a method and system for automating the layout of perforation patterns is described . an embodiment of the invention includes an innovative software application running on a computer , which application allows a perforation designer to select lines or arcs that comprise edges of a building panel . the application determines a starting hole spacing based on the average distance through the geometric center of the panel , and a default perforation pattern is laid out on a computer aided drawing . the application provides the user with detailed information about the perforation layout such as number of perforations , panel area , and percentage of open area . the application further allows the user to change any parameter such as hole size , hole spacing , hole shape , and edge spacing . after any user adjustment of the parameters , the application automatically updates the perforation pattern .