❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Having issues using Beads Studio? Here are the most common questions and answers!
📸 Image Processing
What image formats are supported?
We support JPG, PNG, and HEIC formats. HEIC is iPhone's default photo format, automatically converted by the website. Recommended image size: 500x500 to 2000x2000 pixels. Too small = blurry, too large = slow processing.
Why doesn't my uploaded image display?
Possible reasons:
- Unsupported format: Convert to JPG or PNG
- Image too large: Compress to under 5MB
- Browser compatibility: Use Chrome, Safari, Edge
- Network unstable: Refresh and retry
AI cutout is slow on first use, is this normal?
Yes, normal. First-time AI cutout downloads the model (~30MB), which takes time. After download, the model caches in your browser for fast future use. Recommend using on WiFi for first use.
Can I skip the cropping step?
Yes! The crop interface has a "Skip Crop" button. Cropping helps remove unnecessary background and highlight the subject. If your original image is already the area you want, feel free to skip.
🎨 Palette and Colors
Which color palette brand should I choose?
Choose based on your actual bead brand:
- China users recommend Mard: 291 colors, most complete, easy to buy
- International users recommend Hama or Perler: Well-known brands
- Budget-conscious choose COCO, 漫漫: Cost-effective domestic brands
When in doubt, use Mard (default). You can switch anytime.
Generated pattern has too many colors, what to do?
Use "Color Simplification"! This is one of Beads Studio's core features:
- Similar Color Merge: Merge visually close colors, reduce 30-50%
- Low-frequency Removal: Auto-replace rarely used colors
- One-click Optimize: Apply both strategies
Usually optimizes from 80+ to 30-40 colors with minimal visual impact.
Can I undo after color simplification?
Yes! Each simplification generates a new version. You can undo (Ctrl/Cmd + Z) to return to the previous step. Recommend saving project before simplification, just in case.
Why does the pattern differ greatly from the original?
This is characteristic of bead art. Bead palettes have limited colors (typically 200-300), while photos may contain tens of thousands. The website auto-matches closest palette colors. If difference is too large, try:
- Switch to other palette brands
- Adjust dithering strength
- Manually fine-tune key parts with brush tool
⚙️ Parameter Settings
What's the appropriate bead width?
Depends on image complexity and your patience:
- 50-75: Simple patterns (logos, emojis)
- 75-100: Medium complexity (cartoon characters)
- 100-150: Photos, landscapes
- 150-200: Large works, HD photos
Larger width = more details but more time and cost. Beginners start with 50-75.
What is dithering strength? How to set?
Dithering is an image technique making limited-color images look realistic:
- 0-20%: Pixel art, cartoons, logos (clear color blocks)
- 50-80%: General photos (balance realism and clarity)
- 80-100%: Gradient-heavy photos (most realistic but grainy)
Not sure? Click "Magic Recommend" - AI auto-sets appropriate strength.
How does "Magic Recommend" work?
Magic Recommend uses AI to analyze image features:
- Detect color count: <100 = pixel art/cartoon
- Analyze color distribution: Low variance = smooth transitions (pixel art)
- Detect edge sharpness: Sharp edges = pixel art
Based on analysis, auto-recommends bead width (50-150) and dithering strength (0-80%). ~90% accuracy.
🖌️ Editing Features
How to use the brush tool?
- Press B key or click brush icon in toolbar
- Select color from right-side color list
- Click canvas pixels to modify color
- Press V key to switch back to pan tool
Brush tool supports unlimited undo/redo (Ctrl/Cmd + Z), use freely!
What is Focus Mode?
Focus Mode highlights all positions of selected color while dimming others. Very useful during actual beading:
- Select a color and enable Focus Mode
- Canvas highlights all positions of that color
- Top shows completion progress (placed/total)
- After finishing this color, switch to next
This way you won't get lost while beading and can track progress clearly.
How to zoom in for details?
- PC: Mouse wheel to zoom, drag to pan
- Mobile: Pinch to zoom, single finger to pan
- Click "Fit to Screen" button to auto-adjust to optimal size
- Zoom range: 0.1x ~ 10x
📦 Export and Save
What does the exported pattern include?
Exported patterns include complete bead information:
- Bead Pattern: Each bead labeled with color code
- XY Axis Coordinates: Horizontal and vertical coordinates for positioning
- 5x5 Auxiliary Grid: Thick line every 5 beads, easy counting
- Color Statistics Table: Bottom lists all colors and quantities
Convenient for viewing on computer/tablet or printing.
What's the difference between PNG and PDF?
- PNG Format: Image format, suitable for computer/tablet viewing, can also print
- PDF Format: Document format, better for printing, smaller file size, more stable text display
Recommendation: PNG for digital viewing, PDF for printing.
Why does 3x/4x export require watching ads?
Beads Studio's core features are completely free, but server operation has costs. 3x/4x HD export requires more computing resources. Brief ads (3 seconds) help us maintain operations. 1x and 2x exports are completely free and sufficient for most users.
How to save projects?
Two methods:
- Auto-save: Website auto-saves your latest creation to local browser
- Export Project: Click "Save Project" to download .json file locally
Recommend manually saving important works using method 2 for safety. To restore, upload .json file on homepage.
🔧 Technical and Compatibility
Which browsers are supported?
Recommended modern browsers:
- Chrome 90+ (recommended)
- Safari 15+
- Edge 90+
- Firefox 90+
IE browser not supported. Mobile: use system browser (Safari/Chrome).
Do I need to register or login?
No! Beads Studio is completely free with no registration required. All data saves in local browser, we don't collect your personal information or artworks.
Can I use on mobile?
Absolutely! Beads Studio uses responsive design, perfect for phones and tablets:
- Touch gesture support
- PWA support (add to home screen)
- All features work on small screens
Recommend using on tablets or large-screen phones for best experience.
Where is data saved? Is it secure?
All data saves in your local browser, not uploaded to server. This means:
- Advantage: Privacy secure, no leak concerns
- Note: Clearing browser cache loses data, manually export important works
💡 Tips and Best Practices
How to create better bead artworks?
Several suggestions:
- Choose clear images: Original quality determines final result
- Crop appropriately: Remove unnecessary background, highlight subject
- Use color simplification: Reduce color variety for more harmonious work
- Fine-tune key details: Use brush for eyes, mouth, etc.
- Start small: Beginners start with 50-75 width
How to save on bead costs?
- Use color simplification to reduce color varieties
- Choose smaller bead width (50-100)
- Crop unnecessary background areas
- Choose cost-effective domestic brands (COCO, 漫漫)
🆘 More Questions?
If the above doesn't answer your question, contact us via the "Feedback" button in the website header. We'll reply ASAP!