BeadTool vs. Beadographer: Which Beading Software is Better

If you create your own beadwork designs, beading software can save time, improve accuracy, and help you plan colors, size, and pattern layout. It's also easier to experiment with ideas and explore variations, things that can be time consuming if you are using beading graph paper.

This article compares BeadTool and Beadographer  bead design software so you can decide which fits your projects, technology, and workflow best. There is no sponsorship by the respective companies. These are my opinions from using both of them.

BeadTool screen example with brick stitch project

Quick Comparison Chart

Feature	BeadTool	Beadographer
Cost	$49.95 one-time	$16.99/year
Devices	PC only	Any device with browser
Storage	Local files	Cloud
Best for	Color accuracy, ease	Stitch variety, flexibility

Cost and Device Compatability

Both Beadtool and Beadographer offer free versions with most capabilities except you cannot save your files. You can test them out before committing.

BeadTool is a one-time purchase ($49.95) and installs on your computer (PC only). You can install it on two computers. Files are stored locally, so you’ll need to manage backups.

Beadographer screen with brick stitch project

Beadographer is browser-based with a yearly subscription ($16.99). Your designs are saved in the cloud and accessible from any device. This makes it easy to switch between computer, tablet, or phone. It works especially well on an iPad with an Apple Pencil.

Bead Colors and Libraries

Both design tools provide pre-loaded bead libraries that allow you to select from a variety of bead types, sizes, and colors, to accurately reflect the design of the finished piece.

BeadTool includes:

• Miyuki Delica (10, 11, 15)
• Miyuki Round (multiple sizes)
• Toho (Round, Aiko, Treasure)
• Preciosa
• Pony beads
• Generic colors

Beadographer includes:

• Miyuki Delica (10, 11, 15)
• Miyuki Round (8, 11, 15)
• Toho (Round, Aiko, Treasure)
• Fuse beads

BeadTool’s biggest advantage is how easy it is to select the actual bead colors for the various brands. When you select Toho or Miyuki, the palette display updates to show color numbers with their names. This makes it easy to design by locating beads from your existing bead stash.

Beadographer displays a limited generic color palette by default, but also has a full library of manufacturer's beads and you can build custom palettes that reflect beads you have or want to use. This improves usability, but the setup takes time. The bead library includes colors from the manufacturer including the number and characteristics like color family and finish. It does not include the manufacturer's color name.

Both tools have a learning curve, but overall, I think BeadTool is a bit more intuitive than Beadographer when it comes to finding a bead color and using it. It could be because I learned to use BeadTool first though. 

Drawing Tools and Pattern Design Capabilities

Drawing tools help create shapes and repeat patterns efficiently.

BeadTool includes:

• Line, triangle, diamond, polygon shapes, oval, square
• Pattern repeat tools
• Flip and rotate functions

These tools are intuitive and useful for building designs, especially repeating motifs.

Beadographer includes:

• Square tool (can also draw straight lines)
• Clone tool to copy and repeat patterns
• Flip and rotate functions
• Mirror which allows you to draw both sides of a pattern at the same time

These capabilities cover basic design needs but is more manual to create complex shapes.

Ease of Use and Learning Curve

BeadTool is easier to learn and more intuitive, especially for beginners or simple designs. However, it is more rigid, with each design limited to a single pattern layout.

Beadographer has a steeper learning curve, but offers more flexibility and stitch options once you get comfortable with it. For example, the row shift feature lets you combine single bead peyote with 2-drop or 3-drop peyote. It also allows you to design a brick stitch triangle and adjust the grid to plan fringe within the same pattern.

How to Choose Between BeadTool and Beadographer

Use BeadTool if you:

• want accurate bead colors tied to brand bead numbers and name
• design from your existing bead stash
• need geometric shape tools for your designs
• prefer a simpler, more intuitive interface
• use a PC

Use Beadographer if you:

• design fringe earrings or complex layouts
• need a wider range of stitch options and designs
• want to work across multiple devices or on an Apple device
• prefer cloud storage with automatic backup

Many designers end up using both tools depending on the project.

Where to Get Beadtool and Beadographer

Use these links to access the official websites:

• BeadTool: available as a downloadable program (PC)
• Beadographer: browser-based subscription

If you prefer to sketch first, you can also design patterns using graph paper before transferring them into software. Both can also create a design from a picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best beading design software?

It depends on your needs. BeadTool is easier and better for color accuracy. Beadographer is more flexible with stitch types and layouts.

Can you design bead patterns on an iPad?

Yes. Beadographer works well on an iPad since it runs in a browser. BeadTool does not support tablets.

Is BeadTool worth the cost?

If you design regularly and want accurate bead color matching, the one-time cost is reasonable. It can be installed on two PCs.

Is there free beading software?

Both Beadtool and Beadographer offer free versions with most functionality, which are good for testing. The typical limitation is that you cannot save designs, but you can save a picture of the design.

Related Articles

If you’re new to designing patterns, start with:

• Square Stitch Beading Basics (easy grid-based design)
• Tools and Materials to Get Started Beading

These will help you translate designs from software into finished beadwork.