This paper deals with the jet electrochemical etching of metal, using nickel drilling as an example; the performance of this technique was investigated as a function of the nozzle diameter and current density. The significance of the outer dissolution of metal, due to liquid spreading on the vertical substrate facing the nozzle, was estimated; the hole size was compared to the nozzle diameter. Moreover, a pulsed beam was; shown to improve the precision of the edge. Applications to shape patterning are presented and discussed.