BeadPixels is a free online perler bead pattern generator that converts any photo into a pixel-perfect bead pattern with real brand color codes. It supports Perler, Hama, Artkal, MARD (221 colors), and more. Upload a photo, choose your bead brand and grid size, and get a printable pattern with exact color codes and bead counts.

How do I make a perler bead pattern from a photo?

Upload any image to beadpixels.com, select your bead brand (Perler, Hama, Artkal, MARD), choose a grid size (29x29 to 128x128), and click Generate. The tool converts your photo into a pixelated pattern with exact brand color codes, bead counts per color, and a printable grid. Export as PNG, PDF, SVG, or JSON.

What bead brands are supported?

BeadPixels supports 8 bead brands: Perler (60 colors), Hama (60 colors), Artkal (60 colors), MARD (221 colors), Artkal M-2.6mm, Hama Midi, Nabbi, and Ikea Pyssla. Each brand uses its official color palette for accurate real-world matching.

Yes. You get 20 free credits on signup and can earn more through daily check-ins. Each pattern generation costs 1 credit. Pro plans start at $9.9/month for 200 credits, ad-free experience, and unlimited batch generation.

What export formats are available?

BeadPixels exports patterns in PNG (high-res image), PDF (printable with color legend), SVG (scalable vector), and JSON (raw data for custom processing). All exports include color codes, bead counts, and grid coordinates.

BeadPixels

## Why Game Sprites Are Perfect for Beads Pixel art and perler beads are the same medium — a grid of colored squares. That's why retro game sprites translate to beads almost 1:1: a 16x16 sprite becomes a 16x16 pegboard pattern with zero resizing. The 8-bit and 16-bit eras are a treasure trove of recognizable, bead-sized art, and most of it is simple enough for a first project. ## Where to Find Game Patterns - **Sprite databases** (Spriters Resource, Spriter's Database): download the original sprite sheets, then map colors to bead colors - **Pixel art sites** (PixelJoint, DeviantArt pixel communities): search '[character] sprite' for fan-made grids - **BeadPixels**: upload any sprite image and our [pattern maker](/blog/free-perler-bead-pattern-maker-online) converts it to a bead grid with color names - **Reddit r/beadsprites**: the community posts patterns and completed pieces constantly — sorting by 'top of all time' finds the classics ## Mario Classics That Work - **Super Mushroom (1-up)**: 16x16, five colors (red, white, black, brown, cream). The first project everyone does, and the first project everyone gets right - **Fire Flower**: 16x16, orange/red/yellow. Pairs with the mushroom as a duo piece - **1-Up Mushroom**: 16x16, green tones. Same layout as the red mushroom with a palette swap - **Question Block**: 16x16, yellow/orange with the '?' centered. Easy and instantly recognizable - **Small Mario**: 12x16, the classic sprite. Red hat, blue overalls, skin tones — 8 colors total ## Pokémon That Pop - **Poké Ball**: 16x16, three colors (red, white, black). Perfect starter - **Pikachu (Gen 1 sprite)**: 16x16, four yellows plus black and red. The head-and-tail layout reads instantly - **Bulbasaur**: 16x16, greens plus blue and red. Slightly harder — the leaf details need careful color matching - **Eevee**: 16x16, browns and cream. Eevee's Gen 1 sprite is one of the best-looking bead conversions - **Charizard**: 24x24, orange/cream/blue. A weekend project that impresses everyone - **Magikarp**: 16x8, red/orange. The meme potential is unlimited ## Minecraft Builds - **Creeper Face**: 8x8, green and dark green. The most popular bead pattern on the internet — it takes 10 minutes - **Steve Head**: 8x8, skin/blue/brown. Pairs with the Creeper for a duo - **Heart**: 8x8, red. Yes, Minecraft's heart is just a square grid — it's the easiest 'real' pixel art - **Diamond Sword**: 16x16, cyan/white/brown. Iron it soft and it looks like a tiny pixel blade - **TNT Block**: 16x16, red/white/black. Explodes in cuteness ## Zelda & Retro Favorites - **Triforce**: 8x8, gold. Three triangles in one 8x8 grid — nearly free and iconic - **Heart Container**: 8x8, red. Zelda's heart is the classic beginner pattern - **Rupee**: 8x8, green. Make a handful and scatter them as party favors - **Pac-Man**: 16x16, yellow/black. The ghost and the pellet are equally simple - **Sonic Ring**: 8x8, gold/yellow. The loop design reads perfectly in beads - **Space Invader**: 8x8, green or any single color. The original alien shape is a bead natural ## Adapting Sprites to Bead Grids Rule one: **use the sprite at native resolution** — a 16x16 sprite stays 16x16 beads. Upscaling to 29x29 rarely improves the look because the color steps get muddy. Rule two: **map colors to the nearest bead color** using our [color chart](/blog/perler-bead-color-chart-all-brands) — most sprites use 6-10 colors, and bead palettes cover all of them. Rule three: for sprites with outlines, keep the outline color consistent (black or dark gray) or the piece looks busy. ## Display Ideas Iron game pieces and display them as: a wall collage (group 4-8 pieces in a shadow box frame), fridge magnets (stick magnet sheets on the back), keychains ([keychain guide](/blog/how-to-make-perler-bead-keychains)), or desk decorations. For a wow-factor gift, frame a trio — one classic per row, like Mario/Pikachu/Creeper — and it becomes the kind of gift a gamer keeps forever. ## Pro Tips - Use [midi beads](/blog/perler-bead-beginner-guide) for 16x16+ pieces; mini beads only for tiny 8x8 items - Sort beads by color before starting — the [organization guide](/blog/perler-bead-organization-storage-guide) saves you an hour per project - Iron game pieces medium-flat: too flat and the pixel look dies, too soft and the piece flexes - Check the sprite's original aspect ratio — some retro sprites are non-square pixels, and you want to preserve the look, not the literal grid

Game-Themed Perler Bead Patterns: Mario, Pokémon, Minecraft & More