I have had all three EQ5,6,7. I didn't like not being able to easily scan prints to scale with EQ5; but that may have just been user error. It's not that I couldn't get them scanned there...just not anywhere near close to scale to represent color correctly. I also tried downloading fabric images (choose bmp for type) from Joann's & directly from mfr., but most were scanned at such a small size they too didn't always "read" well for color. I haven't used my EQ7 yet, but hear "that area" is much improved from reviews.
I am also counting on EQ7 to allow more mixed-block sizes in a quilt fitting together, meaning if I don't want all equal sized blocks, but using some squares, some rectangles, etc. If anyone using EQ7 knows, I would appreciate the feedback as well.
Cheapest design tool is to use MS-Word, they have a "Shapes" menu under "Insert". Depending on your version of word, start a new page, then "Insert/shapes" the list should pop up, choose Basic area to find squares, triangles, diamonds, hexagons, tumblers (trapezoid), circles, ovals, etc. In order for them to snap together tightly, find "Page Layout/Align" then you can look down the align list click grid settings...in more recent versions (of Word) you have a couple of choices: snap to grid or snap to "other objects", choose the "snap to other objects" for your shapes to line up perfectly. If you want to add colors to your shapes, click on the shape & then click format, the "shape fill" bucket should show up letting you pick any color to fill the shape with.
Copy all the plain (unfilled) blocks you want before you add color. Rotate works easily as well. You can even select a couple of objects or a whole row & then select Group to easily copy rows if you are duplicating repeats. I may start a thread on this for those who may want a simple color auditioning tool with shapes, & can't afford other design software.
It certainly will NOT help you figure the yardage, but you could print a design (like a 1-page whole quilt), then print each individual shape to scale on cardstock. Then using an "Add-a-quarter ruler" trace the 1/4" (or more) seam allowance around the shape & cut these out on the newly drawn seam allowance line as a template.
Sorry this is such a long post. Just a freebie for most.