When an article is to be electroplated, it is necessary to consider not only the characteristics of the electroplating process, but also the design of the part to minimize electroplating and finishing costs and solution dragout as well as to improve appearance and functionality. It is often possible during the design and engineering stages to make small adjustments in shape that will result in considerable benefit toward a better quality part at a lower cost.

The specific property of an electroplating process that would require some attention to the details of optional designs, is the throwing power of the electroplating solution. Throwing power is the improvement of the coating distribution over the primary current distribution on an electrode (usually cathode) in a given solution, under specified conditions.