How to Make Perler Bead Patterns from Photos

A beginner guide to converting any photo into a printable perler bead, hama bead, or fuse bead pattern.

Choose a simple image

The best bead patterns start with a clear subject, strong contrast, and a simple background.

Crop the image before conversion so the bead grid focuses on the part that matters.

  • Use one main subject.
  • Avoid busy backgrounds.
  • Prefer clear outlines and limited colors.

Set grid width and color count

Start with 40-60 columns for beginner projects and 80-120 columns for portraits or detailed art.

  • Fewer colors are easier to build.
  • More columns preserve more detail.
  • Use the material list before buying beads.

Export and print

Export a PNG for a quick reference or a PDF when you want a printable pattern with color counts.

Create a bead pattern