Loom Designer - AI Features Guide

🤖 AI-Powered Pattern Creation

The Loom Designer includes two powerful AI features to help you create stunning bead patterns quickly and easily:

Image-to-Pattern Conversion - Transform photos and graphics into bead patterns
AI Pattern Generator - Generate patterns from text descriptions using Gemini AI

📸 Image-to-Pattern Conversion

Convert any image into a loom bead pattern with advanced customization options.

Getting Started

Open the Loom Designer
- Go to Dashboard → Loom Designs
- Click "New Loom" or edit an existing design
Access the Feature
- Look for the "AI Tools" section in the left sidebar
- Click the "Import Image" button (blue button with image icon)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Upload Your Image

Drag & Drop: Simply drag an image file onto the upload area
Browse: Click the upload area to select a file from your computer
Supported Formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP, and other image formats

2. Adjust Settings

Grid Dimensions

The image will automatically match your current loom design dimensions
Example: If your loom is 20×30, the image will be converted to a 20×30 grid

Brightness Control (-100 to +100)

Move slider left to darken the image
Move slider right to lighten the image
Useful for enhancing contrast or fixing dark photos

Contrast Control (-100 to +100)

Increase contrast to make colors more distinct
Decrease contrast for softer color transitions
High contrast works well for bold patterns

Color Reduction (0 to 20 colors)

0 = Off: Uses all colors from the image
1-5: Creates simple, clean patterns
6-10: Good balance between detail and simplicity
11-20: More colors for detailed images
Uses intelligent clustering to pick the best colors

Use Bead Palette (Toggle)

ON: Restricts colors to 18 common bead colors
- White, Black, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Teal, Blue, Indigo, Purple, Pink, Gray
- Creates realistic patterns you can actually make with real beads
OFF: Uses exact colors from the image
- Good for visualization, may not match available bead colors

3. Preview Your Pattern

The modal shows two previews:

Left: Your original image
Right: The converted bead pattern (grid view)

The pattern preview updates in real-time as you adjust settings!

4. Apply the Pattern

When you're happy with the result:

Click "Apply Pattern" button
Pattern is transferred to your loom grid
3D visualization updates automatically
Success notification appears

5. Further Editing

After applying:

Use paint tools to refine details
Erase unwanted beads
Add custom touches
Adjust bead size and material settings

Tips for Best Results

✅ DO:

Use high-contrast images for clearer patterns
Enable "Use Bead Palette" for realistic beadwork
Start with color reduction (5-10 colors)
Adjust brightness/contrast to enhance key details
Use images with simple, bold subjects
Try landscape images for horizontal looms
Try portrait images for vertical looms

❌ DON'T:

Use extremely detailed photos (will pixelate)
Use images with busy backgrounds (simplify first)
Expect perfect color matches (beads are limited)
Use transparent backgrounds (treated as white)
Upload very large files (>10MB) - resize first

Example Workflows

Converting a Logo:

Upload logo image
Increase contrast (+50)
Enable color reduction (3-5 colors)
Turn ON bead palette
Apply and refine edges

Converting a Photo:

Upload photo
Crop to subject before uploading (recommended)
Adjust brightness to bring out details
Use color reduction (8-12 colors)
Enable bead palette for realistic colors
Apply and manually enhance key features

Creating Pixel Art:

Upload pixel art or game sprite
Keep brightness/contrast at 0
Use color reduction (6-10) to match original palette
Enable bead palette to find closest real bead colors
Apply directly

✨ AI Pattern Generator

Generate original bead patterns using text descriptions powered by Google Gemini AI.

Getting Started

Open the Loom Designer
- Go to Dashboard → Loom Designs
- Click "New Loom" or edit an existing design
Access the Feature
- Look for the "AI Tools" section in the left sidebar
- Click the "AI Generate" button (blue button with sparkles icon)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose Your AI Model

Gemini Flash (Recommended for most users)

⚡ Faster generation (5-10 seconds)
💰 More cost-effective
✅ Great for simple to medium complexity patterns
🔄 Perfect for quick iterations and experiments

Gemini Pro (For complex patterns)

🎨 Better quality and detail
🧠 Understands complex prompts better
⏱️ Slower generation (10-30 seconds)
💎 Best for intricate, multi-element designs

When to use each:

Flash: Geometric patterns, simple shapes, color gradients, basic designs
Pro: Detailed scenes, complex compositions, realistic objects, artistic patterns

2. Describe Your Pattern

You have two options:

Option A: Use Quick Examples

Click any of the 6 example buttons:
- ❤️ Heart: Red heart shape
- 🌸 Flower: Colorful flower with petals
- ⭐ Star: Bright yellow star
- ✨ Geometric: Triangles and diamonds
- 🌊 Waves: Ocean wave pattern
- ⛰️ Mountains: Mountain landscape

Option B: Write Custom Prompt

Type your own description in the text area
Be as specific as possible (see tips below)

3. Select a Style (Optional)

Choose from style presets to guide the AI:

Default: No specific style, AI decides
Geometric: Triangles, squares, diamonds, abstract shapes
Floral: Flowers, leaves, botanical patterns
Abstract: Artistic, non-representational patterns
Tribal: Traditional, ethnic-inspired designs
Minimalist: Simple, clean, modern patterns
Gradient: Smooth color transitions, ombre effects

4. Generate Pattern

Click "Generate Pattern" button
Wait 5-30 seconds (varies by model)
Loading indicator shows progress
Pattern preview appears when complete

5. Review & Apply

If you like it:

Click "Apply Pattern" to use it in your design
Pattern transfers to main grid
3D visualization updates

If you want to try again:

Click "Regenerate" for a variation
Or modify your prompt and generate again
Each generation creates a unique pattern

Writing Great Prompts

Formula for Success

[Subject] + [Colors] + [Placement] + [Style Details]

Good Prompts Examples

Simple & Effective:

"A red heart in the center on white background"
"Blue waves across the bottom with white foam"
"Yellow sunflower with green stem"

Medium Complexity:

"Geometric pattern with blue triangles and purple diamonds alternating"
"Rainbow stripes running diagonally from corner to corner"
"Pink cherry blossom branches with brown stems on light blue sky"

Detailed & Specific:

"A colorful butterfly with blue and purple gradient wings, yellow body, centered on white background with small green leaves in the corners"
"Tribal pattern with red and black diamonds forming a border around a central yellow sun symbol"
"Ocean sunset scene with orange and pink gradient sky at top, blue water in middle, and yellow sun half-visible at horizon"

Prompt Tips

✅ DO:

Mention specific colors by name
Specify placement (centered, top-left, border, etc.)
Describe shapes clearly (heart shape, circular, triangular)
Keep it focused on 1-3 main elements
Use adjectives (bright, dark, colorful, pastel)
Mention background color
Reference patterns (stripes, dots, zigzag)

❌ DON'T:

Be too vague ("something pretty")
Request too many elements (AI will simplify)
Use phrases like "realistic photo" (this is for patterns)
Expect perfect accuracy (AI is creative)
Forget to mention colors
Request trademarked characters or logos

Advanced Prompt Techniques

Using Placement:

"Blue butterfly in top-right corner"
"Border of red hearts around the edges"
"Centered diamond with gradient colors"

Combining Styles:

"Geometric flowers with minimalist design"
"Tribal pattern with gradient colors"
"Abstract waves with floral elements"

Specifying Patterns:

"Polka dots in rainbow colors on black"
"Checkerboard pattern with blue and green"
"Diagonal stripes alternating red and white"

Example Use Cases

Bracelets:

"Simple heart pattern in pink and red, suitable for a bracelet"
"Name 'LOVE' in block letters with rainbow colors"
"Small alternating stars and hearts border"

Bookmarks:

"Vertical gradient from purple to blue with white stars"
"Elegant floral vine running along the sides"
"Geometric pattern with repeating triangles"

Wall Hangings:

"Large mandala design with blue and purple geometric patterns"
"Sunset over mountains with orange, pink, and purple sky"
"Abstract ocean waves with shades of blue and teal"

Coasters:

"Circular pattern with concentric circles in rainbow colors"
"Flower in the center with petals in pink and yellow"
"Coffee cup icon in brown on cream background"

Troubleshooting

Pattern doesn't match my prompt:

Try being more specific with colors
Add placement details (centered, top, bottom)
Switch to Gemini Pro model for complex requests
Click "Regenerate" for different interpretation
Simplify your prompt if too complex

Generation takes too long:

Switch to Gemini Flash model (faster)
Simplify your prompt
Check internet connection
Wait up to 60 seconds before timing out

Colors aren't what I expected:

Explicitly name colors in your prompt
Use specific color names (sky blue, forest green)
Mention color palette (pastel, bright, dark)
Try regenerating for variation

Pattern is too simple/complex:

For simpler: Use "minimalist" style
For more complex: Switch to Gemini Pro model
For more detail: Add descriptive elements to prompt
For less detail: Use "simple" or "basic" in prompt

🎨 Combining Both Features

Get the best of both worlds by using Image-to-Pattern and AI Generator together!

Workflow 1: AI + Manual Refinement

Use AI Generator to create base pattern
Apply to grid
Use paint tools to add custom details
Adjust individual beads as needed

Workflow 2: Image + AI Enhancement

Convert image to pattern
Note any missing elements
Use AI to generate complementary patterns
Manually combine best elements

Workflow 3: Hybrid Approach

Start with AI-generated background
Use Image-to-Pattern for a focal point
Paint custom borders or details
Combine all elements into final design

💡 Creative Ideas

Pattern Categories

Nature Themes:

Flowers, trees, leaves
Animals, birds, butterflies
Sunsets, rainbows, clouds
Mountains, waves, forests

Geometric Patterns:

Triangles, diamonds, hexagons
Stripes, chevrons, zigzags
Checkerboard, polka dots
Mandala, kaleidoscope

Seasonal:

Spring: Flowers, pastel colors
Summer: Sun, beach, bright colors
Fall: Leaves, warm colors
Winter: Snowflakes, cool colors

Occasions:

Holidays: Hearts, stars, themed icons
Celebrations: Balloons, confetti
Sports: Team colors, mascots
Hobbies: Music notes, books, games

Color Palettes

Classic:

Monochrome: All shades of one color
Black & White: High contrast
Primary: Red, blue, yellow

Trending:

Pastel Rainbow: Soft multicolor
Earthy: Browns, greens, tans
Ocean: Blues, teals, aqua
Sunset: Orange, pink, purple

Themed:

Royal: Purple, gold, deep blue
Forest: Greens, browns, earth tones
Galaxy: Purple, blue, black, sparkle
Candy: Pink, yellow, light blue

📊 Performance & Limits

Image-to-Pattern

Speed: <1 second conversion
Max File Size: 10MB recommended
Max Grid: 100×100 cells
Color Reduction: Processes in ~100ms

AI Generator

Speed: 5-30 seconds (model dependent)
Max Grid: 100×100 cells (10,000 beads)
API Limits: Gemini free tier applies
Rate Limit: ~60 requests per minute

Optimization Tips

Use smaller grids for faster generation
Flash model is 2-3x faster than Pro
Lower color reduction for faster image processing
Disable bead palette for quicker conversions

🔒 Privacy & Data

Your Data is Safe

Images are processed locally in your browser
AI prompts sent to Google Gemini API
No images stored on our servers
Patterns saved to your Firebase account
Only you can access your designs

What Gets Sent to AI

Your text prompt
Grid dimensions (rows × cols)
Style selection (optional)
NOT sent: Images, personal info, other designs

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use copyrighted images? A: Only use images you own or have permission to use. The tool is for personal use and creative inspiration.

Q: Will my AI-generated pattern be unique? A: Each generation is unique! Even the same prompt produces variations. Your specific combination is one-of-a-kind.

Q: Can I sell items made from AI patterns? A: Yes! Once generated, the pattern is yours to use commercially. Check Google's AI terms for details.

Q: How accurate is the image conversion? A: It's approximate - small grids (20×30) will be pixelated. Larger grids (50×50+) capture more detail.

Q: Why don't the colors match exactly? A: Real beads come in limited colors. Enable "Use Bead Palette" to see what's actually achievable.

Q: Can I save multiple variations? A: Yes! Save each variation as a separate design. They all appear in your dashboard.

Q: Does AI understand beadwork? A: The AI is trained on general patterns. It creates visually appealing designs, but may need manual refinement for complex beadwork.

Q: Can I edit AI patterns after applying? A: Absolutely! Use all the standard tools (paint, erase, fill) to customize your AI-generated pattern.

Q: What if generation fails? A: Check your internet connection, simplify your prompt, or try again. The AI may occasionally timeout.

Q: Can I use both features on the same design? A: Yes! Apply image pattern, then generate AI elements, or vice versa. They're fully compatible.

🚀 Next Steps

Now that you know how to use the AI features:

Experiment freely - Try different prompts and images
Start simple - Master basic patterns before complex ones
Combine techniques - Mix AI, images, and manual painting
Save variations - Keep different versions of your ideas
Share your creations - Show off your beautiful bead patterns!

Quick Start Checklist

Try the "Heart" quick example
Upload a simple image (logo or icon)
Write a custom AI prompt
Test both Flash and Pro models
Apply a pattern and refine it manually
Save your first AI-assisted design
Experiment with color reduction
Try different style presets

🎓 Learn More

Related Documentation:

Need Help?

Check the FAQ
Review example prompts above
Experiment with the quick examples
Save your progress frequently

Happy Beading with AI! ✨🤖🧵