This paper addresses aspects related to the characteristics of pneumatic applications and their impact on cylinder dimensioning using the operating point method, an approach under development to balance energy efficiency and dynamic performance in pneumatic drives. Initially, pneumatic applications are categorized based on the characteristic behavior of the load forces throughout the piston stroke. Subsequently, an extensive study is conducted to demonstrate the suitability of the operating point method for applications with variable loading conditions. Guidelines are then provided for implementing the operating point method in diverse scenarios, including equations to characterize the load force of the application and an approximate analytical solution for the operating point method. Simulations are carried out for fifty distinct working conditions, with loading components including gravitational force, spring, damper, and inertial forces. The simulations evidence the capability of the operating point method to balance aspects of energy efficiency, dynamic performance, and robustness of pneumatic drives under non-constant load force operation.