Size Noise and Pattern Rules #

Overview #

Size variation tools let you create controlled differences between holes without placing every change manually. HoleSnap includes two size variation modes: Noise and Pattern Rule.

Use these tools when a regular layout feels too uniform but a full gradient is not the right effect.

Noise Variation #

Noise variation randomly changes hole size within a controlled range.

Use it for:

• Organic decorative screens.
• Acoustic panels with less rigid visual rhythm.
• Natural-looking perforation fields.
• Breaking up a perfectly regular grid.

Create Noise Variation #

• Open Gradient.
• Turn on Enable Gradient.
• Choose Size in Gradient Dimension.
• In Variation, choose Noise.
• Turn on Noise.
• Set a Seed or click Randomize.
• Open Noise Settings.
• Adjust minimum and maximum size scale.

The seed makes the random result repeatable. If you use the same seed and settings, the pattern will stay consistent.

Noise Settings #

Use the min and max scale values to control the variation range.

For example:

• 0.8x to 1.2x creates subtle variation.
• 0.5x to 1.5x creates stronger variation.
• Very large ranges can create tiny or oversized holes that are harder to fabricate.

Start subtle, then increase the range if the effect is too quiet.

Pattern Rule Variation #

Pattern Rule creates a repeating size sequence based on digits 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Each digit maps to a size preset. The rule then repeats by row or column.

For example:

• 12 creates an alternating pattern.
• 123 creates a three-step rhythm.
• 1124 creates a more uneven sequence.

Pattern Rule works best with regular layouts such as Grid, Hex, and Staggered.

Create a Pattern Rule #

• Open Gradient.
• Turn on Enable Gradient.
• Choose Size.
• In Variation, choose Pattern Rule.
• Turn on Pattern Rule.
• Enter a rule using digits 1, 2, 3, and 4.
• Choose Row or Column direction.
• Adjust Offset to shift the start of the sequence.
• Adjust Phase Step to shift each row or column.
• Set the size presets for each digit.

Row vs Column #

Use Row when you want the sequence to run across each row.

Use Column when you want the sequence to run down each column.

For diagonal or woven effects, combine a short rule with Phase Step.

Offset and Phase Step #

Offset shifts the starting point of the rule.

Phase Step shifts each row or column by a set number of positions. This can create diagonal motion or woven effects.

Use small values first. A Phase Step of 1 is often enough to make the pattern feel more dynamic.

Noise vs Pattern Rule #

Use Noise when you want organic randomness.

Use Pattern Rule when you want repeatable visual rhythm.

Noise is good for natural effects. Pattern Rule is better for controlled product or architectural patterns.

Fabrication Checks #

Before exporting:

• Check the smallest holes.
• Check the largest holes.
• Confirm minimum bridge width.
• Make sure repeated large holes do not create weak bands.
• Test a smaller panel if the full pattern is very dense.