Do you design your own beadwork patterns? If so, you might benefit from using a beading software program on your computer or mobile device. This article compares BeadTool and Beadographer in what I think are the most important and commonly used features for bead software.
Of course, there are lots of considerations to selecting and using beading software - it depends on what beading stitches you use, the types of projects you like to make, how comfortable you are with technology, the features of the tool, what type of device you use (computer vs. pad vs. phone), if it's your business or hobby, etc.
I like beading software a lot, but I haven't found one that does everything I need it to do. But it's no more limiting than graph paper and colored pencils (in the hands of someone who can't draw), and I like technology. I should tell you now that I designed software for 30 years, so I am likely much more critical than the average beader.
The point of this post is mostly to jog my memory when I go to do something in the future, but it may help you too. I own BeadTool and subscribe to Beadographer. I use both, but for different capabilities because they have different features. And even where the features overlap, one is sometimes easier to use than the other.
Both tools have a learning curve, but overall, I think BeadTool is a bit more intuitive than Beadographer. It could be that I learned to use BeadTool first though.
Cost
Most beading software have free to use versions which allow you access to all the design tools, but you cannot save your patterns or bead libraries. So you can use them and decide if they are worth investing in longer term.
I think both are reasonably priced. You purchase a license to download BeadTool for $49.95 which is good for two devices. If you change computers, contact them and they will give you the information to set it up on the new device. Files for BeadTool are saved on your computer. It only support PC's, no phones or I-Pads. You are responsible for backing up the design files.
Beadographer is browser based (not a download) and has a subscription model that is $11.99 per year. Bead pattern files are saved in the cloud (not your computer) and there's no limitations on how many or what type of device you can use. This is handy because you can design on one device, say your computer, and then edit the same file on your I-pad. I love using Beadographer on my I-Pad with an apple pencil. Just like technologically advanced graph paper and pencils.
Bead Patterns (stitch graphs)
The starting point for any design is selecting the bead pattern you'll be working with. Beadograper supports more stitch layouts than BeadTool. Below is a list that each one has. Items in bold are unique to that tool.
BeadTool: Loom, Brick (2 & 3 drop), Gourd, Peyote (2 - 9 drop), Tubular Peyote, Right Angle Weave aka RAW (2 & 3 bead)
Beadographer: Loom, Square, Brick (2 & 3 drop but customizable), Peyote (2 & 3 drop but customizable), Right Angle Weave aka RAW, Peyote (2 & 3 drop but customizable), Herringbone, Right Angle Weave, Triangle (peyote), Warped Square (peyote), Peyote Star (5 diamonds), Huichol (circular netting), Medallion (flat stitch)
Note that Beadographer has significantly more layouts and is more customizable using a row shift feature that allows you to slide rows in peyote and brick stitch. This is super handy to make a pattern that may have a 3 drop brick stitch center with 2 drop rows or to line up a large number of rows to simulate straight fringe.
These capabilities are not available in BeadTool which means to make triangle brick stitch with fringe earring designs will require two different files; one for the brick stitch triangle and a second to layout the fringe using a square stitch or loom graph.
Bead Selection (type of beads, bead colors)
- BeadTool: Miyuki Delica (size 10, 11 and 15) & Round (size 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 15 and 9 mm), Pony, Preciosa (size 11), Toho Round (size 11), Toho Aiko (size 11), Toho Treasure (size 11), Generic Colors
- Beadograper: Miyuki Delica (size 10, 11 and 15) & Round (size 8, 11 and 15), Toho Round (size 6, 8, 11 and 15), Aiko (size 11) and Treasure (size 11), Fuse Beads
I have never quite figured out Beadographer's color library. It starts with a generic color palette that is very limited (and not very pleasing to me). I can select and search for other colors, but they are not aligned with the brand or size of bead I selected. At best, I am getting something close to the bead I want. This is a big limitation in my view. I can create my own beads and add them to the library, but honestly, who has time for that and why doesn't the software come pre-loaded with them? That's the big limitation to Beadographer in my opinion.
You can also manage your bead inventory (roughly) with both tools. I started doing it when I got BeadTool but quickly lost interest. I don't think the juice is worth the squeeze.
Drawing Tools (shapes, flipping, cutting/pasting)
Tools that help drawing the shapes you need for a design and filling in the beads in that area streamline creating large designs.
- BeadTool: Line, Triangle, Diamond, Pentagon, Hexagon, Octagon, Oval, Square
- Beadographer: Square (also draws a line)
BeadTool has more shapes and they are intuitive and easy to use. These tools are handy, but can be a little wonky, especially the circle.
Beadographer covers the basic need with the square tool which can also be used to create a vertical or horizontal line. Don't expect a diagonal though.
In writing this, I tried some of the flip, rotate and repeat tools. Both have some nice capabilities. I really like that BeadTool can take a pattern area and repeat it automatically on your bead graph. Nice for something with repeating patterns.
For now, that's all I've got. Here's my overall assessment:
BeadTool an easier, more intuitive user interface with better bead color selection and shape drawing capabilities.
Beadographer has more bead stitches and pattern graphs and is reasonably easy to use. It can be used on more devices and stores your files in the cloud which acts as a built in backup.
User documentation is equally available as are helpful videos.
As I use other features, I'll try to update this article. This article is not sponsored by either company, so the opinions are strictly my own. Feel free to share your views or other tools you use in the comments.
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