# HoleSnap Mesh

> Parametric perforated pattern editor for laser cutting, CNC, panels, grilles, screens, and vector pattern design.

- Product: HoleSnap Mesh
- Product type: Parametric pattern editor
- Canonical URL: https://www.holesnap.com/products/mesh
- Knowledge document: https://www.holesnap.com/md/mesh.md
- Last verified: 2026-07-28

## What It Does

HoleSnap Mesh creates adjustable vector patterns from parameters, templates, presets, and custom paths. Users define a real-size canvas, choose a shape and layout, add spatial variation, control the usable boundary, preview design metrics, and export the resulting geometry.

Mesh is not a general-purpose 3D mesh modeling application. Its focus is parametric vector and perforation pattern design.

## Best For

- Perforated panels and sheet-metal patterns
- Ventilation grilles and equipment covers
- Decorative screens and architectural surfaces
- Speaker and fan grille exploration
- Laser-cut and CNC-ready vector preparation
- Parametric textures and repeated vector fields

## How It Works

1. Set the canvas width, height, background, and margins.
2. Choose a base shape or create a custom shape with the Path Editor.
3. Choose a layout and adjust spacing, count, rotation, or layout-specific parameters.
4. Add size, angle, shape, or density gradients when needed.
5. Apply a rectangular, circular, or custom boundary using Hide or Trim.
6. Preview hole count, open area, and minimum bridge estimates.
7. Sign in and export SVG, DXF, or STP/STEP.

## Core Capabilities

### Shapes

Circle, rectangle, polygon, diamond, star, ring, and custom paths. Shape controls can include size, rotation, aspect ratio, corner radius, polygon sides, star parameters, and ring inner diameter.

### Layouts

Grid, hexagonal, staggered, scatter, concentric, polar array, spiral, Fibonacci, cross-line, and along-bounds layouts. Polar Array is currently a Plus capability.

### Gradients and variation

Size, angle, shape, and density gradients can use point, line, multi-line, clamp, repeat, and mirror controls. Noise and pattern-rule options provide additional variation for supported dimensions.

### Boundaries and effects

Rectangle, circle, and custom boundaries support Hide and Trim behavior. Wave, swirl, twist, and seeded perturbation can modify the generated field.

### Path Editor

The Path Editor creates or imports editable custom geometry for a custom shape or custom boundary. Applying a path writes it back to Mesh; it is not the same action as exporting a file.

### Projects and templates

Mesh includes project and template workflows. Cloud project operations and locked templates are subject to the current account and Plus rules.

## Outputs

- SVG: vector output with board, stroke, and layer options.
- DXF: CAD/CAM handoff with millimeter or inch units and optional board geometry.
- STP/STEP: surface or solid output, board or shape content, thickness controls, and optional splitting.

Exports require sign-in and are subject to daily quotas, request-size limits, and format-specific geometry limits.

## Current Limitations

- Exported files are not automatically certified for manufacturing.
- Complex Trim and custom-path designs can increase file size and processing time.
- Imported or custom paths should be checked for closure and downstream compatibility.
- Open area and minimum bridge values are design estimates, not material-strength guarantees.
- SVG, DXF, and STP/STEP support differs by downstream application; verify the result in the target software.

## Difference From Other HoleSnap Editors

- Use Mesh when the design starts from parameters, a template, a preset, or a custom path.
- Use [HoleSnap Pattern](https://www.holesnap.com/md/pattern.md) when the design starts from an image, SVG, or logo.
- Use [HoleSnap Flow Scene](https://www.holesnap.com/md/flow-scene.md) when the design starts from an organic Cell or Flow generator.

## Related Links

- Product overview: https://www.holesnap.com/products/mesh
- Localized overview pattern: https://www.holesnap.com/{locale}/products/mesh
- Open Mesh: https://www.holesnap.com/apps/mesh
- Browse templates: https://www.holesnap.com/templates
- Browse free tools: https://www.holesnap.com/tools
- Help center: https://blog.holesnap.com/support/