Some makers place every bead of one color before switching, while others complete one corner in all its colors before moving on. Doumen's color highlighting supports the first approach, but you do not have to make every pattern by color. Both methods work. Choose according to the distribution of colors, the pattern size, and the rhythm you find easiest to follow.
1. What working by color means
Choose one color code, find all its positions in the pattern, and finish that color before switching. This reduces frequent changes of beads and suits large continuous areas. When a color is scattered throughout the design, however, a few small cells can be easy to miss.
2. What working by area means
Divide the design into clear areas, such as a section starting at the top-left corner. Finish every color in that area, then move to its neighbor. The smaller positioning range makes checking more direct. With many colors, you will change beads frequently, and boundaries between areas need careful alignment.
3. For large color blocks and few colors
A cartoon design with a solid background and a clear outline often works well by color. You can establish an outline using a dominant color, then add smaller colors. Pay special attention to other codes embedded inside large areas instead of filling them completely.
4. For scattered colors and large patterns
For large portraits, complex shading, or projects spanning several pegboards, clearly defined areas often matter more. Within each area, you can still fill by color. Check its edges before continuing to the next section.
5. Combine both approaches
A useful combination is “position by area, fill by color.” Establish a five- or ten-cell section first, then place beads of the same color within it. This limits repeated searches across the entire pattern while reducing the need to change color after every bead.
6. Adapt Doumen highlighting to your habits
Import a clear pattern and verify it, then select a color code in the making view to see its highlighted positions. If you work by color, follow those positions across the design. If you work by area, check only the matching cells in your current section. Let the tool support the placement method that works for you.
Choosing your approach
Start by color when there are large areas of one code, by area when details are complex, or use both. Doumen helps you find matching cells, while the best placement method is the one you can position and check reliably.