Comparison
A free BeadTool alternative
BeadTool is a long-established desktop bead pattern program. It needs a paid license and installs on Windows and some Macs; according to its site it does not work on macOS 26 Tahoe. If you want to design in a browser, on a phone or on a current Mac, BeadDot is a free option. Here is how the two compare.
BeadTool vs BeadDot
| Feature | BeadTool | BeadDot |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $49.95 license (one-time), upgrades $19.95; free download with no time limit | Free, no ads |
| Runs on | Windows and some Macs; not on macOS 26 Tahoe | Any browser: computer, tablet, phone |
| Setup | Download and install | Nothing to install; start without signing up |
| Stitches | Loom and square stitch, brick, peyote (1–9 drop), tubular peyote, Native American gourd, right angle weave | Peyote (even, odd, diagonal), brick stitch, loom, herringbone |
| Photo to pattern | Yes | Yes: loom, peyote, brick and fuse beads |
| Row-by-row tracking | Not stated on its site | Yes: follow mode, on phones too |
| Bead catalogs | Not detailed on its site | Miyuki Delica 11/0, TOHO Treasure 11/0, Perler, Hama |
| Where patterns live | A database on your computer | Your account; open them on any device |
Checked against the sources below on October 21, 2026. Prices are in US dollars, taken from each tool’s own site or US store, and may vary by region.
Sources: beadtool.net · beadtool.net/download
When BeadTool is the better fit
- You design tubular peyote, multi-drop (2–9) peyote, gourd or right angle weave.
- You want a program that runs on your own computer without an internet connection.
- You sell patterns and want detailed control over the print layout.
When BeadDot is the better fit
- You want a free tool, or your Mac no longer runs BeadTool.
- You want to follow a pattern row by row on a phone or tablet while you bead.
- You work with Miyuki Delica and TOHO codes and want patterns that match the beads you own.
- You want an interface in Turkish or English.
FAQ
Is BeadTool free?
BeadTool’s site offers a free download with no time limit; a full license is $49.95 and later upgrades are $19.95. BeadDot is completely free and has no ads.
Does BeadTool work on a Mac?
According to BeadTool’s site it only runs on Windows and some Macs, and it does not work on macOS 26 Tahoe. BeadDot runs in the browser, so your macOS version does not matter.
Can I move my BeadTool patterns to BeadDot?
BeadDot cannot open BeadTool files directly. Upload a screenshot or image of the pattern to the image to pattern converter, or redraw it in the editor with its color codes.
Other comparisons
- Beadographer alternative
- PlanBead alternative
- BeadApp alternative
- MakeBead alternative
- How to choose the best free bead pattern maker
Spotted something wrong or out of date? Write to [email protected] and we will fix it.
BeadTool is a trademark of its owner. BeadDot is not affiliated with or endorsed by BeadTool.
Draw your pattern in the browser now
Nothing to install, no subscription, no ads. Start from a template or a photo, then bead it row by row.