I started using EQ3 and I am currently on EQ5. I have tried two other quilt programs back in the mid 90s and I prefer EQ by far compared to the others. You could possible save a bit of money if you bought a used copy of EQ5. My best friend who is also a member of the board just recently bought EQ7 for her birthday. I have always shared simple quilt designs that I drew using EQ with my close friends since we do a lot of quilts for charity. The drafting is not too difficult, they have a tutorial to walk you thru the program. You might post what software your computer is running and see what version you can run on your computer. I am still running on Windows XP. Bill Gates isn't getting rich off of me !!! I would rather buy MORE fabric then try to update system software!!