STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Make a bead pattern you can follow

This guide covers the complete local workflow, from choosing a source image to assembling a multi-page chart.

Open the pattern maker

01

Start with the right image

PNG, JPG and WebP files up to 10 MB and 24 megapixels are supported. Images with clear silhouettes and a limited number of colors usually translate best.

Images that work well

  • Simple illustrations and pixel art with distinct shapes
  • Photos with one clear subject and strong contrast
  • Transparent-background images with clean edges

Images that need extra care

  • Busy photos with many small background details
  • Very dark or low-contrast images
  • Thin lines that may disappear on a small grid

02

Balance size, detail and materials

Grid width controls spatial detail; maximum colors controls how many MARD codes appear in the finished pattern.

Grid width

Choose 16–128 beads across. More beads preserve detail but increase the finished size, bead count and page count.

Maximum colors

Choose 2–48 colors. A lower limit simplifies materials; a higher limit can preserve subtle shading.

MARD color matching

The current maker matches only the MARD 221 solid-color palette. Screen colors are approximate; Perler and Hama color codes are not included.

03

Choose the export that fits your workflow

All exports come from the same generated pattern and use the same color codes and quantities.

PNG

PNG: a complete numbered chart with coordinates, color codes and a materials legend.

PDF

PDF: readable A4 pages for large patterns, coordinate guides for joining pages, and a separate color-quantity page.

CSV

CSV: a UTF-8 color list for sorting, checking stock or opening in a spreadsheet.

04

Assemble and make

Use the row and column coordinates to align printed pages. The grid is a counting guide, not an actual-size bead template. Follow the bead manufacturer's instructions when ironing.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Ready to try your image?

Open the maker, adjust the grid and colors, and download the format you need.

Open the pattern maker