FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about DreamDraper, Quick Quote, installation, and support can be found in the FAQs below.

24/7 support is also available on our free online tutorials page.

Raise questions and share ideas with other DreamDraper users and design professionals on our xChange Forum!

If you have additional questions about the installation or use of DreamDraper® products, please email your question to info@dreamdraper.com .

You may also contact us at 610-868-5067, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Eastern, Monday – Friday. Nominal consultation is provided at no charge, and more extensive scheduled consultation is available in 15-minute increments at a rate of $75 per hour.

Automatic Notification of Free Updates: The dreamDraper G5 program will notify you automatically of any available free updates. In order to take advantage of this automatic notification feature, you must have release 1.10 (”one point ten”) or higher installed on your computer. The release number of the software is displayed in the lower-right corner of the start-up screen. In the program, click on Help-Updates if you do not see the pop-up window when you open the program. Or click on Help>About DreamDraper in the program. Updates are cumulative, so the current update will include previous enhancements and features.

View System Requirements

Installation & General FAQs

Support FAQs

DreamDraper® FAQs

DreamDraper Online FAQs

Quick Quote® FAQs

Ordering & Shipping FAQs

Guide to Toolbar Icons & Commands

DreamDraper Quick Reference Guide

Click each question below to see the answer.

Installation & General FAQs: Answers

I’m not an expert at the computer. Can I use your software?

Absolutely! We have many customers who were not computer savvy or comfortable at the computer. The comment that we hear all the time is, “If I can learn how to use it, anyone can.”

I’ve already invested in other design software but I wish to switch to DreamDraper – is there a discount available?

Yes! If you currently own another software but want to achieve perfection with DreamDraper, you may qualify for a competitive upgrade that saves you money and frustration! Call our toll-free number 1-866-56-DREAM for more details.

What are the system requirements for the G5?

PC and Mac (including native Mac): The DreamDraper G-series design program will operative on PC (XP, Vista, and Windows 7) and Mac (native Mac, including Lion, plus the Windows environment) computers.

RAM (memory): The minimum amount of RAM to successfully run the program is 2 GB. On an older computer, performance may be slow, so we do recommend more RAM if your computer can support it. If purchasing a new computer, we recommend a computer with a minimum of 4 GB RAM. That amount is not required for DreamDraper, however our general recommendation for a new computer purchase is that if you consider it an investment for your future, that you get a minimum of 4 GB (and 8 GB is even better) so that your computer can grow with your business.

Hard drive space: The program utilizes approximately 600 MB of hard drive space.

Processor speed: We recommend a minimum processor speed of 2.0 GHz.

What do I need to install the add-on Design Collections (M’Fay 1 & 2, Bedding 1)?

All new downloads of add-on design collections can be applied only to the most recent release of the DreamDraper® program (Gold 2.x). If your program has not been upgraded to this release, please also include the Gold upgrade with your collection order.

Does DreamDraper require any other programs to run?

The DreamDraper G5 design program is completely standalone. No other software is required. Quick Quote integrates with QuickBooks (by Intuit).

Does your software work on both Mac computers and PCs?

Yes, we have many Mac users. Both the DreamDraper design program and Quick Quote operate on either PC or Mac computers. And unlike other software, DreamDraper works on native Mac computers, you do not need to have the Intel version.

I already own DreamDraper. Do I have to pay full price for the new G5?

As a registered owner of DreamDraper, you were eligible for special discount upgrade pricing if interested in upgrading to G5.

Is it possible to spread order payments over a period of time?

We offer a no-interest, no-fee Payment Plan, so you can receive your package immediately and have your payment spread over 4 equal installments! Please fax your order form from our website to 1-610-868-1303 or call our toll free number at 1-866-56-DREAM if you wish to take advantage of this option. Only available for orders over $300.

Support FAQs: Answers

What kind of support do you provide?

We have a comprehensive offering of support, including FREE email support, and a comprehensive step-by-step tutorial CD that makes learning a breeze. In addition, we also host a private online forum for our customers, where you can get additional free support and share design tips. The DreamDraper design program is also accompanied by a handy Quick Reference Guide. Our friendly staff also use a variety of information webinars (including FREE sessions) to assist our customers. Private tutoring is also available. Or just shoot us an email or give us a call. We are always more than happy to assist our customers!

I’m trying to view the online tutorial and the lesson doesn’t fully download.

With your browser window open, click on TOOLS in your top toolbar, and click on INTERNET OPTIONS. A pop-up window will appear, and make sure you are on the GENERAL tab. In the middle of the pop-up window, you will see the section called Temporary Internet files. Click on the DELETE FILES button. At the bottom of the pop-up window is the section called History. Click on the CLEAR HISTORY button. Then try again to download the lesson.

I’m trying to view the online tutorial and I don’t hear any sound.

You may need to update your Flash Player. Go to the Adobe website (www.adobe.com), and click on the DOWNLOADS link at the top, and choose the Get Flash Player option.

dreamDraper® FAQs: Answers

How long have you been selling DreamDraper?

DreamDraper was first introduced at the April 2003 International Window Coverings Expo (IWCE), in Baltimore Maryland. There has been a tremendous amount of interest in our products ever since then. We have been working with many of the industry leaders and leading vendors, and we have sales worldwide. At the bottom of the page we have included just a sampling of the many testimonials we have received. Evan Marsh Designs revolutionized the industry with DreamDraper, the first system of its kind for designing window treatments and also the first to…

feature designing on top of a photo.
give you the ability to fill designs with fabric.
feature BREAK-APART™ designs.
feature colored, translucent sheers.
feature edit points to totally reshape the designs. Edit points should not be confused with simple handles that resize designs.
also include Space Planning templates!
include Photo Crop features that enable you to reposition treatments behind furniture.
with the ability to eliminate backgrounds from photographs imported from online vendor catalogs.

How often do you update the designs in the program?

We are continually striving to add new content and features to our products to keep up with customer demands and new design trends. You can always update your design library with our add-on design collections!

Do your designs maintain their line quality when enlarged?

Yes, our designs are vector-based drawings and the lines in the images maintain their quality sharpness when enlarged.

Does DreamDraper calculate yardage?

Our Quick Quote® for Quick Books software gives you the ability to both determine yardage requirements and estimate the job (labor and materials), in an instant — with NO MANUAL CALCULATIONS required and no special fabrication knowledge is required, unlike other quoting products. Quick Quote™ integrates with QuickBooks to automatically adjust inventory levels and handle your accounting and financial reporting.

Can I size my design proportionately?

Yes, by keeping your finger depressed on the Control (CTRL) key on your keyboard, as you pull on one of the corner handles with your mouse.

What is an edit point, and what’s the difference between an edit point and a handle?

Basically all graphical programs use handles to resize an image. However, an exclusive feature of DreamDraper is that our designs can be reshaped using TRUE edit points.

Can I print my design to a half inch scale or a quarter inch scale?

Yes, you can print your design to an exact half inch or quarter inch scale.

The default canvas in DreamDraper will accommodate a design that is up to 333” by 250” (approximately 28’ by 21’) whether you are creating a wall elevation or a floor plan. If you look at your canvas, you will notice that there is a rectangular box on it – this is the boundary box. When you go to print your design, any portion of your design that is outside that box will not be printed.

To change scale, do the following:

Click on EDIT-CANVAS. You will see the default value of 333” by 250”.
Half inch scale: Change the canvas size to 240” by 180” (this will accommodate a design of 20’ by 15’ and your design will print larger).
Quarter inch scale: Change the canvas size to 480” by 360” (this will accommodate a design up to 40’ by 30’ and you can fit a larger room on the printed page).
No further conversion or math is necessary! Simply design as you would normally, and enter in the real world dimensions for your components.
When you go to PRINT, make sure to click on PAGE SETUP and set all four margins to a half inch (.5).

Please note that your printer can cause distortions and you may have to adjust the canvas size accordingly.

How do I add or delete edit points?

Click on the POINTS icon in the top toolbar. To add a point, highlight the design and place your mouse directly over the segment of the line to which you want to add the point. Keep the Control (CTRL) key depressed and left-click with the mouse, and a point will be added. To delete a point, place your mouse over the point to be deleted. Keep the Control (CTRL) key depressed and left-click with the mouse, and the point will be deleted.

I can’t click on the gold buttons in the Preview window.

When a BREAK-APART™ design is shown in the Preview window, you will see 4 gold buttons displayed. Click on the gold buttons to reveal the components that make up that design or pattern. The gold buttons apply to full designs, certain hard treatments, and sets of furniture in the Space Planning collection. Most individual components do not have options, and therefore their gold buttons are not available.

Full BREAK-APART™ designs will be shown with their components, accessible via the gold buttons.
Certain hard treatments will be shown with variations, accessible via the gold buttons.
Sofa sets will be shown with matching loveseats and chairs, accessible via the gold buttons, in the Space Planning collection.

What is the difference between the Select arrows?

Use the first arrow to do basic designing, moving your objects on the canvas, resizing and regrouping, etc. You can also “quick fill” complete designs with color or fabric while on the first (default) arrow. See here.

Use the second arrow when you want to custom fill an object with contrast color or fabric or a texture or a transparency. You will use the second arrow much of the time when filling a design. The beauty of the second arrow is that you can cucstom fill parts of a design, without ever having to take it apart. For example, you could have a complete room designed (including furniture, accessories, window treatments, etc.) and have it grouped together. By switching to the second arrow, you can selectively fill a component within the design, without ever having to take apart the design. See here.

The third arrow is only required a fraction of the time. Use it to color the windows (frame or panes). Another place where you can use the third arrow is when filling the lining on a cascade. It allows you to fill multiple areas of a design (such as lining) at a single time, without having to select each individual area one at a time. Make sure to view the tutorials Create Translucent Windows, Add Detail Color – II, and Color Palette. See here.

How do I create a large jpg of my design, so that I can email it to a client?

With the DreamDraper program open, click on FILE-EXPORT. A pop-up window will appear where you can designate:

The folder where you want to save the jpg.
The name of the jpg. Make sure to name the jpg something unique, so that you can find it again.

Click on SAVE and a smaller pop-up will appear, which will allow you to alter the size of the jpg. We recommend that you just use the default settings. You will have a large, high quality jpg suitable for printing or emailing. This command is illustrated in the lesson on our Tutorials page, called “Create a JPG”.

HINT: The program automatically creates a small thumbnail jpg of every canvas in your portfolio file. That small thumbnail jpg is used by the program. Please make sure that when you export your jpg (for printing or presentation purposes), that you specify a UNIQUE filename for your jpg and that you remember the location where you saved it. This will ensure that you do not get it confused with the small thumbnail jpgs that are automatically created by the program.

When I print my design, it prints out too small. How can I get it to print larger?

Here’s a technique that you can use to print your design so that it appears larger on the page (or, if creating a jpg, the image will be larger as well)…

Create your design and when sizing each component, size to proper scale (i.e., enter the correct/actual dimensions using OBJECT-SCALE)).

When done, create a copy of your design on a second canvas, as follows:

With your design on your canvas, click on EDIT-SELECT ALL. This will highlight the entire design on the canvas.
Click on GROUP.
Click on COPY.
Create a new canvas.
Click on PASTE in the new canvas.
Now, resize your design on the new canvas so that it fits within the boundary box, so that the design can appear larger on your printout (or JPEG). Make sure to keep your finger depressed on the SHIFT key as you are resizing your design (pulling on one of the corner handles), to make sure that it stays proportional and does not stretch out of shape. (If you are not on the latest G5 Gold edition of DreamDraper, you will have to keep the CTRL key depressed while you resize.)

Many of our customers use this technique, as it keeps their original design intact and to proper scale on the first canvas. Yet, they have a larger version of their design that they can use for the printout (or if they want to create a large email suitable for presentation purposes using the FILE-EXPORT command).

When I export a jpg, the image is too small. How can I make it larger?

There can be 2 reasons why your jpg image is too small:

You may be looking at the wrong jpg. The program automatically creates a small thumbnail jpg of every canvas in your portfolio file. That small thumbnail jpg is used by the program and is not intended for your use. Please make sure that when you export your jpg (for printing or presentation purposes), that you specify a UNIQUE filename for your jpg and that you remember the location where you saved it. This will ensure that you do not get it confused with the small thumbnail jpgs that are automatically created by the program.
Your design may appear small on the canvas itself, in which case when you go to print it or export a jpg, the design will appear smaller than desired. In this case, do the following:

Create your design and when sizing each component, size to proper scale (i.e., enter the correct/actual dimensions using OBJECT-SCALE)).

When done, create a copy of your design on a second canvas, as follows:

With your design on your canvas, click on EDIT-SELECT ALL. This will highlight the entire design on the canvas.
Click on GROUP.
Click on COPY.
Create a new canvas.
Click on PASTE in the new canvas.
Now, resize your design on the new canvas so that it fits within the boundary box, so that the design can appear larger on your printout (or jpg). Make sure to keep your finger depressed on the SHIFT key as you are resizing your design (pulling on one of the corner handles), to make sure that it stays proportional and does not stretch out of shape. (If you are not on the latest G5 Gold edition of DreamDraper, you will have to keep the CTRL key depressed while you resize.)

DreamDraper Online FAQs: Answers

What is the difference between DreamDraper and DreamDraper Online?

DreamDraper is a comprehensive software program for designing window treatments, room elevations, and floorplans. The installed version of this program has been widely used throughout North America and worldwide.

DreamDraper Online gives you the ability to access DreamDraper from any computer – all you need is a browser to access the internet. No software installation is required! So you can break free from your office, you don’t have to worry about taking your computer with you all the time. Use any computer or handheld device such as your iPad or smartphone, and as long as you have internet access, you can start designing right in front of your client.

What are the system requirements for DreamDraper Online?

DreamDraper is virtually hardware independent. All you need is a browser and access to the internet. You can use a PC or Mac computer, or even popular handheld devices (such as iPad, iPhone, or Blackberry), and you don’t have to worry about whether your computer is too old. When you log in, you will be connected to our fast, secure servers, so you don’t have to worry about performance. (Not recommended for slow dial-up internet connections.)

How does DreamDraper Online work?

DreamDraper Online is accessed over the internet through a browser. The user logs on to our server hosting the program with a user name and password. Your design files may be saved on the server or downloaded to your device for storage or emailing. Similarly, files may be uploaded to the server as desired. Files on the server are backed up daily.

How do I access the optional add-on design collections [Bedding 1, M'Fay 1, M'Fay 2, Furniture 1]?

Two versions of DreamDraper Online are available: DreamDraper Online includes the original DreamDraper G5 Gold design software, and DreamDraper Online Premium includes full access to G5 Gold and the four add-on design collections.

How will upgrades be applied?

Users of DreamDraper Online will always have automatic access to the latest release, including any upgrades, at no extra charge.

Is DreamDraper Online available 24/7?

DreamDraper online is accessible 24/7. There may be occasional brief outages between the hours of 3-5 am EST for server or program maintenance.

Can DreamDraper Online be purchased on a subscription basis?

Yes. A subscription can be purchased using one of our payment options.

If I already own DreamDraper, can I convert to DreamDraper Online?

Of course! Please contact our office for available conversion plans.

If I already own DreamDraper, can I keep that active as well as use DreamDraper Online?

Yes, many DreamDraper owners appreciate the choice of having both the installed and online versions available to them and supplement their installed program with DreamDraper Online.

Is there still a money-back guarantee?

Yes, similar to the money-back guarantee available for all other DreamDraper products.

Is there a free trial available for DreamDraper Online?

The installed version of the DreamDraper program may be downloaded from www.dreamdraper.com for a thirty-day trial on your computer (PC or Mac, either native Mac or those running Windows). A trial of DreamDraper Online can also be arranged. Links for requesting either trial can be found on our website.

Quick Quote® FAQs: Answers

What do I need to use Quick Quote?

You must have QuickBooks® software installed on your computer. Quick Quote works in QuickBooks Online, Pro, Premier, or Enterprise for years 2005 or later. For Mac users, Quick Quote is compatible with QuickBooks Pro for Mac, 2005 and later.

Must I have DreamDraper design software to use Quick Quote?

No. While we have programmed the pricing for designs from our DreamDraper design program, you can use this program to price other designs. You will find that the Quick Quote categories are very universal and that designs found in books or magazines and from other pattern companies or sources will generally fall into one of our categories.

Can I change the information programmed in Quick Quote?

Absolutely. One of the main advantages of Quick Quote is its flexibility. The QuickBooks Item Edit window allows you to make permanent changes to suit your own business, or you can edit right on an individual invoice without affecting any stored information.

What is the Quick Quote basis for yardage calculations?

The yardage calculations in Quick Quote are based on a 27” repeat which covers the majority of treatments. The programmed treatment components for each treatment group in Quick Quote provide the finished measurements that the calculations are based on. Yardage calculation factors can be easily changed on individual invoices to reflect different repeats or finished measurements.

What is the Quick Quote basis for labor rates? Can the rates be changed?

The labor rates represent an average retail rate of four national workrooms. If appropriate, they can easily be changed to be in line with your workroom’s rates using the Item Edit window.

Do I need a working knowledge of QuickBooks to use Quick Quote?

Yes, however, QuickBooks offers a help window, which will walk you through anything you are trying to do. We also suggest using the book The Designer’s Survival Guide to QuickBooks as a key resource focused on the QuickBooks accounting system from a designer’s perspective. This book, which contains a design/workroom Chart of Accounts, is included with the Quick Quote system. Some users purchase QuickBooks solely for the purpose of being able to use Quick Quote to estimate window treatments.

Can I vary the detail to be printed on an estimate?

Yes. When installing Quick Quote you can choose to either print or hide detail item prices on your customer’s estimate or invoice.

Will Quick Quote keep track of inventory?

The only inventory item programmed in Quick Quote is lining. However, you may add others such as workroom supplies, shade mechanisms, pillows, foam, etc. As these items are charged on an invoice, the quantity on hand is reduced.

Will Quick Quote enable me to select the appropriate tax form for my business?

Yes. You can choose from the following business structures: sole proprietorship, partnership, S-Corp., or C-Corp. This selection helps to greatly reduce your future accounting costs.

How do I decide the appropriate category for a particular treatment?

Simply find the design in our workbook and identify the name that needs to be keyed in for Quick Quote. You can also create your own treatment groups for original designs.

Are templates included in Quick Quote?

Yes. Quick Quote includes over 50 customizable form and letter templates. Note: not all template and letter functions are available for QuickBooks Pro for Mac or QuickBooks Pro for Canada.

Can I import a DreamDraper design into an estimate or invoice?

Yes. All templates can be customized with images and edited with your logo and other company-specific information.

What learning aids are available for Quick Quote?

The Quick Quote package includes a tutorial CD with 20 mini lessons covering various aspects of the program. Webinars are also offered on a regular basis.

Can previous versions of Quick Quote be upgraded to the current version?

Yes. We suggest starting a new QuickBooks company as the preferred approach. However, if previous versions are maintained and upgraded, we suggest contacting Evan Marsh Designs for recommendations and assistance.

Is Quick Quote useful for full-service designers?

Absolutely! In fact, Quick Quote includes a mini Chart of Accounts and item list with various items typically sold by full service designers.

Ordering & Shipping FAQs: Answers

How are products normally shipped?

Domestic US and Canadian shipments are normally via UPS Ground. International shipments are also normally via UPS although certain other carriers may be specified, for which there may be an extra charge.

Can you ship to a PO box?

No – UPS requires a physical address.

Are all products within a bundle shipped together as one shipment?

Yes, unless a particular item is back-ordered in which case the back-ordered item will be shipped when available at no extra charge.

Is it possible to specify the payment plan for online orders?

Not at this time. This must be ordered through our office (1-866-563-7326).

Are any taxes applicable to your products?

Sales tax is added for destinations within the state of Pennsylvania.

Can I request expedited shipping of my online order?

Yes, but it must be specified at the time of ordering.

What shipping and handling charges are applied to my order?

Shipping and handling charges are dependent on the parcel weight and distance from our Pennsylvania shipping location. The charges are automatically indicated on the order form when the order is entered.

Who can I contact with inquiries about my order, including a tracking number?

Once an order is processed for shipment the tracking number will be available on our shopping cart under the “Your Account” tab. For other questions please contact our office (1-866-563-7326).

How long will it take to receive my order?

Orders are normally filled within two business days following the date of placement. Transit time to domestic US destinations from our eastern Pennsylvania location is normally 1-5 business days. Overnight and 2-day or 3-day options are available for most destinations at extra cost.

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ww.evanmarshdesigns.com/webpics/emdprod/DreamDraper%20G4%20Quick%20Reference%20Guide.pdf

FAQs

24/7 support is also available on our free online tutorials page.

Raise questions and share ideas with other DreamDraper users and design professionals on our xChange Forum!

View System Requirements

Installation & General FAQs

Support FAQs

DreamDraper® FAQs

DreamDraper Online FAQs

Quick Quote® FAQs

Ordering & Shipping FAQs

Guide to Toolbar Icons & Commands

DreamDraper Quick Reference Guide

Click each question below to see the answer.

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dreamDraper® FAQs:

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FAQs

24/7 support is also available on our free online tutorials page.

Raise questions and share ideas with other DreamDraper users and design professionals on our xChange Forum!

Click each question below to see the answer.

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Installation & General FAQs: Answers

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