Perler Bead QR Code Maker
Type a link, get a bead pattern — and we scan-test it before you place a single bead.
Dark beads
Light beads
- Pegboards
- Fits on one large pegboard
- Finished size
- 14.5 × 14.5 cm5.7 × 5.7 in
- Beads needed
- 324Black517White
Scan test
Already made it? Test your piece
Take a straight-on photo of your ironed QR code in soft light and we’ll try to read it.
How big is a bead QR code?
Every QR code is a square grid. Short links make small codes — a youtu.be link is a 25 × 25 code, so with a 2-bead white border it’s exactly 29 × 29 and fits on one large pegboard.
| QR version | Grid | With 2-bead border | With 4-bead border | Fits text up to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Version 1 | 21 × 21 | 25 × 251 board | 29 × 291 board | 17 characters |
| Version 2 | 25 × 25 | 29 × 291 board | 33 × 332 × 2 boards | 32 characters |
| Version 3 | 29 × 29 | 33 × 332 × 2 boards | 37 × 372 × 2 boards | 53 characters |
| Version 4 | 33 × 33 | 37 × 372 × 2 boards | 41 × 412 × 2 boards | 78 characters |
Character limits are for the lowest error correction level; the maker always picks the smallest code that fits and then raises error correction as far as that size allows.
Why won’t my Perler bead QR code scan?
Most bead QR codes that fail have one of these problems — the scan test above catches the first three before you start.
Not enough contrast
Use a very dark color with a very light one. Black or dark blue on white works best; pastel on white usually fails.
No white border
Scanners need a light border (quiet zone) around the code. Bead it in white, or glue the piece onto white card.
Light-on-dark colors
A white code on black looks cool but many phone cameras can’t read inverted codes. Keep the dark color for the code.
A bead in the wrong spot
One wrong bead is usually fine, but mistakes in the three big corner squares break the code. Check those first.
Not ironed yet
The holes and gaps between loose beads confuse scanners. Iron both sides so the beads fuse into a flat surface.
Glare
Shiny plastic reflects light. Scan in soft daylight, tilt the piece slightly, and let the code fill most of the camera frame.
Mixed bead sizes
Every square in the code must be the same size. Don’t mix mini and midi beads in one code — uneven spacing bends the grid that scanners rely on.
Not tested before beading
Open the downloaded chart on a screen and scan it with your phone first. If the chart won’t scan, the beads won’t either — fix the link or colors before you start.
Want to bead a QR code you only have as a blurry photo or a damaged print? Recover its exact link first with qrrepair’s free QR code repair tool — it runs right in your browser — then paste it into the maker above.
Which error correction level should I use?
Error correction is spare data that lets a QR code survive damage — like a bead in the wrong spot or a scuffed corner. Higher levels recover more, but need a bigger grid for the same link.
| Level | Recovers up to | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| L | ~7% of the code | Fitting a longer link on the smallest board |
| M | ~15% | Everyday codes that stay on a wall or fridge |
| Q | ~25% | Kids’ projects and pieces that get handled a lot |
| H | ~30% | Short links where size isn’t a concern |
Leave it on Auto. The maker finds the smallest code that fits your link, then raises error correction as far as that size allows — extra protection at no cost. https://meltybit.com, for example, fits on one board at level Q.
What you need for a one-board bead QR code
About 841 beads
A 29 × 29 code with its white border uses 841 beads — usually around 300–350 dark and the rest white. Grab a few extra in case one is misshapen.
A large square pegboard
The standard 29 × 29 board fits Perler, Hama Midi and Artkal S beads. Bigger codes use several boards side by side.
Ironing paper and an iron
Use the paper that came with your beads, or parchment paper. Iron both sides so the code ends up flat.
Optional backing
Glue the finished piece to white card, a magnet sheet or a coaster. A white backing also helps scanners find the edge of the code.
Never placed beads before? An 841-bead code is a big first project, so warm up with a few easy Perler bead patterns for beginners — they use the same pegboard and take a fraction of the beads.
How to make a Rick Roll QR code with Perler beads
The Rick Roll is the most popular bead QR code: a cute coaster or magnet that opens “Never Gonna Give You Up” when someone scans it.
- Tap “Rick Roll” in the maker. It fills in the short youtu.be link, which makes a 25 × 25 code.
- Keep the 2-bead white border on. The finished design is 29 × 29 — exactly one large square pegboard.
- Check that the scan test passes, then download the chart. You’ll need 320 black beads and 521 white beads.
- Place the three big corner squares first. They’re the finder patterns scanners look for, so they matter most.
- Fill in the rest row by row, iron both sides, and test it with your phone before you hand it over.
Keep the prank friendly — it’s a classic gag gift, not a trick for strangers.
How to make a Wi-Fi QR code out of beads
A Wi-Fi QR code lets guests join your network by pointing their phone camera at it — no typing long passwords.
- Switch the maker to Wi-Fi and type your network name and password exactly as they appear. Both are case-sensitive.
- Choose the security type. Most home routers use WPA/WPA2.
- Wi-Fi codes hold more text than a short link, so they often need a bigger grid. The maker shows how many pegboards your code needs.
- Bead and iron it, then test: point your phone camera at the code and tap the prompt to join the network.
Anyone who scans the code can join your network, so consider a guest network — and remake the code if you change the password.
Bead QR code ideas
The Rick Roll
The classic prank: a cute bead coaster that plays “Never Gonna Give You Up”. The youtu.be link fits on a single pegboard.
Wi-Fi for guests
Make a Wi-Fi QR code magnet so visitors join your network without typing the password.
Holiday gift tags
Link a holiday playlist, a video message or a photo album and hang the bead QR on a present.
Your shop or profile
Put a bead QR code on your craft-fair table that links to your shop, Instagram or portfolio.
Want to bead a picture instead?
Turn any photo or drawing into a bead pattern with real bead colors.
Perler bead QR code FAQ
Will a Perler bead QR code actually scan?
Yes, if it has strong contrast, a light border and the beads are ironed. That’s why the maker scan-tests your pattern as a printed chart, as an ironed piece close up and from a distance.
How many beads does a QR code take?
A one-board 29 × 29 code uses 841 beads including the white border. The maker shows the exact count of dark and light beads for your link.
Can I make a Rick Roll QR code with Perler beads?
Yes — tap “Rick Roll” in the maker. The short youtu.be link makes a 25 × 25 code that fits on one large pegboard with a 2-bead border.
What colors work best?
Black on white is the most reliable. Dark blue, dark green, purple or dark red on white also work. Avoid yellow, pastels and light grey for the dark beads.
Can I use a long link?
Longer links make bigger codes that need more pegboards. Use a link shortener or a youtu.be share link to keep the code small.
Do I have to iron it?
Yes. Loose beads on a pegboard rarely scan because of the holes and gaps. Iron both sides for a flat, solid surface.