Bead Types Reference
BeadMod offers a diverse collection of bead types to help you create unique and beautiful bracelet designs. Here's a complete guide to each type.
Default Beads
Description: Standard spherical beads that form the foundation of most bracelet designs.
Best Used For:
- Main body of bracelets
- Creating patterns and sequences
- Filling space between decorative beads
Available Sizes: 0.5 - 3.0 Materials: All types available
Cap Beads
Description: Decorative end cap beads designed to finish the ends of your bracelet elegantly. Cap beads are specially designed to sit flush against other beads.
Best Used For:
- Bracelet endings
- Separating sections
- Adding structure to designs
- Capping decorative beads on left or right side
Styles:
- Round caps
- Cone caps
- Decorative caps
- Textured caps
Intelligent Spacing System
Cap beads feature smart automatic spacing based on their orientation:
Cap Facing Right (Default)
[Bead] --gap--> [Cap] --0mm--> [Next Bead]
- The cap automatically has 0mm spacing
- Sits flush against the bead before it
- Perfect for right-side end caps
Cap Facing Left (After Flipping)
[Bead] --0mm--> [Cap] --gap--> [Next Bead]
- When you flip a cap left (using the Flip Left-Right button)
- The previous bead gets 0mm spacing
- Cap sits flush against it from the left side
- Perfect for left-side caps or capping the left side of a bead
How to Use:
- Add a cap bead - it defaults to facing right with 0mm spacing
- To cap the left side of a bead:
- Select the cap
- Click "Flip Left-Right" button (or press V)
- Spacing automatically adjusts!
- The system handles spacing changes automatically
Design Tips:
- Use matching caps on both ends for a polished look
- Flip the left cap so both caps face inward toward the bracelet
- Cap beads can also be placed between sections - orient them based on which bead you want to cap
- The blue info hint shows you the current spacing configuration
Charm Beads
Description: Special decorative beads featuring recognizable shapes and symbols.
Best Used For:
- Focal points in designs
- Personal meaning and symbolism
- Gift bracelets
- Themed designs
Popular Charms:
- Hearts ❤️
- Stars ⭐
- Flowers 🌸
- Animals 🦋
- Symbols ☮️
Placement Tip: Use 1-3 charms per bracelet for best visual impact.
Clasp Beads
Description: Functional beads that serve as clasps while maintaining the design aesthetic.
Best Used For:
- Functional bracelet closures
- Adding realism to designs
- Professional-looking finishes
Types:
- Magnetic clasps
- Toggle clasps
- Lobster clasps
- Spring ring clasps
Note: Clasp beads should typically be placed at the bracelet ends.
Spacer Beads
Description: Small beads designed to add space and visual rhythm between larger beads.
Best Used For:
- Creating breathing room in dense designs
- Adding subtle accents
- Highlighting main beads
- Creating patterns
Characteristics:
- Typically smaller than default beads
- Often metallic finishes
- Simple, understated designs
Design Tip: Use spacers in a contrasting material (e.g., metal spacers with plastic beads).
Letter Beads
Description: Beads featuring letters of the alphabet for personalized messages.
Best Used For:
- Names
- Initials
- Words
- Messages
- Personalized gifts
Usage Tips:
- Center names in your design
- Use spacers between letters for readability
- Consider color contrast for text visibility
- Keep messages short (3-8 letters work best)
Example Ideas:
- Name bracelets
- "LOVE", "HOPE", "DREAM"
- Initials
- Special dates
Icon Beads
Description: Beads featuring special icons and symbols.
Best Used For:
- Themed bracelets
- Religious symbols
- Cultural significance
- Hobby representation
- Professional identity
Categories:
- Religious: Cross, Om, Star of David
- Nature: Sun, moon, tree, wave
- Activities: Music notes, sports, travel
- Symbols: Peace, infinity, heart
- Zodiac: Astrological signs
Mixing Bead Types
Create stunning designs by combining different bead types:
Classic Pattern
[Cap] - [Spacer] - [Default] - [Default] - [Charm] - [Default] - [Default] - [Spacer] - [Cap]
Name Bracelet
[Cap] - [Default] - [Letter] - [Letter] - [Letter] - [Letter] - [Default] - [Cap]
Themed Design
[Cap] - [Spacer] - [Icon] - [Default] - [Charm] - [Default] - [Icon] - [Spacer] - [Cap]
Choosing the Right Beads
Consider these factors when selecting beads:
- Purpose: Is it decorative, personal, or functional?
- Theme: What story does your bracelet tell?
- Balance: Mix sizes and types for visual interest
- Color Harmony: Choose complementary colors
- Scale: Ensure beads work well together in size
Coming Soon
We're constantly adding new bead types! Coming soon:
- Gemstone beads
- Wood-carved beads
- Glass art beads
- Custom shape beads
Stay tuned for updates! ✨