Overview #
Hole shape controls both the look and the manufacturability of a perforated panel. HoleSnap supports common shapes for practical fabrication as well as more decorative options for visual design.
Start with Round Holes #
Round holes are the safest first choice. They are easy to inspect, common in perforated sheet design, and suitable for many ventilation, speaker grille, filter, and enclosure workflows.
Use round holes when you want:
- Predictable airflow.
- Simple fabrication checks.
- A clean technical appearance.
- Easy bridge-width inspection.
Use Rectangles and Slots for Directional Patterns #
Rectangular holes and slots can create a more directional grille pattern. They are useful for product vents, electronics enclosures, and panels where airflow direction or visual rhythm matters.
When using slots, check corner radius and bridge width carefully. Long thin openings can leave weak material between rows.
Use Polygons, Diamonds, and Hexagons for Decorative Panels #
Polygon, diamond, and hexagon shapes are useful when the panel needs a stronger visual identity. They work well for decorative screens, architectural panels, and product covers.
These shapes may create sharper corners than round holes, so check whether your cutting method can handle the detail cleanly.
Use Ring, Star, or Custom Shapes Carefully #
Complex shapes can look interesting, but they may create small details, thin bridges, or heavy DXF files.
Before exporting a complex shape:
- Check minimum bridge.
- Inspect sharp corners.
- Confirm the hole size is practical.
- Export a small test first.
- Verify the file in CAD/CAM software.
Color Theme Is for Preview #
The color theme helps you see the pattern clearly in the editor. For fabrication exports, the important information is usually the geometry, not the preview color.
Practical Recommendation #
For a first production-ready design, start with round holes or simple slots. Once the canvas size, spacing, and export workflow are confirmed, try more decorative shapes.
