FAQ: Quilt Software and Computer Quilting
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Find answers like what is the best software, when is a graphic program best, can I export and import blocks into quilt software, can I scan fabric or blocks into quilting software? Also check out our 10-20% off discounts on popular quilt software titles in our store and our quilt software reviews by Sharla Hicks.

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Questions about Computer Quilting and Quilt Software Selection

1.  FAQ: What is the Best Program?

This is the most often asked question I get whether a person is new to quilting or computers OR a veteran quilter or a computer techie.  It is a difficult one to answer.  Each program has positives and negatives.  Each is organized in a different way and appeals to each user in ways I can never predict. One of the reason I created my Web Site and wrote my book called Computer Quilting Made Easy, Quick Reference Guide to 7 PC Quilting Programs was to enable the consumer to find details about a program without having to buy the program first.  Unfortunately many of the programs have upgraded and the book is now outdated. But the latest inform I can offer is the quilt software reviews you will find on this website.

• As you review the information, consider questions like:

• What type of quilter you are (traditional, innovative, contemporary).
• How much flexibility are you looking for.
• How much do you want to spend?  Do not discount a program based on price alone as the less expensive programs often slim down only in a few areas (usually in the fabric area) but are excellent overall programs.
• Have a list of questions of what features you want (if you know).  Or develop a list as you review the information about each program.

• HINT:  If at all possible, find a way to get hands-on experience before you actually purchase a program to be sure you are making the correct choice.  Try more than one program for a better comparison.
   

• Sorry I can not be more specific, but it has been my experience that most people after reviewing the Software Review Pages are able to uncover the information they are looking for and make a decision that meets their needs.  Bottom line--all the Quilting Software Programs have something to offer and that is the reason I carry the majority of them on my Website.  I have the largest selection available on the Web.

2.  FAQ: Do you have anything to help with learning the programs?

• Electric Quilt has provided supplement books, EQ Simplified, Draw, Color and a block reference book to give you boost in the learning curve arena. You can find out more information about their books by clicking here.
• The manuals for the current set of quilt software programs are mostly tutorial in nature or come on CD and are not in book form. In reviewing the manuals, I have found them to be very helpful to get you through the programs but often lack in-depth reference topics. This type of detail is found in the Help Files that come with the program and can be accessed when you are using the program. This is limiting so my suggestion to you is to print out the help files and create your own reference guide. I have written an article on how to print out the help files quickly and efficiently. You can find the article by clicking here.
• My book, Quick Start Guide to Quilt-Pro 2 for the Mac, is good for help with for MAC version of Quilt-Pro.
• For additional information about helpful books on computer quilting, go to the Book Center.