48 KiB
48 KiB
Awesome Plotters !Awesome (https://awesome.re/badge.svg) (https://awesome.re)
A curated list of code and resources for computer-controlled drawing machines and other visual art robots.
Contents
- Hardware (#hardware)
- Plotters (#plotters)
- Motor Controllers (#motor-controllers)
- Accessories and Adapters (#accessories-and-adapters)
- Pens (#pens)
- Software (#software)
- HPGL (#hpgl)
- G-code (#g-code)
- Plotter Control (#plotter-control)
- Vector Creation (#vector-creation)
- Vector Utilities (#vector-utilities)
- Fonts (#fonts)
- Inspiration, Instruction, and Research (#inspiration-instruction-and-research)
- Manuals and Ephemera (#manuals-and-ephemera)
- Manuals (#manuals)
- Ephemera (#ephemera)
- Community (#community)
- Plotter Art For Sale (#plotter-art-for-sale)
- Other Awesomes (#other-awesomes)
Hardware
Plotters
- AxiDraw (https://shop.evilmadscientist.com/productsmenu/846) - Pen plotter from Evil Mad Scientist (https://www.evilmadscientist.com), very popular on #plottertwitter.
- Line-us (https://www.line-us.com) - A cute little kickstarted robotic drawing arm.
- Drawing Robot (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2349232) - 3d-Printable AxiDraw clone w/ Arduino CNC Shield controller running grbl firmware.
- 4xiDraw (https://www.instructables.com/id/4xiDraw/) - Yet another 3d-printable AxiDraw clone w/ Arduino CNC Shield controller running grbl firmware.
- WaterColorBot (https://watercolorbot.com) - XY art robot and software to plot with watercolor paints.
- EggBot (https://egg-bot.com) - Pen plotter for egg-shaped and spherical objects.
- HP Pen Plotters (https://www.hpmuseum.net/exhibit.php?class=4&cat=24) - Vintage desktop and floor-standing pen plotters from the creator of the HPGL standard. Model 7475A is very common and can usually be found on eBay.
- Roland Pen Plotters (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_pwzqPk6Gg) - Vintage flatbed HPGL pen plotters. Search eBay for "roland dxy".
- BrachioGraph (https://brachiograph.readthedocs.io/en/latest/) - A cheap and simple plotter made from sticks, servos, and a Raspberry Pi running Python. Here's video of a BrachioGraph talk at PyCon UK
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4Jh1daCl60) from the creator.
- Arduino CNC Drawing Machine (https://www.diymachines.co.uk/arduino-cnc-drawing-machine) - A fairly simple 3d-printed AxiDraw-style plotter with good video documentation.
- PlotterXY (https://github.com/jamescarruthers/PlotterXY) - A coreXY plotter made from extrusion, 3d-printed parts, and an inexpensive 3d-printer control board.
Motor Controllers
- grblShield (https://github.com/synthetos/grblShield) - All the stepper motor control hardware needed to turn an Arduino (https://www.arduino.cc) into a G-code-based motion controller using the grbl firmware. (adafruit
(https://www.adafruit.com/product/1750))
- TinyG (https://github.com/synthetos/TinyG) - More featureful and robust 6-axis G-code-based motion control hardware. (adafruit (https://www.adafruit.com/product/1749))
- Arduino CNC Shield (https://blog.protoneer.co.nz/arduino-cnc-shield) - Grbl-compatible stepper motor control shield for Arduino, similar to the grblShield.
- Raspberry Pi CNC Hat (https://wiki.protoneer.co.nz/Raspberry_Pi_CNC) - Raspberry Pi add-on board w/ stepper controllers and a microcontroller running grbl. Interfaces with the Pi's serial pins.
- EBB Driver Board (https://shop.evilmadscientist.com/productsmenu/188) - USB-based dual stepper motor controller board, originally designed for the EggBot.
Accessories and Adapters
- WiFi232 (http://biosrhythm.com/?page_id=1453) - Wifi to RS-232 serial via a DB25 plug. Control your serial plotter wirelessly.
- Plotter Cable Pinout (http://sites.music.columbia.edu/cmc/chiplotle/plotter_cable.pdf) - Schematic for a plotter cable that will work for most HP and Roland plotters. Search eBay or Amazon for DB9 to DB25 Serial Null Modem Cable or
similar to find them for sale.
- PlotAdapter (https://github.com/rhalkyard/plotadapter) - "Serial-GPIB converter for HP Plotters", uses an Arduino microcontroller to convert serial HPGL to the GPIB/HP-IB expected by some older HP plotters.
Pens
- Sharpie Fine Point Plotter Adapter (https://www.printables.com/model/156721-sharpie-fine-point-plotter-adapter) - 3d-printed adapter to fit a standard Sharpie in an HP-GL plotter.
- Parametric 3d-Printable Plotter Pen Adapter (https://openjscad.xyz/#https://gist.githubusercontent.com/beardicus/d668c0f6b96be53d16dc/raw/plotter-pen-adapter.jscad) - Adjustable model to print adapters for various pens.
- Plotter Pen STL Models (https://www.printables.com/model/156722-plotter-pen) - Accurate STL models of both short and long standard plotter pens.
- Pens for AxiDraw (https://wiki.evilmadscientist.com/Pens_for_AxiDraw) - List of pens suitable for general plotter abuse.
- Pens for EggBot (https://wiki.evilmadscientist.com/Pen_choices) - Egg- and glass-focused pen recommendations but still generally applicable information.
- JetPens – The Best White Ink Pens (https://www.jetpens.com/blog/the-best-white-ink-pens/pt/340) - A comprehensive review of many white ink pens, with pictures of their coverage characteristics.
Software
HPGL
HPGL is a serial/text-based protocol used by most old pen plotters, and even many new vinyl cutters.
- Chiplotle (https://github.com/drepetto/chiplotle) - Python library for generating HPGL and interfacing with serial plotters.
- Chiplotle3 (https://github.com/cyprienh/chiplotle3) - Chiplotle fork updated for Python 3.x compatibility.
- HPGL Reference Guide (https://www.isoplotec.co.jp/HPGL/eHPGL.htm) - HTML-based HPGL Reference.
- HP 7475A Interfacing and Programming Manual (https://archive.org/details/HP7475AInterfacingandProgrammingManual) - Scanned PDF manual that contains a full HPGL reference.
- djipco/hpgl (https://github.com/djipco/hpgl) - A Node.js library to communicate with HPGL-compatible plotters and printers.
- hp2xx (https://www.gnu.org/software/hp2xx) - GNU tool to convert HPGL into other vector and raster formats. Can also be used as a previewing in X11.
- vec (https://github.com/anachrocomputer/vec) - Example C code for generating HPGL, with a turtle graphics interface.
- d3-hpgl (https://github.com/aubergene/d3-hpgl) - An adapter for the HTML Canvas API so you can output HPGL using the popular D3 (https://d3js.org) library.
- HPGL Viewer (https://github.com/drskullster/HPGLViewer) - An HPGL Viewer using JavaScript and HTML5 canvas.
- HPGL Sender (https://github.com/LgHS/hpgl-sender) - A web interface for previewing HPGL and sending it to your plotter.
- HPGLGraphics (https://github.com/ciaron/HPGLGraphics) - A Processing library for writing HPGL files.
- processing2hpgl (https://github.com/awdriggs/processing2hpgl) - A Processing library that allows for direct communication with HPGL pen plotters from within a Processing sketch.
G-code
G-code is a text-based standard for controlling CNC machines. Though it was designed for industrial machines, its use in many hobbyist 3d printer firmwares has made it ubiquitous in small-scale DIY projects as well.
- grbl (https://github.com/grbl/grbl) - A high-performance G-code interpreting firmware for the Atmega 328 microcontroller and Arduino.
- cncjs (https://github.com/cncjs/cncjs) - A web-based interface controlling CNC machines running grbl, TinyG, or other G-code-based firmware.
- node-gcode (https://github.com/ryansturmer/node-gcode) - Node.js G-code interpreter and simulator.
- svg2gcode (https://github.com/em/svg2gcode) - Node.js command line utility for converting SVG to G-code.
- svg2gcode (https://github.com/vishpat/svg2gcode) - Python utility for fast SVG to G-code conversion.
- jscut (http://jscut.org/) - A web-based utility for converting SVG to G-code.
- Universal-G-Code-Sender (https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender) - Java-based grbl-compatible cross-platform G-code sender.
- ChiliPeppr Hardware Fiddle (http://chilipeppr.com) - Modular web-based workspaces to visualize G-code and control hardware.
- gcode-generative-for-processing (https://github.com/o0morgan0o/gcode-generative-for-processing) - Processing library, aiming to create gcode from simple shapes. (Designed for usage with the Creality CR10)
- gcodeplot (https://github.com/arpruss/gcodeplot) - Python utility to convert SVG and HPGL to G-code for a 3-axis CNC machine.
Plotter Control
Software for controlling plotter hardware.
- axidraw (https://github.com/evil-mad/axidraw) - Official AxiDraw extensions for Inkscape.
- axi (https://github.com/fogleman/axi) - Unofficial Python library for the AxiDraw v3.
- xy (https://github.com/fogleman/xy) - Utilities for the Makeblock XY Plotter Robot Kit.
- LaserGRBL (https://github.com/arkypita/LaserGRBL) - Laser-optimized Windows GUI for grbl controllers. Could be repurposed for DIY pen plotters that use a solenoid for pen up/down movements.
- Line-us Inkscape Plugin (https://github.com/Line-us/Inkscape-Plugin) - Sends drawings to the Line-us plotter directly from Inkscape.
- Line-us API Examples (https://github.com/Line-us/Line-us-Programming) - Example code for the Line-us plotter's G-code-based API.
- @beardicus/line-us (https://github.com/beardicus/line-us) - JavaScript library for controlling the Line-us machine from Node or the browser.
- PenPlotter (https://github.com/RickMcConney/PenPlotter) - Polargraph controller that uses repetier firmware.
- Makelangelo-firmware (https://github.com/MarginallyClever/Makelangelo-firmware) - Firmware for the Makelangelo polargraph robot.
- RoboPaint (https://github.com/evil-mad/robopaint) - Software for the WaterColorBot.
- AxiTurtle (https://github.com/ralphcrutzen/AxiTurtle) - Turtle graphics for AxiDraw in Processing.
- GRBL-Plotter (https://github.com/svenhb/GRBL-Plotter) - Plotter-optimized Windows GUI for grbl controller with SVG and DXF import, and flexible pen up/down control.
- saxi (https://github.com/nornagon/saxi) - Driver and library for the AxiDraw. Uses constant-acceleration motion planning and automatically resizes to paper.
- MP2300-Tools (https://github.com/Jan--Henrik/MP2300-Tools) - Software for converting HPGL to Graphtec's GPGL format, as well as CAD files for a Graphtec plotter pen adapter.
- Inkcut (https://github.com/inkcut/inkcut) - Application for controlling 2D plotters, cutters, engravers, and CNC machines.
Vector Creation
Tools to create vector artwork from scratch or by conversion from other formats.
- Inkscape (https://inkscape.org) - Popular cross-platform open source vector graphics editor.
- p5.js (https://p5js.org) - "JavaScript library that makes coding accessible for artists, designers, educators, and beginners".
- Paper.js (http://paperjs.org) - "The Swiss Army Knife of Vector Graphics Scripting".
- ln (https://github.com/fogleman/ln) - Vector-based 3D renderer written in Go.
- autotrace (https://github.com/autotrace/autotrace) - Converts bitmap images to vector graphics.
- stipplegen (https://github.com/evil-mad/stipplegen) - Creates interesting stippled drawings from bitmap images. (blog post (https://www.evilmadscientist.com/2012/stipplegen2))
- SquiggleDraw (https://github.com/gwygonik/SquiggleDraw/commits/master) - "SquiggleDraw will create a SVG file from an image, using the brightness to change the amplitude of sine waves".
- svgurt (https://svgurt.com) - Web-based PNG to SVG creative noodler.
- maptrace (https://github.com/mzucker/maptrace) - Produce watertight polygonal vector maps by tracing raster images.
- Drawbot_image_to_gcode_v2 (https://github.com/Scott-Cooper/Drawbot_image_to_gcode_v2) - Creates G-code for use on drawbots.
- blackstripes (https://github.com/fullscreennl/blackstripes-python-extensions) - Turns a PNG image into a SVG line drawing.
- Ribbon (https://github.com/fogleman/ribbon) - Ribbon diagrams of proteins in written in Go.
- penplot (https://github.com/mattdesl/penplot) - A development environment for plotter art in JavaScript.
- penkit (https://github.com/paulgb/penkit) - A Python library for creating line-based SVG graphics.
- generativeExamples (https://github.com/digitalcoleman/generativeExamples) - Example Processing code that generates plottable PDFs.
- Let's make map (https://svg-exporter.netlify.com) - Web-based tool to export an SVG map from Mapzen tiles.
- LineDream (https://linedream.marcrleonard.com/) - A generative art library for Python that can export SVGs.
- SuperformulaSVG for web (https://jasonwebb.github.io/SuperformulaSVG-for-web) - A generative line art web app.
- scribbleplot (https://github.com/bleeptrack/scribbleplot) - Scribbly image transformations in Processing.
- Maker.js (https://maker.js.org) - Library for creating 2D vector drawings for CNC and laser cutter machines.
- Turtletoy (https://turtletoy.net) - Browser-based JavaScript turtle graphics API with SVG export.
- cozyvec (https://github.com/brubsby/cozyvec) - Web/Standalone terminal environment for plotter art and tweet plots.
- makio135/plotter (https://observablehq.com/collection/@makio135/plotter) - An Observable (https://observablehq.com/) notebook collection full of plotter-oriented work.
- PlotterFun (https://mitxela.com/plotterfun/) - Browser-based Image to SVG converter similar to SquiggleDraw.
- SVG.js (https://svgjs.dev/) - Dependency-free lightweight library for creating, manipulating, and animating SVG.
- Components AI (https://components.ai/) - Experimental computational design platform for exploring generative space.
- DrawingBotV3 (https://github.com/SonarSonic/DrawingBotV3) - Cross-platform software for converting images to line drawings.
- linedraw (https://github.com/LingDong-/linedraw) - Python tool to convert images to sketchy vector line drawings.
- plotter.vision (https://plotter.vision/) - Interactive website for hidden line removal of STL files to generate plottable SVG. Also supports Red/Blue 3D glasses.
- plotting-maps (https://github.com/piebro/plotting-maps) - A simple web tool to create OpenStreetMap SVG maps for plotting.
Vector Utilities
Tools to manipulate and optimize vector-based file formats.
- svgsort (https://github.com/inconvergent/svgsort) - Path planning for plotting SVG files, reduces time spent moving with the pen up.
- svgo (https://github.com/svg/svgo) - Node.js-based tool for optimizing SVG files.
- Polargraph Optimizer (https://github.com/ezheidtmann/polargraph-optimizer) - Optimize drawing plan for a polargraph.
- penkit-optimize (https://github.com/paulgb/penkit/tree/master/optimizer) - An SVG optimizer that uses a vehicle routing solver to minimize plot time.
- svg-crowbar (https://github.com/NYTimes/svg-crowbar) - Chrome-only bookmarklet for extracting SVG from an HTML document.
- vpype (https://github.com/abey79/vpype) - Plotter-focused Python-based CLI utility for generating and manipulating SVGs, including scaling and optimizing paths.
- SVG Cropper (https://msurguy.github.io/svg-cropper-tool/) - A browser-based tool to crop SVGs using different primitives, custom shapes, or other SVGs.
Fonts
Single-line vector fonts or "engraving fonts".
- Summary of single line fonts (http://imajeenyus.com/computer/20150110_single_line_fonts/index.shtml) - Good information and links to other resources and fonts.
- Hershey Vector Font (http://paulbourke.net/dataformats/hershey) - .fnt format of vector fonts from the 60s. Includes a good overview of the original data format of the fonts.
- hershey-fonts (https://github.com/kamalmostafa/hershey-fonts) - C library and original font data for the Hershey fonts.
- svg-fonts (https://gitlab.com/oskay/svg-fonts) - Single-line fonts in an SVG format, mainly for use with the Hershey Text (https://gitlab.com/oskay/hershey-text) Inkscape plugin.
- CNC Text Tool (https://msurguy.github.io/cnc-text-tool/) - Browser-based Hershey Text tool with export to SVG.
- hf2gcode (https://github.com/Andy1978/hf2gcode) - Generates G-code from text with a Hershey font.
Inspiration, Instruction, and Research
Blog posts, articles, tutorials, galleries, videos, et cetera.
- An Intro to Pen Plotters (https://medium.com/quarterstudio/an-intro-to-pen-plotters-29b6bd4327ba) - Good info on getting started with old HPGL plotters.
- An Introduction to Pen Plotting (https://mrmrs.cc/writing/pen-plotting-intro/) - Another getting started article with modern pen plotters.
- Pen Plotter Programming: The Basics (https://medium.com/@fogleman/pen-plotter-programming-the-basics-ec0407ab5929) - Some basics of programming vector paths, including sorting, joining, and simplifying.
- On Generative Algorithms (https://inconvergent.net/generative) - Nice 13-part walkthrough of interesting algorithms.
- Roland DG DXY-990 (https://hackaday.io/project/12276-roland-dg-dxy-990) - Quickstart guide for a Roland flatbed plotter.
- The Cohen-Sutherland Line Clipping Algorithm (https://sighack.com/post/cohen-sutherland-line-clipping-algorithm) - Detailed explanation and examples of an interesting algorithm.
- Vera Molnár (https://www.surfacemag.com/articles/vera-molnar-in-thinking-machines-at-moma) - OG plotter artist.
- Hektor (http://juerglehni.com/works/hektor) - The original cable-based drawbot from 2002.
- Pen Plotter Art & Algorithms (https://mattdesl.svbtle.com/pen-plotter-1) - A two-part intro to creating generative graphics for plotting.
- Surface Projection (https://bitaesthetics.com/posts/surface-projection.html) - Deep dive into surface projection and hidden line removal using Python and penplot.
- Fractal Generation with L-Systems (https://bitaesthetics.com/posts/fractal-generation-with-l-systems.html) - Techniques for creating line-based fractal graphics.
- Introduction to TSP art (https://wiki.evilmadscientist.com/TSP_art) - Resources for traveling salesman problem (single path) art.
- Hidden wireframe removal (https://trmm.net/Hidden_Wireframe) - Discussion and links to code for wireframe removal of STL files.
- How to Draw Generative Art with an Axidraw Pen Plotter (https://www.dirtalleydesign.com/blogs/news/how-to-draw-prints-with-an-axidraw-pen-plotter) - Lots of nice tips, not all specific to the Axidraw, plus some pen reviews and handy
3d-printed tools.
- The Best XY Plotters in 2020 (https://all3dp.com/2/pen-plotters-best-xy-plotters/) - Good overview of the AxiDraw and its clones, plus some DIY options.
- What is a pen plotter 2022? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1NpYzETm3M) - Nice video introduction to modern plotters in 2022.
- Tools, Tricks, and Hacks: Exploring Novel Digital Fabrication Workflows on #PlotterTwitter (https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/3411764.3445653) - Research paper on the novel workflows of the plotter community (Video Summary
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqhT-8ElJ68)).
- Orbis Tertius (https://www.glkitty.com/pages/orbistertius.html) - An immersive digital installation with plotter output of Martian topography.
- Tech Tangents: Plotting For The First Time - HP 7470A (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk4c4WMZJZ8) - Nice video showing an HP 7470A operated from an HP 85 computer.
- CuriousMarc: HP 7475A Plotter and HPGL Demo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr7Mbw9gLpk) - Video of an HP 7475A plotting some demos.
- CuriousMarc: Refilling or Replacing Vintage HP Plotter Pens (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-oj4HrTH14) - Video showing how to open, clean, and refill vintage HP plotter pens.
- Commodore 1520 Plotter Demonstration (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwPTluBvKLU) - Video of the Commodore 1520 plotter in action, including a cover-off shot of the mechanism.
- Vera Molnar: Toward Aesthetic Guidelines for Paintings with the Aid of a Computer (https://rednoise.org/softas/uploads/molnar.pdf)
- Tech Tangents: Gold Standard Plotter - HP 7475A (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8785ktWD7vQ) - Video with some HPGL and plotter history, plus operating an HP 7475A from an IBM 5160 microcomputer.
- curiousmarc.com: HP 7475A Plotter (https://www.curiousmarc.com/computing/hp-7475a-plotter) - A great collection of info, ephemera, plot files, three YouTube videos, and a 3d-printable replacement part for the HP 7475A.
- From Lettering Guides to CNC Plotters (https://www.typotheque.com/articles/from-lettering-guides-to-cnc-plotters-a-brief-history-of-technical-lettering-tools) - "A Brief History of Technical Lettering Tools".
- Building an interactive plotter art installation (https://lostpixels.io/writings/building-interactive-plotter-art) - Nice writeup (with videos) of an interactive plotter art exhibit at SIGGRAPH 2023.
- Taxan KPL 710 Demo Plot (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xms3sZONQjo) - A handheld recording of the Taxan KPL 710 running its demo plot.
- Sweet-P Six Shooter SP-600 Plotter Demonstration (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xE9LVOMbKxk) – A recording of the Sweet-P SP-600 running its demo plot.
Manuals and Ephemera
Scanned plotter manuals and marketing ephemera, mostly from the Internet Archive (https://archive.org)
Manuals
Sorted alphabetically by company name and product name.
- Apple Color Plotter User's Manual (https://archive.org/details/AppleColorPlotter)
- Atari 1020 Color Printer Owner's Guide (1982) (https://archive.org/details/atari-1020-color-printer)
- Atari 1020 Color Printer Field Service Manual (1983) (https://archive.org/details/atari1020colorprinterfieldservicemanualrev.011983atari)
- Programming CalComp Pen Plotters (1968) (https://archive.org/details/bitsavers_calcompProlottersJun68_2464236)
- Commodore 1520 Printer Plotter Manual (1983) (https://archive.org/details/1520PrinterPlotterUsersManualStyleA)
- Commodore 1520 Printer Plotter Manual (https://archive.org/details/1520PrinterPlotterusersManualStyleB)
- Control Data 165/165-2 Plotter Manual (https://archive.org/details/bitsavers_cdc160139c_4086972)
- Gerber GS750 Plus User Manual (1995) (manualslib) (https://www.manualslib.com/manual/465193/Gerber-Gs750-Plus.html)
- Gerber Signmaker IVB User's Manual (1983) (manualslib) (https://www.manualslib.com/manual/464167/Gerber-Signmaker-Ivb.html)
- Houston Instrument DMP-160 Plotter Operation Manual (https://archive.org/details/houston-instrument-dmp-160-series-plotters-operation-manual)
- Houston Instrument DM/PL Command Language (1984) (https://archive.org/details/hi-dmpl-command-language)
- Houston Instrument DMP-40V Operation Manual (1988) (https://archive.org/details/dmp-40v)
- Houston Instrument HIPLOT DMP-51/52 Operation Manual (1985) (https://archive.org/details/hi-dmp-51-52-operation-manual)
- Houston Instrument Interface Notes for DM/PL Intelligent Plotters (1983) (https://archive.org/details/hi-interface-notes-dm-pl-plotters)
- Houston Instrument Stand Assembly Procedure DMP-50 Series Plotter (https://archive.org/details/hi-stand-assembly-procedure-dmp-50-series-plotter)
- HP 7470A Interconnection Guide (https://archive.org/details/manualzilla-id-7029812)
- HP 7470A Operator's Manual (manualslib) (https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1089592/Hp-7470a.html)
- HP 7475A Graphics Plotter Operation and Interconnection Manual (https://archive.org/details/HP7475AOperationManual)
- HP 7570A DraftPro Plotter Hardware Support Manual (https://archive.org/details/7570adraftproplotterhardwaresupportmanual0757090000201pagesdec86)
- HP 7585B Drafting Plotter Service Manual (1983) (https://archive.org/details/bitsavers_hpplotter0_18190273)
- HP DraftPro Plotter User's Guide (1986) (https://archive.org/details/draftproplotterusersguide0757090017163pagesmay86)
- HP DraftPro Plotter Programmers Reference (1986) (https://archive.org/details/draftproprogrammersreference0757090001387pagessep86)
- Olivetti PL10 Microplotter User Guide (1983) (https://archive.org/details/olivettipl10microplotter)
- Radio Shack TRS-80 Plotter Printer Manual (https://archive.org/details/Plotter_Printer_19xx_Radio_Shack)
- Radio Shack TRS-80 Color Graphic Printer Operation Manual (https://archive.org/details/cgp-115_operation_manual)
- Radio Shack TRS-80 Color Graphic Printer Service Manual (https://archive.org/details/cgp-115-service-manual)
- Roland DXY-880 Operation Manual (1984) (https://archive.org/details/RolandDXY880PlotterOperationManual)
- Roland DXY-980 Operation Manual (1985) (https://archive.org/details/rolanddxy980operationmanual)
- Roland DXY-990 Operation Manual (1986) (https://archive.org/details/roland-dxy-990)
- Roland DXY-1300 -1200 -1100 Command Reference Manual (https://archive.org/details/rolanddxy130012001100commandreferencemanualaf)
- Roland DXY-1350A -1150A User's Manual (1997) (manualslib) (https://www.manualslib.com/manual/884553/Roland-Dxy_1350.html)
- Roland DPX-2000 User's Manual (https://archive.org/details/roland-dpx-2000-manual)
- Roland DPX-3300 Operation Manual (GitHub) (https://github.com/sismoke/Roland-DPX-3300/blob/master/manual/DPX-3300.pdf)
- Roland DPX-3300 Service Notes (1987) (https://archive.org/details/dpx-3300-service-manual)
- Roland DPX-3300 Schematics (1987) (https://archive.org/details/dpx-3300-schematics)
- Roland DPX-3700A DPX-2700A User's Manual (Roland Direct Download) (https://downloadcenter.rolanddg.com/contents/manuals/DPX-3700A+2700A_USE_E_R8.pdf)
- Rotring Tubular Plotter Points Practical Tips and Information (https://archive.org/details/rotingtubularplotterpointprakticaltipsandinformation)
- Rotring NC-scriber CS 50 Operating Instructions (1989) (https://archive.org/details/rotring_NC-scriber_CS_50_Operating_Instructions)
- Siemens C1613 Plotter Manual (German) (https://archive.org/details/SiemensC1613Manual)
- Silver Reed Colour PenGraph EB-50 Operating Manual (1984) (https://archive.org/details/silver-reed-colour-pengraph-eb-50-operating-manual)
- Taxan X-Y Plotter KPL 710 Instruction Manual (https://pzwiki.wdka.nl/mediadesign/File:Taxan_kpl710_x-y_plotter.pdf)
- Tectronix HC100 Instruction Manual (1987) (https://archive.org/details/manualsonline-id-212d14c3-7d2f-4e64-906f-1a22e86d1f35/)
- Panasonic RK-P400C 4-Color Graphic Penwriter Manual (https://archive.org/details/panasonic-rk-p-400-c-manual)
- Unknown Brand LP 2002 Photo Plotter Attachment Operating Manual (German) (https://archive.org/details/lp-2002-betriebsanleitung/) - Also see Martin Bircher's thread (https://mastodon.social/@artandtech/109382879937442706) with
pictures of this device.
Ephemera
- Time Share Peripherals TSP-212 Brochure (https://archive.org/details/TNM_Time_Share_Peripherals_-_TSP-212_plotting_sys_20170630_0194)
- Hewlett-Packard Journal Volume 29 Number 1 (https://archive.org/details/Hewlett-Packard_Journal_Vol._29_No._1_1977-09_Hewlett-Packard) - Multiple articles about the development of the HP Model 9872A and 7221A pen plotters.
- Hewlett-Packard Journal Volume 32 Number 10 (https://archive.org/details/Hewlett-Packard_Journal_Vol._32_No._10_1981-10_Hewlett-Packard) - Multiple articles about the development of the HP Model 7580A plotter.
- Hewlett-Packard Journal Volume 32 Number 11 (https://archive.org/details/Hewlett-Packard_Journal_Vol._32_No._11_1981-11_Hewlett-Packard) - Multiple articles about the development of the HP Model 7580A plotter.
- Hewlett-Packard Journal Volume 33 Number 12 (1982) (https://archive.org/details/Hewlett-Packard_Journal_Vol._33_No._12_1982-12_Hewlett-Packard) - Multiple articles about the HP Model 7470A plotter.
- CalComp Precision Graphics System 900/728 Brochure (1970) (https://archive.org/details/TNM_CalComp_-_Precision_graphics_system_900-728_20170630_0196)
- Digital Plotting Newsletter (1967) (https://archive.org/details/TNM_Digital_Plotting_Newsletter_march-april_1967__20171014_0114)
- Versatec Printers and Plotters Brochure (1977) (https://archive.org/details/TNM_Versatec_printers_and_plotters_-_Versatec_a_X_20180227_0009)
- Versatec Printer/Plotters, Plotters and Output Systems (1981) (https://archive.org/details/TNM_Printer-plotters_plotters_and_output_systems__20171113_0057)
- Roland Users Group Volume 2 Number 4 (1984) (https://archive.org/details/RolandUsersGroupVolume2Number41984/page/n39/mode/2up) - _Computers and Plotters Take the Place of Drafting Tables and Pencils_ article on page 36 (PDF page 40).
- Omega-t Systems FasPlot Plotter Brochure (https://archive.org/details/TNM_Omega-t_Systems_-_FasPlot_Plotter_20170630_0254)
- Commodore Computer Plotter CBM 8075 Brochure (German) (https://archive.org/details/Plotter_CBM8075_198x_Commodore_DE)
- Strobe Model 100 Graphics Plotter Brochure (1980) (https://archive.org/details/TNM_Strope_Model_100_graphics_plotter_-_Strobe_In_20180506_0009)
- Roland DG Plotter Ad in Byte Magazine Vol 12 No 4 (1987) (https://archive.org/details/byte-magazine-1987-04/page/n159/mode/2up) (via @OldTechAdverts (https://twitter.com/OldTechAdverts/status/1454558415355850755))
- Auerbach On Digital Plotters And Image Digitizers (1972) (https://archive.org/details/auerbachondigitalplottersandimagedigitizers) - A book about plotters and digitizers.
- CalComp Graphics Products Brochure (1981) (https://archive.org/details/TNM_CalComp_graphics_products_plotters_and_printe_20171101_0032)
- CalComp Plotters in 1968 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAc4VLR6-Dg) - Promotional video showing a flatbed CalComp plotter and its output.
- Houston Instrument DMP-41 and DMP-42 Plotters Brochure (https://archive.org/details/hi-dmp-41-42-brochure)
- Houston Instrument DMP-51/52 Series Brochure (https://archive.org/details/hi-dmp-51-52-brochure)
- Houston Instrument Omnigraphic Plotter Brochure (https://archive.org/details/TNM_Omnigraphic_Plotter_20171016_0228)
- Sweet-P Plotter Brochure and Price List (https://archive.org/details/bitsavers_enterCompuersonalPlotterprricelistBrochure_4929854) – Four-page color marketing brochure with attached suggested retail price list.
Community
Where to find other plotter and drawbot friends.
- PlotterArt Subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/PlotterArt)
- AxiDraw Subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/axidraw)
- Generative Art Subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/generative)
- Plotter People (https://plotterpeople.github.io/) - In-person meetups (SF and NYC so far) with talks and plotter art galleries.
- DrawingBots Discord Forum (https://discordapp.com/invite/XHP3dBg) - Discord forum with an active community.
- PlotterFiles (https://plotterfiles.com/) - Community for sharing SVG files for plotters.
- #PenPlotter - Mastodon/ActivityPub hashtag that plotter folks are mostly congregating under.
Plotter Art For Sale
- Paul Rickards (https://shop.paulrickards.com)
- Michael Fogleman (https://www.michaelfogleman.com/plotter)
- inconvergent (http://buy.inconvergent.net)
- Monica Rizzolli (https://www.saatchiart.com/account/artworks/155196)
- EmergentDesign (https://emergentdesign.bigcartel.com/products)
- BustBright (https://mkt.com/bustbright)
- Martin O'Leary (https://shop.mewo2.com)
- Geoffrey Bradway (https://www.chromatocosmos.com/)
- brubsby (http://shop.brubsby.com/)
- Arjan van der Meij (https://dutchplottr.nl/en/)
- Nadieh Bremer (https://shop.visualcinnamon.com/collections/pen-plotter-prints)
- Michelle Chandra (https://www.dirtalleydesign.com/)
- Pedro Alcocer (https://store.pedroalcocer.com/)
- AndyMakes (https://shop.andymakes.com/)
- Marcel Schwittlick (https://schwittlick.bigcartel.com/)
- Adam Fuhrer (https://adamfuhrer.bigcartel.com)
- Ingrid Burrington (https://wares.lifewinning.com)
Other Awesomes
- awesome-generative-art (https://github.com/kosmos/awesome-generative-art)
- awesome-creative-coding (https://github.com/terkelg/awesome-creative-coding)
- awesome-3d-engines-for-plotters (https://github.com/msurguy/awesome-3d-engines-for-plotters)
A curated list of code and resources for computer-controlled drawing machines and other visual art robots.
Contents
- Hardware (#hardware)
- Plotters (#plotters)
- Motor Controllers (#motor-controllers)
- Accessories and Adapters (#accessories-and-adapters)
- Pens (#pens)
- Software (#software)
- HPGL (#hpgl)
- G-code (#g-code)
- Plotter Control (#plotter-control)
- Vector Creation (#vector-creation)
- Vector Utilities (#vector-utilities)
- Fonts (#fonts)
- Inspiration, Instruction, and Research (#inspiration-instruction-and-research)
- Manuals and Ephemera (#manuals-and-ephemera)
- Manuals (#manuals)
- Ephemera (#ephemera)
- Community (#community)
- Plotter Art For Sale (#plotter-art-for-sale)
- Other Awesomes (#other-awesomes)
Hardware
Plotters
- AxiDraw (https://shop.evilmadscientist.com/productsmenu/846) - Pen plotter from Evil Mad Scientist (https://www.evilmadscientist.com), very popular on #plottertwitter.
- Line-us (https://www.line-us.com) - A cute little kickstarted robotic drawing arm.
- Drawing Robot (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2349232) - 3d-Printable AxiDraw clone w/ Arduino CNC Shield controller running grbl firmware.
- 4xiDraw (https://www.instructables.com/id/4xiDraw/) - Yet another 3d-printable AxiDraw clone w/ Arduino CNC Shield controller running grbl firmware.
- WaterColorBot (https://watercolorbot.com) - XY art robot and software to plot with watercolor paints.
- EggBot (https://egg-bot.com) - Pen plotter for egg-shaped and spherical objects.
- HP Pen Plotters (https://www.hpmuseum.net/exhibit.php?class=4&cat=24) - Vintage desktop and floor-standing pen plotters from the creator of the HPGL standard. Model 7475A is very common and can usually be found on eBay.
- Roland Pen Plotters (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_pwzqPk6Gg) - Vintage flatbed HPGL pen plotters. Search eBay for "roland dxy".
- BrachioGraph (https://brachiograph.readthedocs.io/en/latest/) - A cheap and simple plotter made from sticks, servos, and a Raspberry Pi running Python. Here's video of a BrachioGraph talk at PyCon UK
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4Jh1daCl60) from the creator.
- Arduino CNC Drawing Machine (https://www.diymachines.co.uk/arduino-cnc-drawing-machine) - A fairly simple 3d-printed AxiDraw-style plotter with good video documentation.
- PlotterXY (https://github.com/jamescarruthers/PlotterXY) - A coreXY plotter made from extrusion, 3d-printed parts, and an inexpensive 3d-printer control board.
Motor Controllers
- grblShield (https://github.com/synthetos/grblShield) - All the stepper motor control hardware needed to turn an Arduino (https://www.arduino.cc) into a G-code-based motion controller using the grbl firmware. (adafruit
(https://www.adafruit.com/product/1750))
- TinyG (https://github.com/synthetos/TinyG) - More featureful and robust 6-axis G-code-based motion control hardware. (adafruit (https://www.adafruit.com/product/1749))
- Arduino CNC Shield (https://blog.protoneer.co.nz/arduino-cnc-shield) - Grbl-compatible stepper motor control shield for Arduino, similar to the grblShield.
- Raspberry Pi CNC Hat (https://wiki.protoneer.co.nz/Raspberry_Pi_CNC) - Raspberry Pi add-on board w/ stepper controllers and a microcontroller running grbl. Interfaces with the Pi's serial pins.
- EBB Driver Board (https://shop.evilmadscientist.com/productsmenu/188) - USB-based dual stepper motor controller board, originally designed for the EggBot.
Accessories and Adapters
- WiFi232 (http://biosrhythm.com/?page_id=1453) - Wifi to RS-232 serial via a DB25 plug. Control your serial plotter wirelessly.
- Plotter Cable Pinout (http://sites.music.columbia.edu/cmc/chiplotle/plotter_cable.pdf) - Schematic for a plotter cable that will work for most HP and Roland plotters. Search eBay or Amazon for DB9 to DB25 Serial Null Modem Cable or
similar to find them for sale.
- PlotAdapter (https://github.com/rhalkyard/plotadapter) - "Serial-GPIB converter for HP Plotters", uses an Arduino microcontroller to convert serial HPGL to the GPIB/HP-IB expected by some older HP plotters.
Pens
- Sharpie Fine Point Plotter Adapter (https://www.printables.com/model/156721-sharpie-fine-point-plotter-adapter) - 3d-printed adapter to fit a standard Sharpie in an HP-GL plotter.
- Parametric 3d-Printable Plotter Pen Adapter (https://openjscad.xyz/#https://gist.githubusercontent.com/beardicus/d668c0f6b96be53d16dc/raw/plotter-pen-adapter.jscad) - Adjustable model to print adapters for various pens.
- Plotter Pen STL Models (https://www.printables.com/model/156722-plotter-pen) - Accurate STL models of both short and long standard plotter pens.
- Pens for AxiDraw (https://wiki.evilmadscientist.com/Pens_for_AxiDraw) - List of pens suitable for general plotter abuse.
- Pens for EggBot (https://wiki.evilmadscientist.com/Pen_choices) - Egg- and glass-focused pen recommendations but still generally applicable information.
- JetPens – The Best White Ink Pens (https://www.jetpens.com/blog/the-best-white-ink-pens/pt/340) - A comprehensive review of many white ink pens, with pictures of their coverage characteristics.
Software
HPGL
HPGL is a serial/text-based protocol used by most old pen plotters, and even many new vinyl cutters.
- Chiplotle (https://github.com/drepetto/chiplotle) - Python library for generating HPGL and interfacing with serial plotters.
- Chiplotle3 (https://github.com/cyprienh/chiplotle3) - Chiplotle fork updated for Python 3.x compatibility.
- HPGL Reference Guide (https://www.isoplotec.co.jp/HPGL/eHPGL.htm) - HTML-based HPGL Reference.
- HP 7475A Interfacing and Programming Manual (https://archive.org/details/HP7475AInterfacingandProgrammingManual) - Scanned PDF manual that contains a full HPGL reference.
- djipco/hpgl (https://github.com/djipco/hpgl) - A Node.js library to communicate with HPGL-compatible plotters and printers.
- hp2xx (https://www.gnu.org/software/hp2xx) - GNU tool to convert HPGL into other vector and raster formats. Can also be used as a previewing in X11.
- vec (https://github.com/anachrocomputer/vec) - Example C code for generating HPGL, with a turtle graphics interface.
- d3-hpgl (https://github.com/aubergene/d3-hpgl) - An adapter for the HTML Canvas API so you can output HPGL using the popular D3 (https://d3js.org) library.
- HPGL Viewer (https://github.com/drskullster/HPGLViewer) - An HPGL Viewer using JavaScript and HTML5 canvas.
- HPGL Sender (https://github.com/LgHS/hpgl-sender) - A web interface for previewing HPGL and sending it to your plotter.
- HPGLGraphics (https://github.com/ciaron/HPGLGraphics) - A Processing library for writing HPGL files.
- processing2hpgl (https://github.com/awdriggs/processing2hpgl) - A Processing library that allows for direct communication with HPGL pen plotters from within a Processing sketch.
G-code
G-code is a text-based standard for controlling CNC machines. Though it was designed for industrial machines, its use in many hobbyist 3d printer firmwares has made it ubiquitous in small-scale DIY projects as well.
- grbl (https://github.com/grbl/grbl) - A high-performance G-code interpreting firmware for the Atmega 328 microcontroller and Arduino.
- cncjs (https://github.com/cncjs/cncjs) - A web-based interface controlling CNC machines running grbl, TinyG, or other G-code-based firmware.
- node-gcode (https://github.com/ryansturmer/node-gcode) - Node.js G-code interpreter and simulator.
- svg2gcode (https://github.com/em/svg2gcode) - Node.js command line utility for converting SVG to G-code.
- svg2gcode (https://github.com/vishpat/svg2gcode) - Python utility for fast SVG to G-code conversion.
- jscut (http://jscut.org/) - A web-based utility for converting SVG to G-code.
- Universal-G-Code-Sender (https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender) - Java-based grbl-compatible cross-platform G-code sender.
- ChiliPeppr Hardware Fiddle (http://chilipeppr.com) - Modular web-based workspaces to visualize G-code and control hardware.
- gcode-generative-for-processing (https://github.com/o0morgan0o/gcode-generative-for-processing) - Processing library, aiming to create gcode from simple shapes. (Designed for usage with the Creality CR10)
- gcodeplot (https://github.com/arpruss/gcodeplot) - Python utility to convert SVG and HPGL to G-code for a 3-axis CNC machine.
Plotter Control
Software for controlling plotter hardware.
- axidraw (https://github.com/evil-mad/axidraw) - Official AxiDraw extensions for Inkscape.
- axi (https://github.com/fogleman/axi) - Unofficial Python library for the AxiDraw v3.
- xy (https://github.com/fogleman/xy) - Utilities for the Makeblock XY Plotter Robot Kit.
- LaserGRBL (https://github.com/arkypita/LaserGRBL) - Laser-optimized Windows GUI for grbl controllers. Could be repurposed for DIY pen plotters that use a solenoid for pen up/down movements.
- Line-us Inkscape Plugin (https://github.com/Line-us/Inkscape-Plugin) - Sends drawings to the Line-us plotter directly from Inkscape.
- Line-us API Examples (https://github.com/Line-us/Line-us-Programming) - Example code for the Line-us plotter's G-code-based API.
- @beardicus/line-us (https://github.com/beardicus/line-us) - JavaScript library for controlling the Line-us machine from Node or the browser.
- PenPlotter (https://github.com/RickMcConney/PenPlotter) - Polargraph controller that uses repetier firmware.
- Makelangelo-firmware (https://github.com/MarginallyClever/Makelangelo-firmware) - Firmware for the Makelangelo polargraph robot.
- RoboPaint (https://github.com/evil-mad/robopaint) - Software for the WaterColorBot.
- AxiTurtle (https://github.com/ralphcrutzen/AxiTurtle) - Turtle graphics for AxiDraw in Processing.
- GRBL-Plotter (https://github.com/svenhb/GRBL-Plotter) - Plotter-optimized Windows GUI for grbl controller with SVG and DXF import, and flexible pen up/down control.
- saxi (https://github.com/nornagon/saxi) - Driver and library for the AxiDraw. Uses constant-acceleration motion planning and automatically resizes to paper.
- MP2300-Tools (https://github.com/Jan--Henrik/MP2300-Tools) - Software for converting HPGL to Graphtec's GPGL format, as well as CAD files for a Graphtec plotter pen adapter.
- Inkcut (https://github.com/inkcut/inkcut) - Application for controlling 2D plotters, cutters, engravers, and CNC machines.
Vector Creation
Tools to create vector artwork from scratch or by conversion from other formats.
- Inkscape (https://inkscape.org) - Popular cross-platform open source vector graphics editor.
- p5.js (https://p5js.org) - "JavaScript library that makes coding accessible for artists, designers, educators, and beginners".
- Paper.js (http://paperjs.org) - "The Swiss Army Knife of Vector Graphics Scripting".
- ln (https://github.com/fogleman/ln) - Vector-based 3D renderer written in Go.
- autotrace (https://github.com/autotrace/autotrace) - Converts bitmap images to vector graphics.
- stipplegen (https://github.com/evil-mad/stipplegen) - Creates interesting stippled drawings from bitmap images. (blog post (https://www.evilmadscientist.com/2012/stipplegen2))
- SquiggleDraw (https://github.com/gwygonik/SquiggleDraw/commits/master) - "SquiggleDraw will create a SVG file from an image, using the brightness to change the amplitude of sine waves".
- svgurt (https://svgurt.com) - Web-based PNG to SVG creative noodler.
- maptrace (https://github.com/mzucker/maptrace) - Produce watertight polygonal vector maps by tracing raster images.
- Drawbot_image_to_gcode_v2 (https://github.com/Scott-Cooper/Drawbot_image_to_gcode_v2) - Creates G-code for use on drawbots.
- blackstripes (https://github.com/fullscreennl/blackstripes-python-extensions) - Turns a PNG image into a SVG line drawing.
- Ribbon (https://github.com/fogleman/ribbon) - Ribbon diagrams of proteins in written in Go.
- penplot (https://github.com/mattdesl/penplot) - A development environment for plotter art in JavaScript.
- penkit (https://github.com/paulgb/penkit) - A Python library for creating line-based SVG graphics.
- generativeExamples (https://github.com/digitalcoleman/generativeExamples) - Example Processing code that generates plottable PDFs.
- Let's make map (https://svg-exporter.netlify.com) - Web-based tool to export an SVG map from Mapzen tiles.
- LineDream (https://linedream.marcrleonard.com/) - A generative art library for Python that can export SVGs.
- SuperformulaSVG for web (https://jasonwebb.github.io/SuperformulaSVG-for-web) - A generative line art web app.
- scribbleplot (https://github.com/bleeptrack/scribbleplot) - Scribbly image transformations in Processing.
- Maker.js (https://maker.js.org) - Library for creating 2D vector drawings for CNC and laser cutter machines.
- Turtletoy (https://turtletoy.net) - Browser-based JavaScript turtle graphics API with SVG export.
- cozyvec (https://github.com/brubsby/cozyvec) - Web/Standalone terminal environment for plotter art and tweet plots.
- makio135/plotter (https://observablehq.com/collection/@makio135/plotter) - An Observable (https://observablehq.com/) notebook collection full of plotter-oriented work.
- PlotterFun (https://mitxela.com/plotterfun/) - Browser-based Image to SVG converter similar to SquiggleDraw.
- SVG.js (https://svgjs.dev/) - Dependency-free lightweight library for creating, manipulating, and animating SVG.
- Components AI (https://components.ai/) - Experimental computational design platform for exploring generative space.
- DrawingBotV3 (https://github.com/SonarSonic/DrawingBotV3) - Cross-platform software for converting images to line drawings.
- linedraw (https://github.com/LingDong-/linedraw) - Python tool to convert images to sketchy vector line drawings.
- plotter.vision (https://plotter.vision/) - Interactive website for hidden line removal of STL files to generate plottable SVG. Also supports Red/Blue 3D glasses.
- plotting-maps (https://github.com/piebro/plotting-maps) - A simple web tool to create OpenStreetMap SVG maps for plotting.
Vector Utilities
Tools to manipulate and optimize vector-based file formats.
- svgsort (https://github.com/inconvergent/svgsort) - Path planning for plotting SVG files, reduces time spent moving with the pen up.
- svgo (https://github.com/svg/svgo) - Node.js-based tool for optimizing SVG files.
- Polargraph Optimizer (https://github.com/ezheidtmann/polargraph-optimizer) - Optimize drawing plan for a polargraph.
- penkit-optimize (https://github.com/paulgb/penkit/tree/master/optimizer) - An SVG optimizer that uses a vehicle routing solver to minimize plot time.
- svg-crowbar (https://github.com/NYTimes/svg-crowbar) - Chrome-only bookmarklet for extracting SVG from an HTML document.
- vpype (https://github.com/abey79/vpype) - Plotter-focused Python-based CLI utility for generating and manipulating SVGs, including scaling and optimizing paths.
- SVG Cropper (https://msurguy.github.io/svg-cropper-tool/) - A browser-based tool to crop SVGs using different primitives, custom shapes, or other SVGs.
Fonts
Single-line vector fonts or "engraving fonts".
- Summary of single line fonts (http://imajeenyus.com/computer/20150110_single_line_fonts/index.shtml) - Good information and links to other resources and fonts.
- Hershey Vector Font (http://paulbourke.net/dataformats/hershey) - .fnt format of vector fonts from the 60s. Includes a good overview of the original data format of the fonts.
- hershey-fonts (https://github.com/kamalmostafa/hershey-fonts) - C library and original font data for the Hershey fonts.
- svg-fonts (https://gitlab.com/oskay/svg-fonts) - Single-line fonts in an SVG format, mainly for use with the Hershey Text (https://gitlab.com/oskay/hershey-text) Inkscape plugin.
- CNC Text Tool (https://msurguy.github.io/cnc-text-tool/) - Browser-based Hershey Text tool with export to SVG.
- hf2gcode (https://github.com/Andy1978/hf2gcode) - Generates G-code from text with a Hershey font.
Inspiration, Instruction, and Research
Blog posts, articles, tutorials, galleries, videos, et cetera.
- An Intro to Pen Plotters (https://medium.com/quarterstudio/an-intro-to-pen-plotters-29b6bd4327ba) - Good info on getting started with old HPGL plotters.
- An Introduction to Pen Plotting (https://mrmrs.cc/writing/pen-plotting-intro/) - Another getting started article with modern pen plotters.
- Pen Plotter Programming: The Basics (https://medium.com/@fogleman/pen-plotter-programming-the-basics-ec0407ab5929) - Some basics of programming vector paths, including sorting, joining, and simplifying.
- On Generative Algorithms (https://inconvergent.net/generative) - Nice 13-part walkthrough of interesting algorithms.
- Roland DG DXY-990 (https://hackaday.io/project/12276-roland-dg-dxy-990) - Quickstart guide for a Roland flatbed plotter.
- The Cohen-Sutherland Line Clipping Algorithm (https://sighack.com/post/cohen-sutherland-line-clipping-algorithm) - Detailed explanation and examples of an interesting algorithm.
- Vera Molnár (https://www.surfacemag.com/articles/vera-molnar-in-thinking-machines-at-moma) - OG plotter artist.
- Hektor (http://juerglehni.com/works/hektor) - The original cable-based drawbot from 2002.
- Pen Plotter Art & Algorithms (https://mattdesl.svbtle.com/pen-plotter-1) - A two-part intro to creating generative graphics for plotting.
- Surface Projection (https://bitaesthetics.com/posts/surface-projection.html) - Deep dive into surface projection and hidden line removal using Python and penplot.
- Fractal Generation with L-Systems (https://bitaesthetics.com/posts/fractal-generation-with-l-systems.html) - Techniques for creating line-based fractal graphics.
- Introduction to TSP art (https://wiki.evilmadscientist.com/TSP_art) - Resources for traveling salesman problem (single path) art.
- Hidden wireframe removal (https://trmm.net/Hidden_Wireframe) - Discussion and links to code for wireframe removal of STL files.
- How to Draw Generative Art with an Axidraw Pen Plotter (https://www.dirtalleydesign.com/blogs/news/how-to-draw-prints-with-an-axidraw-pen-plotter) - Lots of nice tips, not all specific to the Axidraw, plus some pen reviews and handy
3d-printed tools.
- The Best XY Plotters in 2020 (https://all3dp.com/2/pen-plotters-best-xy-plotters/) - Good overview of the AxiDraw and its clones, plus some DIY options.
- What is a pen plotter 2022? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1NpYzETm3M) - Nice video introduction to modern plotters in 2022.
- Tools, Tricks, and Hacks: Exploring Novel Digital Fabrication Workflows on #PlotterTwitter (https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/3411764.3445653) - Research paper on the novel workflows of the plotter community (Video Summary
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqhT-8ElJ68)).
- Orbis Tertius (https://www.glkitty.com/pages/orbistertius.html) - An immersive digital installation with plotter output of Martian topography.
- Tech Tangents: Plotting For The First Time - HP 7470A (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk4c4WMZJZ8) - Nice video showing an HP 7470A operated from an HP 85 computer.
- CuriousMarc: HP 7475A Plotter and HPGL Demo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr7Mbw9gLpk) - Video of an HP 7475A plotting some demos.
- CuriousMarc: Refilling or Replacing Vintage HP Plotter Pens (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-oj4HrTH14) - Video showing how to open, clean, and refill vintage HP plotter pens.
- Commodore 1520 Plotter Demonstration (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwPTluBvKLU) - Video of the Commodore 1520 plotter in action, including a cover-off shot of the mechanism.
- Vera Molnar: Toward Aesthetic Guidelines for Paintings with the Aid of a Computer (https://rednoise.org/softas/uploads/molnar.pdf)
- Tech Tangents: Gold Standard Plotter - HP 7475A (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8785ktWD7vQ) - Video with some HPGL and plotter history, plus operating an HP 7475A from an IBM 5160 microcomputer.
- curiousmarc.com: HP 7475A Plotter (https://www.curiousmarc.com/computing/hp-7475a-plotter) - A great collection of info, ephemera, plot files, three YouTube videos, and a 3d-printable replacement part for the HP 7475A.
- From Lettering Guides to CNC Plotters (https://www.typotheque.com/articles/from-lettering-guides-to-cnc-plotters-a-brief-history-of-technical-lettering-tools) - "A Brief History of Technical Lettering Tools".
- Building an interactive plotter art installation (https://lostpixels.io/writings/building-interactive-plotter-art) - Nice writeup (with videos) of an interactive plotter art exhibit at SIGGRAPH 2023.
- Taxan KPL 710 Demo Plot (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xms3sZONQjo) - A handheld recording of the Taxan KPL 710 running its demo plot.
- Sweet-P Six Shooter SP-600 Plotter Demonstration (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xE9LVOMbKxk) – A recording of the Sweet-P SP-600 running its demo plot.
Manuals and Ephemera
Scanned plotter manuals and marketing ephemera, mostly from the Internet Archive (https://archive.org)
Manuals
Sorted alphabetically by company name and product name.
- Apple Color Plotter User's Manual (https://archive.org/details/AppleColorPlotter)
- Atari 1020 Color Printer Owner's Guide (1982) (https://archive.org/details/atari-1020-color-printer)
- Atari 1020 Color Printer Field Service Manual (1983) (https://archive.org/details/atari1020colorprinterfieldservicemanualrev.011983atari)
- Programming CalComp Pen Plotters (1968) (https://archive.org/details/bitsavers_calcompProlottersJun68_2464236)
- Commodore 1520 Printer Plotter Manual (1983) (https://archive.org/details/1520PrinterPlotterUsersManualStyleA)
- Commodore 1520 Printer Plotter Manual (https://archive.org/details/1520PrinterPlotterusersManualStyleB)
- Control Data 165/165-2 Plotter Manual (https://archive.org/details/bitsavers_cdc160139c_4086972)
- Gerber GS750 Plus User Manual (1995) (manualslib) (https://www.manualslib.com/manual/465193/Gerber-Gs750-Plus.html)
- Gerber Signmaker IVB User's Manual (1983) (manualslib) (https://www.manualslib.com/manual/464167/Gerber-Signmaker-Ivb.html)
- Houston Instrument DMP-160 Plotter Operation Manual (https://archive.org/details/houston-instrument-dmp-160-series-plotters-operation-manual)
- Houston Instrument DM/PL Command Language (1984) (https://archive.org/details/hi-dmpl-command-language)
- Houston Instrument DMP-40V Operation Manual (1988) (https://archive.org/details/dmp-40v)
- Houston Instrument HIPLOT DMP-51/52 Operation Manual (1985) (https://archive.org/details/hi-dmp-51-52-operation-manual)
- Houston Instrument Interface Notes for DM/PL Intelligent Plotters (1983) (https://archive.org/details/hi-interface-notes-dm-pl-plotters)
- Houston Instrument Stand Assembly Procedure DMP-50 Series Plotter (https://archive.org/details/hi-stand-assembly-procedure-dmp-50-series-plotter)
- HP 7470A Interconnection Guide (https://archive.org/details/manualzilla-id-7029812)
- HP 7470A Operator's Manual (manualslib) (https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1089592/Hp-7470a.html)
- HP 7475A Graphics Plotter Operation and Interconnection Manual (https://archive.org/details/HP7475AOperationManual)
- HP 7570A DraftPro Plotter Hardware Support Manual (https://archive.org/details/7570adraftproplotterhardwaresupportmanual0757090000201pagesdec86)
- HP 7585B Drafting Plotter Service Manual (1983) (https://archive.org/details/bitsavers_hpplotter0_18190273)
- HP DraftPro Plotter User's Guide (1986) (https://archive.org/details/draftproplotterusersguide0757090017163pagesmay86)
- HP DraftPro Plotter Programmers Reference (1986) (https://archive.org/details/draftproprogrammersreference0757090001387pagessep86)
- Olivetti PL10 Microplotter User Guide (1983) (https://archive.org/details/olivettipl10microplotter)
- Radio Shack TRS-80 Plotter Printer Manual (https://archive.org/details/Plotter_Printer_19xx_Radio_Shack)
- Radio Shack TRS-80 Color Graphic Printer Operation Manual (https://archive.org/details/cgp-115_operation_manual)
- Radio Shack TRS-80 Color Graphic Printer Service Manual (https://archive.org/details/cgp-115-service-manual)
- Roland DXY-880 Operation Manual (1984) (https://archive.org/details/RolandDXY880PlotterOperationManual)
- Roland DXY-980 Operation Manual (1985) (https://archive.org/details/rolanddxy980operationmanual)
- Roland DXY-990 Operation Manual (1986) (https://archive.org/details/roland-dxy-990)
- Roland DXY-1300 -1200 -1100 Command Reference Manual (https://archive.org/details/rolanddxy130012001100commandreferencemanualaf)
- Roland DXY-1350A -1150A User's Manual (1997) (manualslib) (https://www.manualslib.com/manual/884553/Roland-Dxy_1350.html)
- Roland DPX-2000 User's Manual (https://archive.org/details/roland-dpx-2000-manual)
- Roland DPX-3300 Operation Manual (GitHub) (https://github.com/sismoke/Roland-DPX-3300/blob/master/manual/DPX-3300.pdf)
- Roland DPX-3300 Service Notes (1987) (https://archive.org/details/dpx-3300-service-manual)
- Roland DPX-3300 Schematics (1987) (https://archive.org/details/dpx-3300-schematics)
- Roland DPX-3700A DPX-2700A User's Manual (Roland Direct Download) (https://downloadcenter.rolanddg.com/contents/manuals/DPX-3700A+2700A_USE_E_R8.pdf)
- Rotring Tubular Plotter Points Practical Tips and Information (https://archive.org/details/rotingtubularplotterpointprakticaltipsandinformation)
- Rotring NC-scriber CS 50 Operating Instructions (1989) (https://archive.org/details/rotring_NC-scriber_CS_50_Operating_Instructions)
- Siemens C1613 Plotter Manual (German) (https://archive.org/details/SiemensC1613Manual)
- Silver Reed Colour PenGraph EB-50 Operating Manual (1984) (https://archive.org/details/silver-reed-colour-pengraph-eb-50-operating-manual)
- Taxan X-Y Plotter KPL 710 Instruction Manual (https://pzwiki.wdka.nl/mediadesign/File:Taxan_kpl710_x-y_plotter.pdf)
- Tectronix HC100 Instruction Manual (1987) (https://archive.org/details/manualsonline-id-212d14c3-7d2f-4e64-906f-1a22e86d1f35/)
- Panasonic RK-P400C 4-Color Graphic Penwriter Manual (https://archive.org/details/panasonic-rk-p-400-c-manual)
- Unknown Brand LP 2002 Photo Plotter Attachment Operating Manual (German) (https://archive.org/details/lp-2002-betriebsanleitung/) - Also see Martin Bircher's thread (https://mastodon.social/@artandtech/109382879937442706) with
pictures of this device.
Ephemera
- Time Share Peripherals TSP-212 Brochure (https://archive.org/details/TNM_Time_Share_Peripherals_-_TSP-212_plotting_sys_20170630_0194)
- Hewlett-Packard Journal Volume 29 Number 1 (https://archive.org/details/Hewlett-Packard_Journal_Vol._29_No._1_1977-09_Hewlett-Packard) - Multiple articles about the development of the HP Model 9872A and 7221A pen plotters.
- Hewlett-Packard Journal Volume 32 Number 10 (https://archive.org/details/Hewlett-Packard_Journal_Vol._32_No._10_1981-10_Hewlett-Packard) - Multiple articles about the development of the HP Model 7580A plotter.
- Hewlett-Packard Journal Volume 32 Number 11 (https://archive.org/details/Hewlett-Packard_Journal_Vol._32_No._11_1981-11_Hewlett-Packard) - Multiple articles about the development of the HP Model 7580A plotter.
- Hewlett-Packard Journal Volume 33 Number 12 (1982) (https://archive.org/details/Hewlett-Packard_Journal_Vol._33_No._12_1982-12_Hewlett-Packard) - Multiple articles about the HP Model 7470A plotter.
- CalComp Precision Graphics System 900/728 Brochure (1970) (https://archive.org/details/TNM_CalComp_-_Precision_graphics_system_900-728_20170630_0196)
- Digital Plotting Newsletter (1967) (https://archive.org/details/TNM_Digital_Plotting_Newsletter_march-april_1967__20171014_0114)
- Versatec Printers and Plotters Brochure (1977) (https://archive.org/details/TNM_Versatec_printers_and_plotters_-_Versatec_a_X_20180227_0009)
- Versatec Printer/Plotters, Plotters and Output Systems (1981) (https://archive.org/details/TNM_Printer-plotters_plotters_and_output_systems__20171113_0057)
- Roland Users Group Volume 2 Number 4 (1984) (https://archive.org/details/RolandUsersGroupVolume2Number41984/page/n39/mode/2up) - _Computers and Plotters Take the Place of Drafting Tables and Pencils_ article on page 36 (PDF page 40).
- Omega-t Systems FasPlot Plotter Brochure (https://archive.org/details/TNM_Omega-t_Systems_-_FasPlot_Plotter_20170630_0254)
- Commodore Computer Plotter CBM 8075 Brochure (German) (https://archive.org/details/Plotter_CBM8075_198x_Commodore_DE)
- Strobe Model 100 Graphics Plotter Brochure (1980) (https://archive.org/details/TNM_Strope_Model_100_graphics_plotter_-_Strobe_In_20180506_0009)
- Roland DG Plotter Ad in Byte Magazine Vol 12 No 4 (1987) (https://archive.org/details/byte-magazine-1987-04/page/n159/mode/2up) (via @OldTechAdverts (https://twitter.com/OldTechAdverts/status/1454558415355850755))
- Auerbach On Digital Plotters And Image Digitizers (1972) (https://archive.org/details/auerbachondigitalplottersandimagedigitizers) - A book about plotters and digitizers.
- CalComp Graphics Products Brochure (1981) (https://archive.org/details/TNM_CalComp_graphics_products_plotters_and_printe_20171101_0032)
- CalComp Plotters in 1968 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAc4VLR6-Dg) - Promotional video showing a flatbed CalComp plotter and its output.
- Houston Instrument DMP-41 and DMP-42 Plotters Brochure (https://archive.org/details/hi-dmp-41-42-brochure)
- Houston Instrument DMP-51/52 Series Brochure (https://archive.org/details/hi-dmp-51-52-brochure)
- Houston Instrument Omnigraphic Plotter Brochure (https://archive.org/details/TNM_Omnigraphic_Plotter_20171016_0228)
- Sweet-P Plotter Brochure and Price List (https://archive.org/details/bitsavers_enterCompuersonalPlotterprricelistBrochure_4929854) – Four-page color marketing brochure with attached suggested retail price list.
Community
Where to find other plotter and drawbot friends.
- PlotterArt Subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/PlotterArt)
- AxiDraw Subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/axidraw)
- Generative Art Subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/generative)
- Plotter People (https://plotterpeople.github.io/) - In-person meetups (SF and NYC so far) with talks and plotter art galleries.
- DrawingBots Discord Forum (https://discordapp.com/invite/XHP3dBg) - Discord forum with an active community.
- PlotterFiles (https://plotterfiles.com/) - Community for sharing SVG files for plotters.
- #PenPlotter - Mastodon/ActivityPub hashtag that plotter folks are mostly congregating under.
Plotter Art For Sale
- Paul Rickards (https://shop.paulrickards.com)
- Michael Fogleman (https://www.michaelfogleman.com/plotter)
- inconvergent (http://buy.inconvergent.net)
- Monica Rizzolli (https://www.saatchiart.com/account/artworks/155196)
- EmergentDesign (https://emergentdesign.bigcartel.com/products)
- BustBright (https://mkt.com/bustbright)
- Martin O'Leary (https://shop.mewo2.com)
- Geoffrey Bradway (https://www.chromatocosmos.com/)
- brubsby (http://shop.brubsby.com/)
- Arjan van der Meij (https://dutchplottr.nl/en/)
- Nadieh Bremer (https://shop.visualcinnamon.com/collections/pen-plotter-prints)
- Michelle Chandra (https://www.dirtalleydesign.com/)
- Pedro Alcocer (https://store.pedroalcocer.com/)
- AndyMakes (https://shop.andymakes.com/)
- Marcel Schwittlick (https://schwittlick.bigcartel.com/)
- Adam Fuhrer (https://adamfuhrer.bigcartel.com)
- Ingrid Burrington (https://wares.lifewinning.com)
Other Awesomes
- awesome-generative-art (https://github.com/kosmos/awesome-generative-art)
- awesome-creative-coding (https://github.com/terkelg/awesome-creative-coding)
- awesome-3d-engines-for-plotters (https://github.com/msurguy/awesome-3d-engines-for-plotters)