Drilled Holes

A drilled hole provides the attachment point for string, ribbon, elastic, chain or a fastener. Hole diameter, position and distance from the edge affect strength, artwork space and how the tag hangs, so they should be part of the specification rather than added after design.

Position the hole around the product

A centred top hole creates a familiar vertical hang. An offset hole changes the balance and may suit a horizontal or shaped tag. Test the tag with the intended string length because the attachment can cross artwork or cause the tag to rotate.

Protect the hole area

Show the hole centre and diameter on the technical layer.
Keep logos, type and barcodes clear of the hole and string path.
Leave enough board between the hole and trim edge.
Allow extra strength for heavy tags or repeated handling.
Confirm whether an eyelet is decorative, protective or both.

Different attachments need different clearance

Fine cord, thick ribbon, elastic loops and ball chains occupy different amounts of space. A hole that suits cotton string may be awkward for wide ribbon or a connector. Specify the attachment at the same time as the hole rather than treating it as a later accessory.

Decision context

Coordinate hole size, position and board strength

A drilled hole removes material from the tag and creates the point where attachment force is concentrated. Its diameter must suit the intended cord, ribbon, loop, chain or eyelet without leaving excessive movement. The position should support the way the tag hangs on the real product.

Keep enough board between the hole and cut edge to resist tearing. Large tags and heavy constructions create more leverage, while narrow shaped areas may provide less support than a rectangle. An eyelet can reinforce or decorate the opening, but it also needs space and changes the finished specification.

Mark the hole centre and diameter on the dieline and keep logos, text, codes and finish details outside the surrounding exclusion area. For folded work, confirm which panels are drilled and whether the attachment should hold the piece open or closed.

Test a full-size sample with the actual attachment and product. Check rotation, strain, abrasion and packing clearance. Record diameter, centre position from fixed edges, eyelet requirement and supply method so the artwork, drilling setup and stringing instruction agree.