EQ 5 is the greatly anticipated update from The Electric Quilt Company. It is arguably the most flexible and best documented version to date.

A great number of improvements have been made from earlier versions. This sophisticated, feature-rich quilting software allows quite a bit of creativity.

System Requirements

A typical installation requires 250 megabytes of disk space, although the compact install only needs about 90 MB. Included in the typical installation are an extensive embroidery library, two extra fabric libraries and help videos. The compact install includes a small embroidery and fabric library.

EQ5 requires :

Windows 98 / 2000 / NT 4.0 / ME / XP
CD-ROM drive
Internet Explorer 5 or higher
32 MB RAM suggested
16-bit/high color monitor capable of 800x600 resolution

Support :

The EQ5 package includes two books, "Getting Started" and "Design Cookbook". These manuals contain basic and advanced tutorials arranged in a progressive manner as well as a design guide. Novices and seasoned user of earlier versions will find these guides to be a valuable resource. The software's help feature has been expanded, and includes 24 easy-to-follow videos. Additional assistance is available at the Electric Quilt Company's website.

Libraries :

Fabric library - a gallery of 11,700 fabrics grouped by color, design, and manufacturer's line.
Layout library - a series of over 400 customizable pre-designed layouts.
Palette library - a helpful grouping of color coordinated fabrics.
Embroidery library - this collection allows quilters to "try out" embroidery designs.
Block library - a searchable collection of 3100 customizable blocks, including stencils and appliqué blocks.

Printing Options :

EQ5 provides a great amount of flexibility in printing. Printed patterns are numbered to ease piecing, and yardage estimates are included. The Print Preview function allows blocks to be manipulated, generating a more efficient printout. Paper waste is reduced, and printouts that simplify piecing projects are possible. Options include :

- blocks
- rotary cutting charts
- templates
- paper-piecing foundations

Tools :

A great number of improvements and additions are featured in this version, including :

- enhanced custom quilt tools
- improved spray can tool
- new symmetry tool - rotates and flips groups of quilt blocks
- new eyedropper tool - simplifies finding fabrics used in a block
- new fussy cut tool - manipulate fabrics within a block
- new tape measure tool - determine measurements between any two points on a design

Pros :

Electric Quilt 5 is a hugely robust package. The level of design sophistication possible is directly tied to a quilter's skills. Users will find even more uses for EQ's capabilities as they gain experience.

Those familiar with EQ will be pleased to find the user interface is very similar to version 4.1. It is user-friendly and accessible. In addition, this is a very stable version. The installation process is self-executing, and automatically picks up existing add-ons, such as Sew Precise or BlockBase. Project files from older versions are easily accessible too.

This version includes many improvements made in response to user suggestions. Among the most popular enhancements are :

- no limits to the number of colors/fabrics used in a quilt
- no limits on the resolution or file size of imported fabrics
- expanded block library
- improved layout capabilities
- free form design is possible using the Custom Set.
- lessons are arranged logically and practically
- vertical and horizontal strip quilt design is possible
- new border styles added
- fabrics and photos may be scanned into libraries in BMP format
- lessons include "coffee breaks" allowing users to practice and master techniques before moving on

Cons :

There are a few instances where Electric Quilt 5 hits some snags. It is not directly supported on the Macintosh platform. Emulation software, such as Virtual PC, is required. It is also incompatible with versions of Windows prior to Windows 98.

Quilting patterns included in the embroidery library are not usable by an embroidery sewing machine. They, instead, are included as a "try out" feature. You will need to go to the pattern manufacturer, Amazing Designs, for these designs.

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