How to Use (Version 1.1)

This tool creates patterns based on a hierarchy of constraints you provide.

• Gaps: The four entered gap distances are locked minimum clearances in millimetres. Enabled edges remain fixed while the pattern repopulates; unchecked edges are ignored.
• Pattern Modes:
  • Auto diagonal + even long side (Default): automatically selects a row count from 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and higher allowed values as the rectangle grows. The long-side center pitch is even and never below the assigned diagonal minimum; the short-side pitch is derived from the common diagonal and shown to four decimals.
  • Strict edge gaps: enabled edge gaps are hard minimum clearances from the rectangle edge to the outside of the hole. The calculator never places a hole outside those limits; if the rectangle is too small, it shows no invalid holes.
  • Grid: a simple row/column layout that ignores the diagonal range.
  • Diagonal range: every neighboring diagonal pair uses the same center-to-center distance, measured between adjacent staggered rows. The default is 35.0000 to 36.0000 mm.
  • Center dimensions: horizontal H, vertical V, and diagonal D center-to-center dimensions are shown. Each hole can also display its numbered center distances in millimetres.
  • Live resizing: holes shift smoothly as the rectangle changes. When the long side changes orientation, the stagger direction rotates automatically. Edge-gap annotations remain fixed to the entered gap values.
• Live Data: The panel on the left shows the calculated results of the current pattern in real-time.
• Direct Manipulation: Drag any rectangle grip to resize it. The pattern and hole count are recalculated continuously while resizing. The rectangle cannot be smaller than 40 x 40 mm.