I am an EQ user since EQ4. I have EQ7 which is a more user friendly program. It gives you many things and options for design. It does not give you instructions on how to sew the half square or quarter square triangles together etc. It is a Design program. I do also have several other quilt design programs. Quilt Pro because I have many of Carol Doaks books and cds. I use them far less than EQ. Yes I am a pattern designer and a teacher. I love EQ and am on it just about everyday! It is a very big program. Even I am still learning what it can do. Check out the site and see what it can do. They also have many add ons you may or maynot need. Only you can be the judge. I love my EQ and would never go back to paper. I do sketch out a few quilts when inspiration hits. But I bring the sketch to the computer and design what I want. I hope you figure out your needs and enjoy EQ when you get it! Luann