Guide
Perler vs Hama vs Artkal Beads
Choose the bead brand and color palette that best matches your supplies, location, and pattern style.
Perler, Hama, and Artkal beads can all be used for fuse bead projects, but they differ in availability, color range, and how they behave when ironed.
For SEO and crafting, the practical question is simple: choose the palette that matches the beads you can actually buy and use.
Perler
Common in North America and a familiar choice for classic projects.
Hama
Popular in Europe with strong availability for many crafters.
Artkal
Large color range that can help detailed portraits and anime projects.
Perler, Hama, and Artkal comparison table
The counts below describe the color records currently checked and used by Pixelbead, not a promise that every color is available in every country or package. Product lines change, so verify current packaging before mixing beads.
| Series | Nominal size | Material behavior | Checked colors | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perler standard palette | 5 mm | Hard fuse bead | 103 | North American projects, classic patterns, broad product-code coverage |
| Hama Midi | 5 mm | Hard fuse bead | 88 | European availability and standard-size projects |
| Artkal S | 5 mm | Hard fuse bead | 176 | Detailed standard-size portraits and broad color matching |
| Artkal C | 2.6 mm | Hard mini bead | 174 | Small, detailed projects where mini beads are intended |
| Artkal R | 5 mm | Soft fuse bead | 129 | Projects designed around a softer bead series |
How to choose a brand
Start with availability. A perfect digital palette is not useful if the beads are hard to buy. After that, consider color range and project style.
- Use Perler if it is the easiest brand to buy locally.
- Use Hama if you already own Hama boards and beads.
- Use Artkal when detailed color matching matters and you can source the colors.
Can you mix brands?
Match both nominal size and material behavior before mixing. A 5 mm hard bead is not automatically interchangeable with a 5 mm soft bead, and 2.6 mm mini beads require a different board. Test a small sample before mixing brands in a large project.
Palette choice inside Pixelbead
Choose the palette before exporting so the bead counts match the brand you plan to use. If you change brands later, colors may shift.
FAQ
Which bead brand is best for photo patterns?
The best brand is usually the one with enough colors and easy availability in your area. Artkal can help detailed color work, while Perler and Hama are common choices.
Can I switch palettes after generating a pattern?
Yes, but the closest color matches and bead counts can change. Always re-check the preview before exporting.
Related resources
Perler Bead Color Chart and Palette Guide
Search 103 Perler bead colors by product code, name, HEX, or RGB. Download a free printable PDF color chart and use the same palette in Pixelbead.
Photo to Perler Bead Pattern Converter
Convert photos into printable Perler bead patterns with grid size controls, real bead palettes, color counts, and PNG/PDF export.
Hama Bead Pattern Maker
Create Hama bead patterns from photos and images with grid size controls, color matching, bead counts, and printable exports.
Fuse Bead Pattern Generator
Generate printable fuse bead patterns from images with color counts, grid sizing, bead brand palettes, and PNG/PDF export.
