New Features (for Users of PCQD)

Pro-Q Designer is a totally NEW product, but it still bears some things in common with earlier programs by Quilting Mouse Technologies. This is a list of features that users of PCQ Designer will find quite different from that program:

  • Files backwards compatible with PCQ Designer 4 .
  • Support for more file types:
    • expanded DXF support for poly lines and spline curves (Corel 13 exported DXF files).
    • expanded DXF support for 3-point arcs and Statler macros containing comments and copyright info.
    • save Intelliquilter compliant DXF files (supports jumps and comments) or plain - your choice.
    • opens and saves QLI (Statler Stitcher), CMD (Compuquilter) and TXT (PC Quilter format).
  • NEW thumbnail browser to help you select the right pattern or patterns for your layout
  • CHOOSE A layout and print thumbnails of your pattern files.
  • Modified INSERT PATTERN mode gives you the choice between current and new pass.
  • NEW control options on all main screens for pass selection, maintaining aspect ration and pattern/pass mode.
  • NEW MOUSE SCROLL support lets you zoom in and out of workspace areas and quickly scroll through tabs without clicking!
  • NEW layout option on Setup tab for bottom-up or top-down design.
  • NEW Font controls automatically rebuild database on first use.
  • Modified BRIDGE button (now called Drawing & Tracing).
  • NEW clip inside or outside of drawing for creating textures and sewing around appliqué or embroidery.
  • Modified CLEAN-UP buttons (now called Editor) offer more options.
  • MORE HotKey options for common tasks including:
    • Ctrl - Z for all UNDO functions.
    • Crtl - S to save your workspace.
  • NEW - save your light table image with your workspace.
  • NEW - save in the middle of drawing or tracing and resume your work later!
  • REDESIGNED Layout tab with easier pass and pattern resizing - specify by inches or percentage.
  • NEW right-click context sensitive Layout menus for PASS and PATTERN modes including:
    • NEW options for fitting and centering passes - both individually and in groups.
    • NEW align and distribute features to create rows of evenly spaced patterns.
    • NEW pattern editor features- modify a pattern that is part of a pass on the screen.
    • NEW clip pass with pattern to create "sew around" or textured shapes (hint: a great use for the Fence patterns)
  • NEW user configurable and placeable guidelines to simplify layout.
  • NEW Pass and Pattern Editor features including:
    • NEW automatic echo quilting.
    • IMPROVED pattern smoothing.
    • NEW remove pauses button.
    • NEW skew button
    • IMPROVED flip buttons
    • NEW Create Wreath button for creating circular arrangements of motifs.
  • NEW Wizards to be added throughout the next year free of charge.*
  • Free updates until (at least) the end of 2008.**
  • IMPROVED context sensitive help that links to videos and the internet.
  • IMPROVED printing capabilities.
  • IMPROVED pass editing including the ability to duplicate parts of a pass then flip, rotate or resize any selected points (the same functionality as cut and paste).  PLUS the ability to reorder segments.
  • NEW wreath tool and wreath morph allows to create frames for stitching around embroidery, circular text and much more.
  • Many, many more features too numerous to list!

*Special 3rd party plug-ins (wizards) are an additional fee. **Updates are not to be confused with upgrades which will be a new version of the product.