What specifically do you want to do with pictures? You can import photos into EQ and trace them to create your own applique.... is that what you mean?

EQ7 does so much more than EQ5 or 6. The extra $$ are worth it.

I spend as little time as possible in front of a computer....I have EQ5..... And I can't remember the last time I used it......like someone else on the board said....to many free ideas out there....why try to design....I am not looking to compare to some fancy artist work out there....or surpass it. I do this as a form of relaxation. I just like to cut, sew, and on to the next thing that tickles my fancy.....I would sooner spend $9.00 for a design I like rather than "create" one......now " gadgets/templates"..that's another story....my weakness.....

I have also wondered about EQ7. I think I'd like to try design software but don't know if I'd like/use it often. Which would be better/easier to start with Quilt Design Wizard, EQ5 or Quilt Pro?? After just purchasing a Bernina 710 I really don't want to invest a lot until I know if I'd like doing this. Got a lot of learning to do with the 710. What would you suggest? Thanks

ctrusass, I would recommend waiting for a half price sale on Quilt Pro and starting with that. The Quilt Design Wizard is very limiting and really not much of a preparation for either Quilt Pro or EQ. If you can get Quilt Pro for half price, you are getting a lot more software than Quilt Design Wizard.

Thank you Prism99. I'll sing up for emails from Quilt Pro. Thank you all for the tips & advise you give!! Vickie

I have EQ7. I like it and have used it, but, no, I don't think it's easy to use. It isn't intuitive at all.

My career was spent doing analysis, requirements and development of computer systems and I was very good at my job. The systems I worked on had to be as intuitive as possible. I also wrote many user manuals, and tested the systems, so I think that I'm a pretty good judge of whether software is intuitive or not.

I have used EQ7 several times to design quilt tops. I like having blocks and fabrics available in a database to use to design the quilt top. However, if I don't use it for 3 months, I have to 'remind' myself of how the software works. I don't think I should have to. The user guide is ok, but not great, as it is not comprehensive enough and leaves many details to your imagination. When I worked, that happened fairly often when the writer of the user guide was so familiar with the product that he/she assumed the reader knew what he/she knew and didn't include it.

Having said that, I've heard others claim it is very intuitive, so what's not intuitive to me is clearly intuitive to some others.

The best thing you can do before purchasing EQ7 is ask quilting friends if they have it, what they think of it and can you try it.

Do a search on quilting software and see what you find. I found Quilt Design Wizard on JCPenney online for less than $25.

Quiltsoft designs has a software product, too. (www.quiltsoft.com)

I haven't used either of these, but knowing that they're "out there" gives you more choice and allows you to compare features, check reviews, etc.

I have an EQ7 sitting on the shelf. I am not into the "new fangled things" anymore. I like to use what works for me and am now rebelling the need to "modernize" and spend more money. I just use my design wall and simple math skills. Call me "old fashioned" but you can still turn out beautiful quilts!

EQ is not a necessity..but it IS alot of fun! I took 2 classes at the AQS show in Phx in Feb. When I mastered the basics, it became much easier, even if I had not used it in awhile. I even discovered I can take a picture of a top, import it into my quilt and design borders around it. That was an ahHA moment for me! I seem to get the center of the top done, and then lose interest when I get to the border. I now have it loaded on my Windows Surface Pro 2 so I can play with it when I travel. Nothing like having a portable design wall sitting in an airport waiting room! Heaven! lol

I need a class on the EQ7 that I have. I never use it. The Ipad is intuitive...EQ....not.

I purchased anew notebook computer almost 2 years ago. Nope, never have installed EQ...yet.

i have fun with Quilt Wizard. I use it for determining dimensions for blocks, quilts, etc. Some pretty fun free designs on their website. For the low price, not bad.

sandy