BeadWanStep by step
- Choose a sharp photo you own or have permission to use. A front-facing face with good lighting and a simple background is easier to work with.
- Open the image converter and crop tightly around the face and ears. Keep enough space for distinctive markings.
- Compare a 32 × 32 grid with a 64 × 64 grid. If eyes or ears disappear, try a larger grid or a closer crop.
- Choose your bead palette and adjust the conversion settings. Inspect both the preview and the individual cells.
- Use the editor to repair eyes, nose, ear edges and markings. Export the chart and material list when the result is ready.
Choose a photo that works at bead scale
A busy background, shadows across the face and small eyes can disappear when reduced to a grid. Prefer a close portrait with visible edges and contrast between the animal and background. If several pets overlap, make each one a separate design first.
Balance detail and project size
A filled 32 × 32 grid has up to 1,024 beads; a filled 64 × 64 grid has up to 4,096. Transparent cells do not need beads. A larger pattern preserves more detail but needs more beads, board space and time. Compare the actual pattern before buying materials.
Make the face recognizable
Inspect the eyes, nose and silhouette first. A one-cell change can affect the expression; merge distracting isolated colors only when it preserves a distinctive spot or stripe. Screen colors are approximations, so compare important bead colors in person when possible.
Common questions
Can I make a small pet keychain?
A small grid can work for a simplified face, but fine fur and markings may not survive. Crop closer and test several sizes before choosing a design.
Will the result match my pet exactly?
Not necessarily. A limited bead palette and grid simplify the photo, so manual edits may be needed to preserve the features you recognize.