Yay! As of March, 2019, there is a new free update to EQ8 that is loaded with New Features, Enhancements and Fixes.  If you own EQ8, you can download this update for free! I will be sharing several posts with an overview of the changes so you can take advantage of these awesome updates.

In this EQ8 Update Insider,  we are going to take a look at some of the General Updates to the program.

How do you get the EQ8 update?

First, check your current version.  If you don’t have Windows 1.1.0.1 or Mac 3.1.0.1 as of this date, then you need the update.  You can check your version by going to the HOME landing page of EQ8,   Look for Product Details under the logo and you can find the version you have.

You can find the download on the following link along with a list of all of the changes.

https://electricquilt.com/product-updates/eq8-updates/

You will need to log into your account to download the file.  If you don’t have an account, you can create one.  Once you are in your account, go to the My Downloads page to get the update.

Updater

Many of you asked for a way to know if you had the most current version of the software.  In this update, there is a new feature called the Software Updater System.  This has been added to make the process of updating EQ8 much easier.  You will now be notified when a new update is available.

You can also check manually by going to File > Check for Updates.

This feature is currently available for Windows Users.  But MAC faithful, there are plans to update  and add this feature sometime this summer.  (EQ8 needs to be updated to a 64 bit application before the next macOS release after Mojave.)  So stay tuned.

Customizable Workspace

There are now new ways to customize your workspace.  These new options may make it easier to see more fabrics or blocks in your palette if you have smaller screens.  Depending on your screen resolution, these update may just be what you needed to be more productive.

These User Interface (UI) features can be found under FILE > Preferences > Display.  Keep in mind that when you change one of these features,  EQ8 will need to close and be reopened for them to take effect.  Lets look at them.

File> Preferences >Ribbon

The default is to display the ribbon at the top of the workspace.

You can now change it to display the ribbon on the side of the workspace. (Right above)

File > Preference > Tools

The default is to use large tools in the palette.  Large tools includes a larger picture and the name of the tool.

You can choose to change it to use small tools in the palette.  This is a smaller picture of the tool.  Once you are familiar with the tools and don’t need to see the name, this could be a great option.  Remember, you can always hover over the tool with your mouse to have the name display for a moment.

Finally, you can choose to use the small tools docked in a toolbar.

Keep in mind, some of these may work for you or some items may cause workspace elements to get cut off, so you need to decide for yourself what works for you

File > Preference > Palettes

   

You now have the option to hide the palette tips.  If you have a good handle on what the palette lets you do, this could be a good option.

By default, the palette and tool bar are on the left.

You now have the option to dock the palette and tool bar on the right side.

Zoom Options

There has been an enhancement to the Zoom functions.  You can now use keystroke commands to zoom in, zoom out and fit to worktable.

Windows users:

Zoom in: CTRL++ (Press CTRL key and the plus button)

Zoom out: CTRL+- (Press CTRL key and the minus button)

Fit to Worktable: CTRL+0 (Press CTRL key and the zero button)

Mac users:

Zoom in: Command++ (Press Command key and the plus button)

Zoom out: Command+- (Press Command key and the minus button)

Fit to Worktable: Command+0 (Press Command key and the zero button)

Also, as a reminder, you can hold the CTRL/CMD key and scroll up and down with your mouse wheel to zoom in and out.

Report a Bug

Although Electric Quilt produces a quality product, occasionally something does not work how you expect it to.  If you think you may have encountered a bug, there is now an option to report it directly to Electric Quilt.  Go to the Main Menu Help > Report a Bug.

You may also use this area to request a new feature to the Electric Quilt team.

These are a few of the enhancements and new features in the free EQ8 update available now.  Take a spin and try them out for yourself.  In the next EQ8 Insider update, I will share the changes on the Quilt Worktable.  Lots of fun things there so get ready.

Happy Designing!

Questions or Feedback?
Please share your ideas, questions and feedback in the comments. I would love to hear from you. Thanks!
 
 
Lori J. Miller lives in Oxford, Michigan, where she designs, stitches and sews quilts and quilty things. She loves experimenting with fun colors and designs to make playful and clever products for the modern sewist.  Sewing since age 11, Lori has deep roots in sewing and quilting traditions that add a unique dimension to her designs.  An Electric Quilt 8 Super fan, you can follow her quilting adventures on her blog at lorimillerdesigns.com , on instagram @lorimillerdesigns  or on Facebook at Lori Miller Designs.