StarSeed vs PixelBean
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side ā with what reviewers say about each.
StarSeed
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StarSeed is a bead pattern maker and pixel art editor designed for fuse bead, Perler bead, Hama bead, Artkal bead, and pixel bead creators. Turn photos into printable bead patterns, draw original pixel art, create text-based pixel designs, count required bead colors, and export clean PDF patterns for real-world crafting. Main features: - Photo to bead pattern: convert pictures from your photo library into pixel bead grids. - Background removal: isolate the main subject before creating a cleaner bead pattern. - Real bead palette matching: supports common bead palettes including Perler, Hama, Artkal, MARD, and COCO. - Pixel art editor: draw with brush, eraser, fill, eyedropper, shapes, text, mirror, and move tools. - Text to pixel pattern: turn names, words, and short phrases into pixel-style bead designs. - Pattern library: save, rename, view, and continue editing your own bead patterns. - Material count: automatically calculate how many beads are needed for each color. - Printable PDF export: create bead pattern sheets with coordinates, color IDs, grid lines, material list, total bead count, and physical size. - Built-in gallery: browse curated bead pattern ideas and save them to your library. - Crafting timer: record your bead-making time and mood, with Live Activity support on the Lock Screen and Dynamic Island. - iCloud sync: keep your personal pattern library available across your devices. Great for: - Making Perler bead patterns from photos - Creating Hama bead, Artkal bead, MARD bead, and fuse bead designs - Designing pixel avatars, pixel gifts, keychains, coasters, charms, and handmade crafts - Preparing craft patterns for kids, family activities, DIY projects, and fan art - Printing clear bead grids, color charts, and material lists StarSeed is built around real bead-making workflows, from photo conversion and palette matching to printable patterns and focused crafting sessions.
PixelBean
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"PixelBean" turns any photo into a pixel bead pattern in just a few taps. KEY FEATURES ⢠Smart color recognition: Upload an image and PixelBean automatically identifies colors and generates a pattern with matching bead color codes. ⢠Grid patterns: Clear row and column numbers plus color codes make every pattern easy to follow. ⢠Block-by-block beading: Sort by block or color, jump automatically, and move to the next block when you finish one. ⢠High-resolution export: Export HD PNG and PDF patterns for sharing or printing. ⢠Membership features: Ad-free use, high-resolution source images, batch export, and other advanced tools. WHO IT'S FOR Perfect for perler beads, pixel art, cross-stitch, and DIY craft lovers. No experience needed. HOW TO USE 1. Choose or take a photo. 2. Generate a pattern with matching color codes. 3. Start beading by color or block and follow the pattern as you go. 4. Export the finished pattern as a high-resolution image for saving or printing. MEMBERSHIP FEATURES ⢠Unlimited pattern generation ⢠Export HD PNG / PDF patterns ⢠Unlock block export (104 Ć 104 for block-by-block printing) ⢠Freely zoom the workspace while following a pattern ⢠Full MARD color library (291 colors) ⢠Bulk bead-box management and deduct beads by pattern AUTO-RENEWABLE SUBSCRIPTIONS ⢠Monthly and yearly plans are auto-renewable subscriptions and renew automatically before the end of each period. ⢠To cancel: Settings ā Apple ID ā Subscriptions ā Cancel. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current period. ⢠Eligible new monthly subscribers may receive a 3-day free trial. ⢠All prices, durations, and trial details are shown on the App Store purchase confirmation screen. Every bead has its place, and every project has a record. Questions or feedback? Contact us at beadplix@163.com Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: StarSeed at none against PixelBean's 3. PixelBean's advantage is update cadence (every 2 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS
Both are free to download. PixelBean sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. StarSeed asks for nothing beyond the download.
StarSeed ships an update every 3 weeks, PixelBean every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | StarSeed | PixelBean |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 2 days ā better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No ā better | Yes |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod ā better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 15.0 ā better |
| Further details ā not scored | ||
| Size | 54 MB | 30 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | åęŗ å¼ | äŗå é |
In-app purchases
StarSeed
No in-app purchases
PixelBean
- čæē»å ę3 Days trial$1.991 Month
- čæē»å 幓$9.991 Year
- ē»čŗ«ä¼å$22.99





