Instructions - Create a new bead pattern

0) Load a new image. You can select any image or photo on your computer. This can be done directly on the home page of pixel-beads.

1) Select the number of beads in width. Depending on the image size, the number of beads is then automatically calculated in height.
The maximum width is limited to 500 beads. If the number of beads is high the calculation may take a few seconds depending on the system performance.

2) Select the number of colours that should be within the pattern. During the computer calculation some of the colors are optimized so that the result contains fewer colors.
Try out different numbers of color and choose the best result while keeping the number of colors low.

3) Choose the color palette that you will use in the pattern. You can currently choose between "Hama", "Artkal" and "Nabbi".

4) For the selected palette you can deselect individual colors by clicking on them. The deselected colors will not be used to create the pattern.

The button "Download Palette" can be used to save the existing palette. The deselected colors are not taken into account.
The button "Upload Palette" can be used to create a custom palette. You must select a file (for example .txt or .csv) that conforms to the following format:
One color is defined per line. A line consists of 2 columns. The 1st column indicates the color value as a Hex value. For example, #eb4034. The second line is the description of the color.
You can also select an existing palette as a template and then use it via "Download Palette".

Example content with 3 colors:
#eceded,H01 (White)
#f0e8b9,H02 (Cream)
#f0b901,H03 (Yellow)

5) Choose the dither algorithms. Dithering is a technique that replicates missing intermediate colors with available colors. Color gradients are reproduced better and the result image is even more accurate.
Further information Dither

6) Choose the algorithms that calculates the similarity between the different colors. Try different variations and decide for the best result.
Further information Color Difference

7) Choose the algorithms that reduces the number of distinct colors used in an image. Try different variations and decide for the best result.
Further information Color Quantization

8) The file format in which the document is to be saved is determined. It is possible to save the pattern as a Pdf or as an Excel file.

9) It is specified how the pattern should look in the created file.
The following options are available for Pdf: Symbols, Letters/Numbers, Numbers, Symbols With Colored Boxes, Letters/Numbers With Colored Boxes, Numbers With Colored Boxes, Colored Boxes, Colored Circles

The following options are available for Excel: Numbers With Colored Boxes, Colored Boxes

10) You can specify whether a grid is displayed in the preview image.

11) It is also possible to load a new image.

12) Now your are ready to create the pattern! Press the button "Create Pattern".
Once a pattern has been created, a preview of the pattern appears. Below the preview you will also find an overview of the colors that are used in the pattern. If you still want to optimize the result you can adjust settings and reload your pattern again.

13) If you press the button "Save Pattern" a document will be provided. In the document you will find all important information of the pattern: a schematic representation, informations about the used colors etc..

Now you are ready to start your new project! Enjoy it!