How to Shop for Quilt Designer Software

Software designed specifically to facilitate better quilt design and quilting pattern creation may seem like a tech-savvy quilter's dream come true. However, not all of the software currently available on the market is created equal. It's a good idea to do a little comparison-shopping before you settle on one quilt designer program.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Printer

Determine Your Needs as a Quilter

1. Know what your primary use of quilt designer software will be before you shop. The characteristics you look for will change slightly depending on whether you are looking for software to aid in quilting pattern design, block quilting, or documentation and reproduction of existing quilts.
2. Be realistic about what programs will be compatible with your current computer set up. The majority of quilt designer software is designed to be compatible with both PC and Mac platforms, but may require different versions of operating systems in order to maximize its benefits.
3. Don't underestimate the value of having a good printer by your side. If you plan on using your quilt designer software to create paper-piecing patterns or traceable quilting designs, make sure that your printer can accommodate printing on larger-format papers.

Compare Quilt Designer Software

4. Start comparing the software that is most compatible with your current computer system by looking at its functionality. As a quilter, you will value a software program that allows you to design and adapt quilt designs easily without limiting your ability to add blocks or change block settings on the fly.
5. Check out each product's design library. Most quilt designer software will come with a library of fabric samples. However, the most useful of these will be those that allow you to add on additional fabrics via scanning or downloading them from the web.
6. Review how the software categorizes its library of quilt blocks. Since the same quilt blocks may be called by a variety of names, the most valuable software will incorporate some kind of cross-referencing in its block naming system.
7. Shop for quilt designer software that is both easy-to-use and pleasing to the eye. The user interface should be fairly intuitive with function menus clearly defined visually.
8. Read the user's manual before you buy your quilt designer software to confirm that instructions for use are easy to follow. Technical support for trouble-shooting problems should also be readily available from the software's creator.

Tips & Warnings

• Shop for quilt designer software at your local quilt show or fair. There you may find vendors offering live demonstrations of the product.

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