HoleSnap is an online editor for creating perforated panel patterns and exporting them as production-friendly files. You can set a panel size, choose hole shapes, control spacing and layout, preview open area, and export files such as SVG, DXF, PNG, or STP/STEP.
Use this guide as the starting point for the main editor.
What You Can Create #
HoleSnap is designed for flat perforated designs such as:
- Perforated sheets
- Ventilation panels
- Speaker grilles
- Fan guards
- Decorative metal screens
- Filter plates
- Product enclosure panels
- Custom mesh-like patterns
The editor is most useful when you need many repeated holes and do not want to draw each hole manually in CAD.
The Basic Idea #
Most HoleSnap designs follow the same structure:
- Set the panel size.
- Choose the hole shape.
- Choose the layout pattern.
- Adjust spacing, size, and density.
- Add a boundary if the panel is not a simple rectangle.
- Check hole count, open area, and bridge width.
- Export the file.
You can start simple, then add advanced controls such as gradients, random variation, displacement, custom shapes, or custom boundaries.
What to Prepare Before Designing #
Before opening the editor, it helps to know:
- Panel width and height
- Preferred unit, usually millimeters
- Hole shape, such as round, slot, rectangle, diamond, or custom
- Hole size
- Approximate spacing or target open area
- Material thickness
- Minimum bridge width required by your fabrication method
- Export format required by your workflow
If you do not know all of these yet, start with a simple round-hole pattern and refine it after checking the preview.
Recommended First Design #
For your first HoleSnap file, use a simple and easy-to-check setup:
- Rectangular canvas
- Round holes
- Regular or staggered layout
- Moderate spacing
- No gradient or displacement
- DXF export
This gives you a clean baseline file that is easy to verify in CAD/CAM software.
When to Use Advanced Features #
Use advanced features after the basic pattern is correct.
Use gradients when the hole size, angle, shape, or density should change across the panel.
Use boundaries when the holes should follow a circle, rounded rectangle, imported outline, or custom shape.
Use displacement or perturbation when the pattern needs a wave, twist, swirl, or controlled randomness.
Use custom shapes when standard holes are not enough for the visual or functional result you need.
Export Expectations #
HoleSnap can export files for different workflows:
- SVG for vector editing, previews, and some laser workflows.
- DXF for CAD/CAM, laser cutting, CNC punching, and waterjet workflows.
- PNG for documentation or sharing.
- STP/STEP for 3D CAD handoff.
Always verify exported files in your target software before production. Check scale, units, board outline, hole geometry, and minimum bridge width.
Open the Export panel to choose the file format. Start with SVG for a lightweight vector preview, DXF for CAD/CAM workflows, or STP/STEP when you need a 3D CAD handoff.
