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. 8 guides cover images, PDFs, bead choices, fusing, and project planning, with sources beside the claims that matter.
Start with this
Create your first RetroBeads pattern
Choose the right RetroBeads start path for a sprite, upscaled pixel art, photo, smooth illustration, or blank-canvas drawing.
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
- Create your first RetroBeads patternChoose the right RetroBeads start path for a sprite, upscaled pixel art, photo, smooth illustration, or blank-canvas drawing.12 min readBeginner
- Turn pixel art into a bead patternTurn sprites, sprite sheets, upscaled pixel art, and simple drawings into clean bead charts without fighting the wizard.18 min readBeginner
- Convert a photo into a bead patternMake a buildable bead chart from a real photo by choosing a good crop, a realistic board size, calmer colors, and the right cleanup.18 min readBeginner
- Choose bead brands, colors, pegboards, and substitutionsPlan a fuse-bead project by choosing the size family, brand or series, pegboard family, and color substitutions with the right measurement confidence.18 min readIntermediate
- Export, print, and use your bead pattern PDFExport a RetroBeads PDF, print it at the right scale, and use it beside or underneath your pegboards.20 min readBeginner
- Fix the pattern before you buildRun 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.14 min readIntermediate
- Ironing styles and troubleshootingPick a finish, fuse with confidence using three proven methods, and read troubleshooting clues without burning the project.15 min readBeginner
- Tape method for large fuse-bead projectsLift a large bead design off the pegboards, flip it cleanly, and fuse the back first using the tape method.25 min readIntermediate
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.
Updated
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.
Read guideUpdated
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.
Read guideUpdated
Create your first RetroBeads pattern
Choose the right RetroBeads start path for a sprite, upscaled pixel art, photo, smooth illustration, or blank-canvas drawing.
Read guideUpdated
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 guideUpdated
Ironing styles and troubleshooting
Pick a finish, fuse with confidence using three proven methods, and read troubleshooting clues without burning the project.
Read guideUpdated
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.
Read guide
Browse by topic
Jump straight to a part of the making process.
- Getting started1 guidePick a workflow, start a first project, and learn where RetroBeads fits.
- Pattern prep3 guidesGet a clean chart from your source: pixel art, sprite sheets, photos, or a blank canvas.
- Making1 guidePrint, plan, and build the pattern off the screen.
- Finishing2 guidesDecide the finish, fuse safely, and handle large pieces.
- Troubleshooting1 guideCatch chart problems and craft snags before they cost beads or time.
All guides
Newest first- Fix the pattern before you buildRun 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
- Choose bead brands, colors, pegboards, and substitutionsPlan 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 patternMake 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 PDFExport a RetroBeads PDF, print it at the right scale, and use it beside or underneath your pegboards.Making
- Tape method for large fuse-bead projectsLift a large bead design off the pegboards, flip it cleanly, and fuse the back first using the tape method.Finishing
- Create your first RetroBeads patternChoose 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 patternTurn sprites, sprite sheets, upscaled pixel art, and simple drawings into clean bead charts without fighting the wizard.Pattern prep
- Ironing styles and troubleshootingPick a finish, fuse with confidence using three proven methods, and read troubleshooting clues without burning the project.Finishing