The library
Guides for your next bead project.
Pick what you are trying to do, get the pattern clean, then make it at the table. 15 guides cover images, PDFs, bead choices, fusing, and project planning, with sources beside the claims that matter.
Start with this
Choose your fuse-bead pattern workflow
A neutral, job-first map of the fuse-bead workflows makers use today: browser converters, mobile pattern apps, broader beading workspaces, source cleanup tools, and manufacturer or community references.
Read the guideStart here
A simple route from picking a workflow to finishing your first piece. Read in order if you're new.
Read in order
- Choose your fuse-bead pattern workflow A neutral, job-first map of the fuse-bead workflows makers use today: browser converters, mobile pattern apps, broader beading workspaces, source cleanup tools, and manufacturer or community references. 10 min beginner
- Create your first RetroBeads pattern Choose the right RetroBeads start path for a sprite, upscaled pixel art, photo, smooth illustration, or blank-canvas drawing. 12 min beginner
- What RetroBeads can and cannot do today A plain-language scope guide for new makers: what the current RetroBeads app supports, what it does not cover, and where to go when a project hits one of those boundaries. 8 min beginner
- Export, print, and use your bead pattern PDF Export a RetroBeads PDF, print it at the right scale, and use it beside or underneath your pegboards. 20 min beginner
- Ironing styles and troubleshooting Pick a finish, fuse with confidence using three proven methods, and read troubleshooting clues without burning the project. 15 min beginner
Recently published or revised
What's new or freshly corrected in the library. Update dates only move when the guide changed in a way that affects what readers will do.
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Published
Choose your fuse-bead pattern workflow
A neutral, job-first map of the fuse-bead workflows makers use today: browser converters, mobile pattern apps, broader beading workspaces, source cleanup tools, and manufacturer or community references.
Read guide -
Published
What RetroBeads can and cannot do today
A plain-language scope guide for new makers: what the current RetroBeads app supports, what it does not cover, and where to go when a project hits one of those boundaries.
Read guide -
Published
Choose a dithering mode for your bead pattern
Decide between None, Floyd-Steinberg, Atkinson, and Ordered Bayer by source and visible symptom, and know what Auto does behind the scenes.
Read guide -
Published
Choose mini or midi beads for your project
Decide between mini and midi fuse beads by detail, comfort, project size, sourcing, sorting, placing, correcting, fusing, and how you read the chart.
Read guide -
Published
Draw a bead pattern from a blank canvas
Start a RetroBeads pattern without an image: draw bead by bead, expand the boards when the drawing needs room, keep a reference beside the app, and run a pre-build pass before fusing.
Read guide -
Published
Fix the pattern before you build
Run a quick pre-build pass on a RetroBeads chart to catch stray beads, halos, weak silhouettes, board seams, and palette problems before you sort beads or print the PDF.
Read guide
Browse by topic
Jump straight to a part of the making process.
- Getting started 4 guides Pick a workflow, start a first project, and learn where RetroBeads fits.
- Pattern prep 5 guides Get a clean chart from your source: pixel art, sprite sheets, photos, or a blank canvas.
- Making 2 guides Print, plan, and build the pattern off the screen.
- Finishing 3 guides Decide the finish, fuse safely, and handle large pieces.
- Troubleshooting 1 guide Catch chart problems and craft snags before they cost beads or time.
All guides
Newest first- Choose your fuse-bead pattern workflow A neutral, job-first map of the fuse-bead workflows makers use today: browser converters, mobile pattern apps, broader beading workspaces, source cleanup tools, and manufacturer or community references. Getting started
- What RetroBeads can and cannot do today A plain-language scope guide for new makers: what the current RetroBeads app supports, what it does not cover, and where to go when a project hits one of those boundaries. Getting started
- Choose a dithering mode for your bead pattern Decide between None, Floyd-Steinberg, Atkinson, and Ordered Bayer by source and visible symptom, and know what Auto does behind the scenes. Pattern prep
- Choose mini or midi beads for your project Decide between mini and midi fuse beads by detail, comfort, project size, sourcing, sorting, placing, correcting, fusing, and how you read the chart. Pattern prep
- Draw a bead pattern from a blank canvas Start a RetroBeads pattern without an image: draw bead by bead, expand the boards when the drawing needs room, keep a reference beside the app, and run a pre-build pass before fusing. Getting started
- Fix the pattern before you build Run a quick pre-build pass on a RetroBeads chart to catch stray beads, halos, weak silhouettes, board seams, and palette problems before you sort beads or print the PDF. Troubleshooting
- One side, two sides, or flat melt Choose the display side, strength, and melt finish before you fuse a bead project. Finishing
- Plan a large fuse-bead project Plan board sections, seam placement, page joints, transport, and helper roles for a large fuse-bead project before any beads move. Making
- Choose bead brands, colors, pegboards, and substitutions Plan a fuse-bead project by choosing the size family, brand or series, pegboard family, and color substitutions with the right measurement confidence. Pattern prep
- Convert a photo into a bead pattern Make a buildable bead chart from a real photo by choosing a good crop, a realistic board size, calmer colors, and the right cleanup. Pattern prep
- Export, print, and use your bead pattern PDF Export a RetroBeads PDF, print it at the right scale, and use it beside or underneath your pegboards. Making
- Tape method for large fuse-bead projects Lift a large bead design off the pegboards, flip it cleanly, and fuse the back first using the tape method. Finishing
- Create your first RetroBeads pattern Choose the right RetroBeads start path for a sprite, upscaled pixel art, photo, smooth illustration, or blank-canvas drawing. Getting started
- Turn pixel art into a bead pattern Turn sprites, sprite sheets, upscaled pixel art, and simple drawings into clean bead charts without fighting the wizard. Pattern prep
- Ironing styles and troubleshooting Pick a finish, fuse with confidence using three proven methods, and read troubleshooting clues without burning the project. Finishing