Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing our top 10 favorite new features in EQ8. Subscribe to this blog and follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram with #EQ8Top10) to see all 10! See the complete list of features on our website.
#10 – Updated Libraries
Block Library
The Block Library has a total of 6,779 blocks. That’s over 1,000 blocks MORE than EQ7! The majority of the additions have been added to the Foundation Pieced and Contemporary Applique libraries. Plus, the block colorings got a bit of a makeover to they look more modern and fresh!
Fabric Library
The Fabric Library has 6,278 new fabrics ready to be used in your design! Each fabric was carefully scanned and notecarded with the manufacturer’s name, designer’s name and SKU number.
Photo Library
The Photo Library has 233 photos. Play around with these photos, (or import your own!) by adding filters, symmetries and so much more!
Color Palette
The color palette has been completely rebuilt to offer more of an organized palette. Sort these colors to put your favorites at the beginning of the list. You can make your own colors too!
10-12-2017
2:06 am
can’t subscribe to newsletters. It tells me I have “An invalid Interest Group was selected” when I select what I want to follow. can you help? thanks
10-12-2017
11:15 am
Email techsupport@electricquilt.com and we will get you added. Thanks!
10-12-2017
11:20 am
Looking GREAT EQ team! I look forward to upgrading soon.
10-12-2017
11:22 am
If I am not already getting your posts, please add me to you list.
10-12-2017
11:51 am
Hi Sandy,
We can’t manually add you to the blog post list. Please go to this link, fill it out and be sure to check the EQ Blog. https://electricquilt.com/community/newsletter-signup/
10-12-2017
11:30 am
Love the new fabric libraries, especially the Kona solids. Wonderful for us Modern quilt designers.
How about a Moda Grunge Library? And an e.e.Schenck gelato ombré Library?
10-12-2017
11:50 am
Hi Carole,
Yes, we have a Moda Grunge library (about 26 fabrics), but I don’t see the Gelato Ombre.
10-12-2017
11:46 am
Looking forward to EQ8. Really loved EQ7 and can’t wait to upgrade.
10-12-2017
12:10 pm
So excited for the additional blocks and fabrics and the freshened up look!
10-12-2017
12:11 pm
Ready for the update to be available!
10-12-2017
12:13 pm
Can’t wait to see all the changes. Hoping it includes exporting templates!
10-12-2017
12:55 pm
I’m so excited about the improvements made to the solid color palette!
10-12-2017
12:56 pm
Looking forward to the update. Is there a preorder we can do?
10-12-2017
1:11 pm
Hi Ramona,
The upgrade will be available at a discounted price from October 23-November 6th. You can find all details on our website. http://electricquilt.com/online-shop/upgrade-from-eq7-to-eq8/
10-12-2017
1:25 pm
I am excited about the EQ8!!!!
Take care!
Susan
10-12-2017
1:34 pm
I appreciate the specific information in this post. I hope that here or at EQ website a post is made that like other software lists the specific upgrades (differences) between Version 7 and 8. So far all I can tell is that blocks and fabrics have been added to the library (most of which I may have already purchased). The interface is more Mac like instead of PC which will help new users. All of the other comments on design you can do in EQ7 already. It is said to be faster, but that isn’t defined. Does it mean that if you don’t know what you are doing it will be faster because it is more intuitive or does it mean the code has been revised to make it run faster? There is nothing specifically stated about what you can do in EQ8 that you can’t do in EQ7. I have already found out that you still can’t use grouping which is basic to all other drawing and image software. I hope you can show me why I should spend $100 for the upgrade!
10-12-2017
2:09 pm
You raise a number of good questions. Looking forward to seeing the EQ staff respond. Perhaps are chart comparing the two versions side by side would be helpful, too. I fairly recently purchased EQ7 and have been working to learn it so must admit that I am a bit dismayed. Know that they will work hard to delineate the improvements.
10-12-2017
4:44 pm
Should you Upgrade? Is the price worth it? Exactly how many new features do I get? Are these features ones that I even care about? Are these features or enhancements? As with any software upgrade, these questions get asked. We have done our best to list and show videos of the “features/enhancements/changes” (whatever you want to call them) to the software on our website.
By far the biggest change to the software is the user interface. We concentrated on this because we felt ease-of-use is of overriding importance in any software. Our new user interface has felt truly transformative to our staff as we have developed it. Our EQ legacy beta testers were a bit skeptical at first glance, but were quickly telling us how much they love the new EQ8. Should you Upgrade? Is the price worth it? Those are questions that each of you need to answer for yourself. We invite you the features page http://electricquilt.com/online-shop/electric-quilt-8/#tab-Features to help you decide.
And, by the way, we love EQ7 too! We’ve stuck with it for seven years. Annual upgrades have never been our way. Please know that we will continue to support EQ7 for many years and any decision to upgrade is totally up to you.
10-14-2017
9:15 am
I agree with your great comment. I am having a very hard time learning the program. All I have been doing is using the sfinished size I want, entering the size block, and selecting a block. I read the manuals and try doing it then go on to find out there is another way. It is so confusing. I wonder if I wasted my money on mannuals of mass confusion. Maybe they should spend time rewriting the Mannuals.
10-18-2017
10:34 am
Hi Margaret,
Sorry you are having trouble. We do really encourage people to contact us if you are having a hard time. You can call 419-352-1134 9-5 ET, Monday-Friday or email us at techsupport@electricquilt.com. We will be happy to explain anything you have questions about.
10-12-2017
1:42 pm
I’m looking forward to the upgrade and learning to use EQ8!
10-12-2017
3:17 pm
I am looking forward to EQ8. I have been a user since the very first version and always find the upgrades worth the cost. Software developers always seem to find ways to streamline processing when working on program changes/upgrades!
I was sorry to see that the only manual provided is going to be a PDF unless I want to pay an additional $35 for a printed copy. I have always prefered hard copy to digital help files, for me it is much easier to work through help steps when I don’t have to flip between two screens. I could understand having to pay a postage fee to ship a hard copy but an additional $35 on top of the upgrade cost seems high
That said, I still think EQ, along with all the add on packs that are available, is still the best quilt design software available!
10-12-2017
3:46 pm
What is the upgrade option for people with EQ Stitch?
Will we be able to save the photo layout? I like the print photo layout, but wish I could save it so it could be adjusted before printing on fabric.
10-18-2017
10:13 am
Going forward, EQStitch will be a separate program from EQ8. You should not uninstall EQStitch. Continue to use EQStitch for your embroidery needs. If you want to Upgrade to EQ8, you certainly can. (You would purchase the EQ7 to EQ8 Upgrade.) EQ8 will run independently and separately from EQStitch. There are no plans to update EQStitch to include the new enhancements and features of EQ8.
10-12-2017
3:47 pm
Will there be an easier way to clear the default fabric palette so I can import my own fabrics and not have to sort or individually delete each swatch? Thanks!
10-12-2017
4:43 pm
Terri, in EQ7 (and, EQ8) clear fabric pallet with one click in sketchbook, click “clear.”
Add fabrics that you prefer to a project then under “file” menu, click “make this my default pallet.”
Or create a few (or many!) fabric styles in My Library to pick from.
10-12-2017
6:20 pm
When youu say the user interface is improved, to you mean it is more user-friendly? I had EQ6 and have EQ7, and really have not been able to “nail it”! Frustrating!
10-12-2017
6:41 pm
Am very excited and interested in getting the EQ8 over ther three other programs I have of EQ5, EQ6 and EQ7. I’m very interested in using the system. Haven’t ever learned how to use it well.
10-18-2017
10:16 am
Hi Linda,
Yes, the EQ8 interface has been redesigned for faster learning and more complete designing. Its friendly new look introduces large interface elements, customizable workspace, help tips, and guided designing—creating the most intuitive version yet!
10-12-2017
6:58 pm
Can you scan the fabrics into the program to use on the quilt you are designing?
10-18-2017
10:17 am
Hi Dianne,
Yes you can! You can do it in EQ7 as well.
10-12-2017
8:44 pm
I’m planning to upgrade from 7 to 8, but the one thing I’m very interested in and can’t find an answer to in the intro email was whether the ability to put down a stencil for quilting designs will be enhanced, enlarged and generally easier. I think all of us would like a better way to try out quilt designs for our quilts. Also, I’m hoping that you will feature the ability to use EQ8 for designing more modern quilts without traditional layouts in the blog videos–that is one area that I think EQ7 is deficit. Thanks!
10-18-2017
10:19 am
Hi Nancy,
If you have specific questions about stencils and modern quilts please contact techsupport@electricquilt.com
10-12-2017
10:48 pm
Look forward to Eq8. For me this upgrade is the cheapest of the software I use as my last embroidery one was 500 plus and a workbook was145.00. Original for that one is over. 2000.00 now. I started with EQ 3 and really did not work with it much till I took classes on Quilt University for V5 and 6 and then really got into it. I now teach a group in my local quilt guild using EQ 7. I still get excited when my students go home and make projects. They are having fun.
10-18-2017
10:36 am
Hi Maureen,
So great to hear! Thanks so much!
10-13-2017
4:46 am
So excited! Mine is on order here in the UK with http://www.riodesigns.co.uk/ (hope it is ok to put Lawrence’s address for fellow Brits?)
Do we need to do any preparation of our own added fabrics/designs etc or will they simply uploaded to the new formats?
Thanks EQ for this upgrade….
10-18-2017
10:24 am
Hi Toni,
They should automatically link. If not try copying your “user” folder from (My) Documents > My EQ7 > user to (My) Documents > My EQ8 > user. And of course if you have trouble just email techsupport@electricquilt.com.
03-22-2018
3:36 am
Hi Toni, I’m looking to get the EQ8 software. And notice you bought yours from rio designs. This is only place in the UK I can find that does it. Did you have any problems, would you recommend? I realise this is an old post. Hope you receive this, thanks in advance. Michelle
10-13-2017
7:16 am
Hello! I’m so excited about the upgrade and all the new features coming with EQ8. I’ve marked it on my calendar! Have a lovely day!
10-13-2017
12:28 pm
Looking forward to upgrade. Love EQ.
10-13-2017
6:30 pm
I love the new layout for color. I hate having to go from the front to the back to pick colors which are all in the same family.
10-14-2017
1:27 pm
I am looking forward to EQ8.
Are there any improvements rearding the layout library? Perhaps less restrictions in creating layouts?
10-18-2017
10:28 am
Hi Ruth,
If you aren’t finding what you are looking for in the Layout Library, have you tried Custom Set? Email techsupport@electricquilt.com if you have any questions.
10-16-2017
8:30 pm
Are these new blocks blocks from Block Base? Or? Curious as to their source. Thank you
10-18-2017
10:28 am
Hi Johanna,
None of the new blocks are from BlockBase. Most of the new blocks are contemporary applique or foundation pieced blocks.
10-18-2017
10:15 am
I am looking forward to EQ8. As far i can see it looks great.
Is it possible to integrate my own fabric and block library’s from EQ7 in EQ8
10-18-2017
10:29 am
Hi Ria,
Yes it is. It should link automatically. If you have trouble please contact techsupport@electricquilt.com.
10-26-2017
9:09 pm
I have EQ7, EQ Stitch and now EQ8 on my computer. Can I delete the EQ7 and EQ Stitch will still work? What is the best way to do that? What about all my add ins: Judy Martin Stars, Hobo, Baltimore Album, Dear Jane, Kaleidoscope, Clever Combo Quilts, to name a few. How do I move those files over or link them to EQ8? I am planning to replace one of my computers with a Mac in the future. Will all those programs work on a Mac? Thank you.
10-28-2017
1:33 pm
I’m really excited about EQ8. I’ve been using EQ since version 5 and have made so many quilt projects. I love that more fabrics are part of EQ8, but do have a question that I can’t find an answer for online. I download fabrics from some of the manufacturers and I don’t remember how to install them. Can you point me in the right direction? Thanks EQ!
11-09-2017
1:12 pm
Hello,
Moving from EQ7 to EQ8 I would like to know how to import into EQ8 all my libraries created in EQ7, other than 1 by 1, which is more than tedious, especially for blocks and fabrics? Since EQ4 this makes libraries, I want to keep! Difficult to find explanations in a PDF, especially when you do not speak English like me, when French translations? How is it that the software is already on sale but not the book of explanation, it is still more practical?
11-10-2017
9:48 am
Hi Brigitte,
The Reference Manual and Quick Start Guide are available as PDFs when you download the software. You can also find them from the Help menu in EQ8. Here is the direct link to the PDFs:
https://support.electricquilt.com/articles/eq8-documentation/
Here are the steps for transferring library files you’ve created in previous versions to EQ8:
https://support.electricquilt.com/articles/blk-files-and-fab-files-downloading-into-eq8/
And the general linking help section for EQ8:
https://support.electricquilt.com/articles_categories/linking/electric-quilt-8/
03-26-2021
3:05 pm
In the current installation of EQ8, the Kona Solid Files only have 303 colours but the range has since increased to 365. Will there be an update to add the new, missing colours?
03-26-2021
3:21 pm
Hi Russell.
You can find 2 free additional Kona fabric downloads here: https://doyoueq.com/project_download_categories/fabric-downloads/
You can also find an add-on with more Kona fabrics here: https://electricquilt.com/online-shop/eq-stash-online-2014-download-04/
Thank you for your interest!
03-27-2021
6:35 am
Thank you for your quick reply but it doesn’t really answer my query. The Stash-online-2014 only has the 303 colours already installed in the program.
The two other files (December 2017 & March 2020) do have the remaining colours but they are not together.
Is there some way of creating a new library that incorporates all the colours into one place – either by you or can the user? That would make life easier.
03-29-2021
4:04 pm
Hi Russell,
Yes, you can create your own Favorites library and combine all the Kona fabrics into that library. I’m including a link to some steps. The instructions show how to create a “block” favorites, but the same steps apply to creating a favorite library of fabrics… just in the Fabric Library instead of the Block Library. I hope this helps! If you need more help, please use our live chat or send us an email!
https://support.electricquilt.com/articles/add-new-library/