EQ6 Glossary
The instructions in this Glossary were provided
by Fran Gonzalez
Add to Sketchbook
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A. To Save a Block in EQ6 With the block on the worktable, click BLOCK in the main menu, then click Add Block to Sketchbook. Your block is now saved in the Sketchbook and in the project file on your disk. |
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B. To Save a Quilt in EQ6 With the quilt on the worktable, click on QUILT in the main menu, then click Add Quilt to Sketchbook. Your quilt is now saved in the Sketchbook and in the project file on your disk. |
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Shortcut - A quicker way to Add to Sketchbook is to click the Add to Sketchbook button in the Project toolbar at the
top of the worktable. This is the fifth button from the left and it is represented by a red arrow superimposed over
the Sketchbook image.
Adjust Tool
The Adjust
tool allows you to move, resize and delete designs on Layer 1 (Custom Set), Layer 2 (appliqué) and Layer 3 (quilting stencils
& embroidery).
Selecting a block with the Adjust tool activates the Graph Pad. With the Adjust tool engaged, you can perform different operations as shown in the table below.
| Move a design | Click design to select it. Click again and, holding down the mouse button, drag the design to the desired location. |
| Resize a design | Click design to select it; then use the side or corner nodes to resize it. |
| Delete a design | Click design to select it; then press the Delete key. |
| Select all designs on a Layer | Hold down the Ctrl key and click any design in that Layer. All designs on that Layer will be selected. |
Deleting Designs from Sketchbook
A. To delete a particular block coloring - Open the Blocks section of the Sketchbook. Click on the appropriate tab that contains the design that you want to delete. Click the design to select it; then use the arrow keys to display the coloring you want to delete. Click the Delete button at the bottom of the Sketchbook. EQ6 will ask if you want to delete this coloring. It will warn you if this coloring is used in a quilt in the Sketchbook. Click Yes. Close the Sketchbook.
B. To delete a block design and all colorings - Open Blocks section of the Sketchbook. Click the tab that contains the design you want to delete. Click the block to select it; then use the left arrow key to display the line drawing of the block. Click the Delete button at the bottom of the Sketchbook. EQ6 will ask if you want to delete this block and all of its colorings. It will warn you if this block is used in a quilt in the Sketchbook. Click Yes. Close the Sketchbook.
C. To delete a quilt design - Open the Quilts section of the Sketchbook. Use the arrow keys to display the quilt you want to delete. Click the Delete button at the bottom of the Sketchbook. EQ6 will ask if you want to delete this quilt. Click Yes. Close the Sketchbook.
D. To delete a fabric - Open the Fabrics section of the Sketchbook and click the fabric swatch you want to delete. Click the Delete button at the bottom of the Sketchbook. EQ6 will ask if you want to delete this fabric and will warn you if this fabric is used in a design in the Sketchbook. Click Yes. Close the Sketchbook.
E. To delete all fabrics - If you want to clear the palette completely, it is best to do this when you first start a project, before coloring any designs in the Sketchbook. Open the Fabrics section of the Sketchbook. Click the Clear button at the bottom of the Sketchbook. EQ6 gives you the option to delete all fabrics or only those that you have not used in a design. Make your selection and then click OK. Close the Sketchbook.
Deleting an EQ6 Project File - Run EQ6. Click on the Open an Existing Project tab. If you are already running EQ6, use Ctrl+O to open this box. Click the small folder icon at the lower left of the Open an Existing Project tab. Navigate to the EQ6 project directory, if necessary. Click the project file that you want to delete and press the Delete key on your keyboard.
Deleting an EQ6 Project File
Run EQ6. Click the Open an Existing Project tab. If you are already running EQ6, use Ctrl+O to open this box.
Click the small folder
icon at the lower left of the Open an Existing Project tab. Navigate to the EQ6 project directory under My EQ6.
In the PJ6 directory, find the project file that you want to delete. Click to select it; then press the Delete key on your keyboard.
Edit Menu in PatchDraw
The Edit menu in PatchDraw gives you options for editing curves, lines or nodes. This menu is available ONLY when an object is selected with the Shape tool.
The Edit Arc and Edit Node menus are in the same menu box. The name displayed at the top of the menu and the options that are available in it are dependent upon the type of object that you have selected for editing. If all of the options are grayed out, then no object is selected on the worktable.
Edit Arc menu, Edit Node Menu and Shape Tool
There are three ways to open the Edit menu after you have selected an object with the Shape tool:
- Click BLOCK > Edit.
- Right click on the worktable and then click Edit in the PatchDraw Context Menu.
- Click the small red square in the lower left corner of the Shape tool.
Options when editing curves and lines:
ADD places a node in the center of the selected curve or line. With each click on Add, another node is placed halfway between the end node and the previously added node. You can also double click on a curve or line segment to add a node. Double click on a node to delete it.
TO LINE changes the selected curve to a line. A line does not have handles, but you can edit its length and position.
TO CURVE changes the selected line to a curve with handles so that you can reshape and adjust it.
Options when editing nodes on curves:
DELETE removes a node and changes the shape of the patch. There must be at least three nodes in a patch in order for you to be able to delete a node.
BREAK separates joined nodes.
JOIN joins two nodes together. There must be at least two arcs and two nodes in a patch to make this option available. Select one node and then hold down the Shift key as you select the second node. Click Join.
When you are editing a node on a curve or joining nodes on a curve, you have the option to select the type of node style that joins the curves. The node style determines the movement of the handles in relation to the nodes. This, in turn, gives you the flexibility to create the shape you want.
Node styles are available only for nodes that connect curves. They are not available for nodes that connect lines to curves.
Node style options when editing nodes on curves:
CORNER joins nodes at an angle. Node handles are independent and can be set at any angle to each other. This is the default node style when drawing your own shapes.
CUSP forms a sharp point at the node. The handles overlap and are inseparable. The handle lengths can be different, making the curvature different on either side of the node.
SMOOTH creates a curve with handles that remain level with each other. This ensures that the node is always smooth. The handle lengths can be different, making the curvature different on either side of the node.
SYMM forms a symmetrical curve on either side of the node. The handles are always the same length on both sides of the curve, making the curvature the same on either side of the node.
Options when editing nodes on lines or nodes that join lines and curves:
DELETE removes a node and changes the shape of the patch. There must be at least three nodes in a patch in order for you to be able to delete a node.
BREAK separates joined nodes.
JOIN joins two nodes together. There must be at least two arcs and two nodes in a patch to make this option available. Select one node and then hold down the Shift key as you select the second node. Click Join.
CORNER joins nodes at an angle. This is the only node style available when joining a curve and a line.
Additional Notes
You can use the Precision Bar to edit curves, lines and nodes. See HELP > Contents > Reference > Precision Bars > About the Precision Bars.
You can change the style of only one node at a time.
The style of the selected node will be grayed out on the Edit Node menu.
To check that a patch is closed, click the Shape tool and place your cursor over a node in the patch, without clicking. A message will appear that will tell you what type of node is selected, if the patch is closed, and how many segments comprise the patch.
See the EQ6 Help file for illustrated information about editing in PatchDraw: Click HELP > Contents > Drawing Blocks > Applique Blocks Using PatchDraw > Shaping and Editing.
Eyedropper
1. Place the previously colored block on the drawing worktable and click the Color tab.
2. Click the Eyedropper tool. 
3. Click the patch that is colored with the fabric that you want to locate in the palette. The selected fabric will appear in the Sketchbook Fabrics and Colors palette sample window.
4. Open the Sketchbook that contains the next design you wish to color with this fabric. Click the design to select it; then click Edit to place it on the worktable. Click the Color tab. The selected fabric swatch from the previously colored design will still be framed in the Sketchbook Fabrics and Colors palette sample window.
5. Click the Paintbrush tool and click to color the patches with the selected fabric. Add to Sketchbook.
If you need to find more than one color:
Retrieve the original design again, find the next color using the Eyedropper, and then retrieve the partially colored second design. Click the Paintbrush and color the patches with the selected swatch. Save your design after each addition of color. You can always delete the partial colorings when you are finished.
The Eyedropper tool also functions on the quilt worktable. Click the Eyedropper and then click the fabric in the quilt that you want to locate in the Sketchbook Fabrics and Colors palette. The selected fabric will appear in the Sketchbook Fabrics and Colors palette sample window.
By default, the Eyedropper will revert automatically to the last used color tool after identifying a fabric. To keep the Eyedropper engaged until you select another tool, go to QUILT > Options > Tool Options > Snap Settings > Eyedropper Snapping > uncheck Eyedropper Automatically Snaps Back to the Last Used Color Tool > OK.
Moving Designs from Tab to Tab in the Sketchbook
EQ6 doesn’t know how you are planning to use designs in your project, so it will store designs based on the worktable that was used to draw them.
- Designs drawn on the EasyDraw Block worktable are saved automatically on the Blocks tab.
- Designs drawn on the PatchDraw Block worktable are saved automatically on the Blocks tab.
- Designs drawn on the PatchDraw Motif worktable are saved automatically on the Motifs tab.
- Designs drawn on the EasyDraw + PatchDraw worktable are saved automatically on the Blocks tab.
- Designs copied from the Stencils library are saved automatically on the Stencils tab, no matter what worktable was used to draw them.
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If you change a stencil drawing and save it, this design will not save on the Stencils tab. Coloring a stencil
does not change its storage designation. You can easily move or copy a design from one tab to another: On the quilt
worktable, click the Set Block tool. In the Sketchbook Blocks palette, click the tab that contains the design
that you want to move or copy to another tab. Click the design to select it. |
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Pick & Select Tools
The Pick tool is the first button in the EasyDraw and
PatchDraw toolbars.
On the EasyDraw worktable and Applique tabs of the PatchDraw worktables, the Pick tool highlights an object for further action. The Pick tool also functions as a layering tool on the Color tab of the PatchDraw worktable.
There are four ways to pick (or select) an object or group of objects on the EasyDraw and PatchDraw worktables. With the Pick tool engaged:
| A. Click directly on a line, arc or patch outline. The
tip of the arrow cursor must be touching the line, arc or patch outline. The
selected object(s) will be surrounded by eight small squares. You can click and
drag these squares to resize the design. Click and drag the four way arrow
in the center of the object to move it.
If you cannot select an object easily, use the Zoom In tool to magnify the area. You can then use the Tab key to move forward through the patches in the order in which they were drawn. Hold down the Shift and Tab keys to move backward through the patches in the order in which they were drawn. |
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B. Start in any corner of the area and, holding down the mouse button, drag a selection frame (or marquee) diagonally around the object(s) that you want to select. All parts of the objects must be within the frame in order to be selected.
C. Hold down the Shift button and click on a series of objects to select them. All selected objects will be grouped together as one selection. To deselect an object during a multiple select, simply click on it and it will be deselected.
D. Click Edit / Select All or use Ctrl + A to select all lines, arcs or patches in a design. To deselect, click outside of the selection frame or marquee.
The Select tool is the first button on the Quilt
worktable. This tool highlights a design for printing.
Rotating in EasyDraw
There are three ways to rotate a selection in EasyDraw as explained below.
A. EasyDraw Context Menu
Click the Pick tool and select the line(s) or arc(s). Right click on the worktable to open the EasyDraw Context Menu. Click Rotate. Type in the degree of clockwise rotation, from 1 to 359, or click on either side of the slider button to display the desired value. Click OK. Click off the selection to deselect it. This method allows you to determine the exact degree of rotation.
B. Symmetry Menu
Click the Pick tool and select the line(s) or arc(s). Right click on the worktable to open the EasyDraw Context Menu. Click Symmetry. This method allows you to rotate the selection in the three most common degrees of rotation: 90, 180 or 270 degrees.
You can also use this menu to flip the selection in several directions: horizontally, vertically, diagonally and over. Click off the selection to deselect.
C. The Mouse
| Click the Pick tool and select the line(s) or arc(s). Hold down the Ctrl key and click on the directional arrows in the middle of the patch. The selection is now in rotation mode with eight arrows surrounding it. Move the cursor over a curved arrow in a corner of the selected area. The cursor will change to a curved arrow. Hold down the mouse button and drag the selection in a circle to rotate it. You can use the side arrows to skew the selection. Click off the selection to deselect it. This method allows you to rotate the selection visually, without determining the exact degree of rotation. |
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Rotating in PatchDraw
There are three ways to rotate a selection in PatchDraw as explained below.
A. PatchDraw Context Menu
Click the Pick tool and select the patch(es). Right click on the worktable to open the PatchDraw Context Menu. Click Rotate. Type in the degree of clockwise rotation, from 1 to 359, or click on either side of the slider button to display the desired value. Click OK. Click off the selection to deselect it. This method allows you to determine the exact degree of rotation.
B. Symmetry Menu
Click the Pick tool and select the patch(es). Right click on the worktable to open the PatchDraw Context Menu. Click Symmetry. This method allows you to rotate the selection in the three most common degrees of rotation: 90, 180 or 270 degrees. Notice that you can also flip selections horizontally, vertically, diagonally and over. Click off the selection to deselect.
| C. The Mouse
Click the Pick tool and select the patch(es). Holding down the Ctrl key, click on the directional arrows in the middle of the selection. The selection is now in rotation mode with eight arrows surrounding it. Move the cursor over a curved arrow in a corner of the selected area. The cursor will change to a curved arrow. Hold down the mouse button and drag the selection in a circle to rotate it. You can use the side arrows to skew the selection. Click off the selection to deselect it. This method allows you to rotate the selection visually, without determining the exact degree of rotation. |
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Sorting
There are two ways to sort Sketchbook designs in EQ6. You can sort within the Sketchbook sections or you can sort a palette on a worktable.
Sorting within a Sketchbook Section
1. Open the Sketchbook (F8) to any section that contains designs.
2. Click the Sort button at the bottom of the Project Sketchbook box. The Sort box will open.
3. Click the designs in the order in which you want them displayed. You do not have to select all of the designs, just those that you want to place in the front of the section. Click Close and the remaining designs will align after the selected designs. You can start over and resort at any point.
Sorting designs on the Quilt worktable
1. Open the Quilt worktable and click any Set tool: Block, Embroidery, Photo, or Thread. The appropriate palette will open.
2. Right click within the Sketchbook palette, but not on the top blue bar. The Palette Context Menu will open.
3. Click Sort. Notice that you have the option to view two, three or four rows in the Sort box. Click the designs in the order in which you want them displayed. You do not have to select all of the designs, just those you want to place in the front of the palette. Click Close and the remaining designs will align after the selected designs. You can start over and resort at any point.
Sorting fabrics and colors on any worktable
1. Click the Color tab on one of the drawing worktables or open the quilt worktable. Click one of the color tools: Paintbrush, Spraycan, Swap All Colors, EQ4 Spray or EQ5 Swap. The Sketchbook Fabrics and Colors palette will open.
2. Click the Fabrics tab. Right click on the palette to open the Fabrics Palette Context Menu. Click on Sort Fabrics, then click on the designs in the order in which you want them displayed. You do not have to select them all, just those you want to place in the front of the palette. Click Close and the remaining fabrics will align after the selected designs. You can start over at any point.
3. Click the Colors tab. Right click on the palette to open the Fabrics and Colors Palette Context Menu. Click on Sort Colors, then click on Manual in the extended menu.
4. Click on the designs in the order you want them displayed. You do not have to select them all, just those you want to place in the front of the palette. Click Close and the remaining colors will align after the selected designs. At any point, you can start over.
Undo
To undo
the last action you have taken, click EDIT in the main menu and then click Undo in the drop down menu. You can also
use the CTRL+Z shortcut.
By default, you can undo up to 10 actions in sequence. Go to FILE > Preferences > Project Properties > General > Undo Options to change this setting. The allowable values are 2-20.
There are some actions that you cannot undo, such as an Add to Sketchbook, but there are many that can be undone as long as you do it immediately.
Zoom Tools
The Zoom tools are a set of four buttons in the Project toolbar. They are Zoom In, Zoom Out, Refresh, and Fit to Worktable.
- The Zoom In icon is a plus sign (+) within a magnifying glass.
- The Zoom Out icon is a minus sign (-) within a magnifying glass.
- The Refresh icon is an equal sign (=) within a magnifying glass.
- The Fit to Worktable icon is a square within a magnifying glass.
To magnify a section on a block or quilt, click the Zoom In tool. Click the area of the design that you want to magnify, then drag the cursor diagonally across this part of the layout. When you release the mouse button, this selected part of your quilt will be enlarged on the screen. The Zoom In tool will automatically disengage when released.
Use the vertical and horizontal slide bars on the quilt worktable to navigate around the enlarged layout when you are using the Zoom In tool.
To return to the previous viewing, click on the Zoom Out tool.
To redraw the screen, click on the Refresh tool.
To return to normal viewing, click on the Fit to Worktable tool.