Simple, bold images with clear outlines work best. Then use Draw, Fill and Pick to tidy up stray beads.
Designing a bead pattern
A bead pattern is a map of where each bead goes. On paper it is easy to draw the wrong grid: loom work sits in straight rows, peyote columns are offset by half a bead, and brick stitch rows are offset sideways. BeadChart draws the grid for the stitch you choose, so what you see is close to what you will stitch.
Start with size
Decide the width in beads first. For a loom bracelet that is how many beads across; for a peyote cuff it is the number of columns; for brick stitch earrings it is the widest row. Then set the height or length. The size line under the legend estimates the finished piece in millimetres and inches for common bead sizes, so you can check it will fit a wrist or hang at the right length before you start.
Drawing tools
Draw places the selected colour as you click or drag. Fill floods every touching bead of the same colour, which is the quickest way to set a background. Erase empties beads, which is how you shape brick stitch outlines. Pick copies a colour from the chart. Mirror copies the left half onto the right, or the top onto the bottom, for symmetrical motifs.
Converting a picture
Bead grids are low resolution: a 30-bead-wide bracelet has fewer pixels across than a small app icon. Choose images with bold shapes and few colours, set the width you want, then load the picture. BeadChart averages each area into one bead and reduces the result to the number of colours you choose, picking colours that represent the image well. Edit the legend colours to match the bead colours you actually own, and clean up single stray beads by hand.
Counting and buying beads
The legend shows how many beads of each colour the chart uses, with a letter for each. Buy at least ten percent extra, because some beads are misshapen and some always escape. For loom work, the word chart lists each row as runs of letters to read while weaving. Print the chart with letters turned on if you want to tick off rows as you go. Your patterns and images stay in this browser.
Frequently asked questions
How many colours should I use?
Four to eight is usually enough. More colours means more bead buying and more stray single beads.
Are transparent areas kept?
Yes. Transparent parts of PNG images become empty cells.
Can I change a colour afterwards?
Yes. Edit it in the legend and every bead of that colour changes.
Is BeadChart free?
Yes, with no sign-up or ads.
Where is my pattern saved?
In this browser only. Download a PNG to keep a copy.