated into other languages, but the EQ8 Lessons for Beginners and the EQ8 Reference Manual have been translated. Please visit those pages for more details.
See translations for the EQ8 Lessons for Beginners book >See translations for the EQ8 Reference Manual >
Related Products
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Reviews
Reviews
27 Reviews
Leave a review!
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I use EQ8 for all the quilts I create. Besides my sewing machine it is my #1 tool I use for making quilts. I have been so fortunate and one of the big reasons is because of EQ8. I am an Island Batik and Suite B designer and I am so thankful to have EQ8 to use. I can import my Signature and Original Collection fabrics into EQ8 and design away. I see instantly how they will look without going to all the trouble of cutting fabric and then realizing it was not the right choice of fabric. It saves time, money, and is a tool that is a must have for anyone who desires to create, play, and design their own quilts. I LOVE MY EQ8!!!!
An idea is just an idea until it goes into EQ8, and that’s when the magic starts. I fall down a designer’s rabbit hole in EQ pretty often—in the best way! The features of EQ8 generate new ideas, possibilities and iterations and the result is many amazing options from one small start. If you’re new to quilt design, EQ is absolutely the best place to begin. It’s easy to learn but you will never outgrow it! I recommend EQ8 without hesitation to anyone who is interested in taking their quilts and their journey in quiltmaking to the next level.
I upgraded to the EQ8 (I’m using Mac versions only) when it came out and I purchased the books that accompany it but didn’t really go thru them. I sold my house last month and am living with a friend ’till the new place is available next month so I have plenty of time and thought I’d spend part of it starting the EQ8 Lessons for Beginners and boy, oh, boy am I glad I did. I’m only in Lesson 3 and already I’ve learned a lot and better understand how the program works.
The lessons are very well written. Details are very well noted. The application behaves exactly how it says it will in the lesson and is easier to use. And the new version, EQ8, is so much easier to use than. 7. The prompts are easier too read. There’s a level of intuitiveness that 7 did not have. I love that fact that there’s a place to put blocks I create that will carry over from quilt to quilt, My Favorite Bocks.
All in all, you’ve hit a home run as far as I’m concerned. EQ8 is quickly becoming a joy to use. And thank you, thank you, thank you for making a Mac version this good.
Kudos to everyone and thank you again.
I have been using EQ 7 for about 8 years now and love it!!! I can’t imagine doing what I do without it. But I will admit, I have been hesitant to upgrade to the new EQ8 because I assumed there would be that whole learning curve time of figuring out a new program. Well, I can say now, I totally should not have hesitated because I finally switched over to EQ8 and it is so awesome!!!! I love the new Fabric Library in EQ8!!! Like my favorite Moda Grunge, and Kona Cottons, and Bella Solids and the list goes on. And that whole learning curve I was worried about, silly of me. EQ8 kept the same basic structure of program, they just made it more user friendly. So you can design the same way you did in EQ7, but now the buttons are easier to find and flow with more sense. And what I really love, when I find something new in this program that I have no clue about there are Tips with explanations right below it to explain the new feature to me. So smart!!! So ya, in summary, so glad I made the switch and looking forward to lots more designing!!!
All design software makers should look at EQ8 as a model for how to create a great website and application. Your user interface is so easy, bright and fresh looking. You’ve divided various functions into tabs so there’s not a lot of screen clutter. I really appreciate all the work and attention to detail that’s in every version of EQ, and getting better with each update.
I went back to the website this evening, entered my information, ordered and paid for my upgrade, downloaded EQ8, started it up and had a quick look at what’s new – all in less than an hour! It was such an easy purchase and installation, I am very impressed. I like the quick quilts section, especially the one patch quilts – Hexagons! Lovely.
After raving about my friend’s EQ5, I received EQ8 last Christmas from my husband and have spent many happy hours designing new quilts to sew. It wasn’t until this month that I was actually ready to sew one and ran into trouble printing up foundation papers. Of course I assumed that it was something I was doing wrong but fortunately Mathew at your technical support put me at ease. He immediately identified the problem and walked me through all the necessary steps to solve it – without making me feel incompetent. He even helped me install an update, something I have never done before. Everything is working perfectly right now, my design is ready to sew – once I get two more companion prints for more contrast – and the American Granny in Germany is quite happy.
I absolutely adore my EQ8 and all my add-ons and use it pretty much every single day – so, I wanted to take a moment and thank everyone at The Electric Quilt Company for enhancing my design experience and creating such a quality product – my studio is a happier place because of all of you!! The newsletters, website support, and blog are icing on the cake…
As a Mac user and a designer, I was THRILLED when EQ came out with a version for the MAC. I purchased it as soon as the EQ7 release was out and have been using it since. I have upgraded to EQ8 and I love the interface. Easy to design stunning quilts. Hands down the best quilt design program on the market!
As a person in the technical field for many years, your software is intuitive and simple to use. Great job!
I’ve used EQ software extensively since it’s earliest days for all my books, patterns, and workshop designs. EQ8 introduces a totally new look and format that’s extremely user friendly. I’ve already started my designing my new projects on it. Thank you EQ for the best update ever!
Having used EQ7 for several years, I was excited to see that EQ8 has taken all my favourite features and made them even better. The built-in fabric library is fantastic, with a great range of manufacturers’ basics already included, from Moda to Cotton + Steel. This makes it so much easier to design my quilt patterns, knowing that the fabrics I use will easily match to my stash, or my local quilt store, without needing to download swatches from the manufacturers and upload them myself. Having them organised by collection and also by colour is extremely useful. The new interface is also much more intuitive, so much so that my 8-year old son can easily design his own blocks and quilts!
I love foundation paper piecing design! EQ7 made the process so much easier for me but EQ8 adds features that make the process even more enjoyable. Foundation pattern pieces can be color coded. The foundation sections can be rotated in print preview. Block colorings are undisturbed when a drawing needs to be edited. And when numbering and grouping foundation sections, the window will now accommodate a rectangular block. Lastly, when my quilt top design is mocked up, I can remove the foundation lines from the screen with a single click! I am thrilled with these improvements and look forward to discovering more!
I love EQ8! The updated interface and new features are so intuitive and easy to use. Being a new fabric designer, I love being able to import swatches of fabrics I’m working on so that I can see how they’ll look in upcoming quilt patterns I design!
I adore [EQ8] and I wish I’d purchased it years ago. Compared to other graphic design software, like my Bernina machine embroidery software ($2,500 MSRP), Adobe PhotoShop & DreamWeaver web design software (currently sold on a subscription basis for $600 PER YEAR), or the interior design software I use for my work ($497), EQ8 is an unbelievable value for the gold standard quilt design software on the market at under $200. No more guessing whether I should go with a darker or a lighter shade, or wondering if I have enough value contrast in my fabrics for the piecing pattern to stand out in the finished quilt. I find EQ8 very easy to use, and the new interface with v8 is actually a lot MORE intuitive for new users than EQ7 was. The icons and fonts are bigger and easier to find and the cool design tools that you might forget about are right there on your worktable now where you can see them. Obviously users who are upgrading from a previous version will need to take the time to get acquainted with the new interface, but I can get to what I want now with FEWER clicks, without having to hunt around in drop-down menus, and I find that I’m going to the manual LESS frequently now.
I do have some prior experience with other graphic design software programs (which is why I am so SHOCKED by how little EQ8 costs when it can do so much). There are step-by-step lessons included with EQ8 that you can access right from the drop-down menu. They walk you through what you need to know to get started right away. When I bought this program, I taught myself how to use it just from those lessons and from playing around in the software, trying out different tools to see what they do. The Electric Quilt web site offers books for advanced techniques, add on packages (additional block designs or virtual fabrics to design with) and just a WEALTH of educational resources. They are doing step-by-step tutorials on a regular basis now on their blog, too. I’ve only had to contact EQ Tech Support a couple of times when I wanted to design something really weird and outside the norm, but both times I got a response with a detailed solution within 24 hours. So I am a huge, HUGE fan of EQ8, giving me Niemann Marcus quality products and service at Walmart prices!
By the way, you do not even need to learn everything the software can do in order to get your money’s worth out of it. When you buy EQ8, it comes with 6,779 copyright-free blocks included in the Block Library, organized by type for browsing but you can also search by keyword. So if you type in “Ohio Star,” up pops every version of Ohio Star you can imagine. All you have to do is pick one, type in what size block you want, and then you can choose whether you want to print a rotary cutting chart, foundation paper piecing pattern, or old school templates. This software will pay for itself even if the only thing you ever use it for is printing out block patterns, because you will never have to buy a quilt pattern — or buy a book or a magazine to get the pattern — ever again.
Hello EQ!
I just downloaded EQ8. Wow! I am so impressed with the new look. I’ve loved EQ since version 4 and was honored to attend the first Electric Quilt Academy. I love your program. I teach quilt making and especially like teaching my own EQ designed quilts. Congratulations on EQ8!! You’ve done a great job.
I loved the EQ7 program and felt it was an invaluable tool for my detailed designs, however there were some little quirks I noticed and had a hard time with (like recoloring the whole block again after a very slight line change). Now with EQ8, the glitches I once knew are gone, and the interface is more user friendly than before. EQ8 is allowing me to discover options and tools I couldn’t find quickly within EQ7 which is beyond exciting. Designing my intricate Dog Series blocks and other various upcoming quilts in EQ8 just got a thousand times easier!
(EQ MAC user since 2015)
I just want to say that I am in LOVE with EQ8!!! I’ve been working on custom table runner mock-ups for a repeat Etsy shop customer, and it is so quick and easy! I can design some options and send her jpeg images in just a matter of minutes. It used to take me forever to figure out what I was doing in EQ7, but EQ8 is so much more intuitive. I’m so glad I upgraded!
The tools palette is great, very easy to read and find what you need with the icon and a short description. The tips under the tools is very helpful, especially for new users with a description and how to use the tools on that palette.
Love the new look of the Sketchbook. So clean and easy to see the blocks and quilts. The ability to resize the Sketchbook windows is wonderful.
The new feature that calculates how many fat quarters required to make a quilt in the yardage calculation makes it so easy to use fat quarter collections or even small amounts of fabric in my stash.
Same wonderful program with a fresh new look and some added features. Easier to use and learn.
I am delighted with the advances made in Electric Quilt 8. As an avid applique designer, I was most impressed with the one button ability to reverse templates for printing. No more flipping blocks before printing, or hours of holding my templates to a window for tracing onto fusible. In addition, the drawing tools are smoother and it is so convenient to have all the patch options in one window!
My favorite new feature happens to be the new ways fabric can be viewed. It is amazing how easy and fast it is to color a quilt design now that you can actually see a significant piece of the fabric.
The software is a magical pad of graph paper and colored pencils. What used to take hours of sketching and coloring (again and again) is now accomplished in a few clicks of a mouse, leaving more time to actually see your designs come to life. PS. EQ also does all the math for you… now what can be better than that???
I ordered my upgrade to EQ8 as well as the two new books. They were shipped Oct 31st – they arrived Nov 6th – Wow!! North Eastern US to to Vancouver Island in a week. I’m thrilled, as always, Electric Quilt is the Best – Best Software, Best Support. I started with EQ2, migrated to the Mac version and loved how seamless it was. EQ8 is amazing – I love the interface changes – fresh and easy to recognize. I’m so pleased I have the Block Library book – it makes looking for blocks so much easier and I am finding blocks that I hadn’t noticed before. Now I’m waiting for the “Time Store” to open as I need more hours in the day for EQ. Thank you to all!!
Congratulations on your marvelous new EQ8! Just wanted to say “thank you” for making EQ8 so user friendly.
While I am still in the discovery mode, I have found so many improvements that make this design software even easier to use – having access to so many things at the click of a mouse without having to figure out an icon or drop down a menu. I especially appreciate all the changes to the printing module. As a paper piece quilter, I am thrilled with the changes – no more taping foundation paper together. It is worth the cost of the upgrade alone to be able to move sections around to fit on pages that won’t need to be taped together. I did also purchase the Lesson Book for Beginners, although I have been using EQ7 since 2014. It is very well written and most helpful for exploring all the changes. While I seldom write reviews, Electric Quilt has earned a five out five star rating with me!
I’m a longtime EQ7 user and I just upgraded to EQ8. I’m in love with the software, and the new interface and tools are fantastic! Tools are easier to find, block and fabric libraries are easier to browse, and I love the updated Quick Start projects that now include T-shirt quilt layouts and projects for modern quilters. Dollar for dollar, my EQ software is one of the best values in my sewing room – gone is the frustration of spending weeks piecing blocks for a vision in my mind, only to lay out the finished blocks and see that I missed the mark. I haven’t had to purchase a single quilt pattern since investing in EQ because the software gives me patterns for thousands of blocks in any size I want them, whether I want to rotary cut, foundation paper piece, or use templates. Thanks for an AWESOME software product that has taken my quilting to a whole new level!
I just downloaded EQ8 for Mac, upgrading from EQ7. I haven’t had a chance to actually do quilt designing, but had to say “Thank you very much” for this upgrade. You have clearly addressed the one issue that has been the most difficult for me: the interface. Even at first glance, EQ8 is clearly a huge “makeover”, taking advantage of many of the new user support features commonly offered by modern operating systems. I have always loved the functionality of EQ7, and now there is a spiffy interface to match! Thank you very much indeed!
Just want to thank you for a beautiful product. I just opened my upgrade and smiled endlessly. Also downloaded the quick start and the user manual. I have been using EQ since Version 3 and each has been better but you have surpassed all my expectations this time! Got to go now and learn.
I just want to say THANK YOU to the people at support. I am on a MAC, switching from EQ7 to EQ8 and your instructions have been wonderful. I had Add-on Libraries and was trying to figure out how to move them to EQ8 from EQ7. I went to the support page and went to Add-on Libraries and there were the instructions for the MAC. They were written step by step and I was able to follow them and move all of my fabric and products very easily. Using these instructions, I was able to make sure that both my MacBook Pro and my iMac had all of the components as neither one of them had all of the programs. I was able to use a stick (or whatever you call it) and move things around and now each machine is the same. How wonderful! I didn’t even get lost! Thank you for making EQ8 so easy for Mac users. You all and your program are stupendous!