If any of you decided to sell your EQ5 or 6 let me know, I would like to try it, but don't want to spend a bunch of money untill I know if I would even use it thanks

I pre ordered EQ7. I wanted EQ6 and never got it so I'm excited for EQ7. I will read and I know I will use it. I think it will help me to pick out fabric and how to use it.

I bought EQ5 and didn't really enjoy it because there were too many things that I couldn't do, but did upgrade to 6 and I loved it! Got word this morning that 7 is on it's way to my house-- can't wait!

In 1992 I started with Electric Quilt 4 (I think) and Blockbase. I have upgraded Electric Quilt each time one is offered and have a EQ7 ungrade on order.
I design all my quilts before I make them. The program is much more "user friendly" now. Initially I started reading instructions and got tired really quick. So I chose a quilt pattern in a book or magazine and reproduced it. It is like a computer game to me.
To start you study the pattern and decide...
How are the blocks set (horizontal or on point)?
How many blocks and what size?
Open Electric Quilt and type the name of the pattern (in the book or magazine) into the box below "Create a new project" and click on OK.
When the blank quilt comes up, if the layout is what you want, Click on Layout and choose the number of blocks across and down and the finished block size (and sashing width, if they apply). Play with borders trying to recreate the pattern you are learning on. I just learn from playing. If I have questions, I open the book. Good luck! Here is another Electric Quilt drawing of a quilt I have made.

I've already ordered it. I use EQ6 at least once a day. One of the benefits of 7 is that you can print off lessons for yourself to learn how to do the new things. I've also noticed that this version contains things that I have been doing on PaintShop Pro X2. Another way to learn the program is to go to Quilt University online, and they offer classes for beginning users. Hope this helps!

Something new I have done with EQ6 is scan my "actual" fabric for the quilt and then import the picture from MY PICTURES into "My Fabric" by opening as follows:
Click on:
Libraries
Fabric Libraries
Import Results
Import
From Image Files
(locate your scan/picture and double click on it)
Add to Sketchbook
Close.
When you click on the paintbrush (Sketchbook fabric and colors), it's the last fabric. Just paste it into your quilt.
The size of the scan of the fabric will appear on quilt in many pieces. Here is an Electric Quilt drawing with the hostas fabric inserted into the background.

Thank you for your tips! I've bookmarked them.
Maybe you should have your own EQ section here???
I'd be your first follower..

if you have eq6, even if you haven't used it, it's worth getting eq7 at the lower upgrade price right now just to have it for when you do decide to learn. Once it comes out and people start posting all the wonderful things they are making with it, I think you'll kick yourself for passing it up.

I am drooling just reading all of your comments. I will go play with my 5.lol

thanks Quiltbabble, I liked your input.