Learn pen plotting
Start with vector artwork, prepare the paths, then use software compatible with your drawing machine. These practical guides help you turn an on-screen design into a file you can inspect and plot.
Practical guides
How to Crop an SVG for Pen Plotting
Trim vector paths at a boundary instead of hiding them behind a mask, using a downloadable corgi drawing and three crop shapes to compare.
Single-Line Text and Fonts for Pen Plotters
Set stroke-based lettering with Plotter Text, pick a font from the 55-font specimen sheet, and check characters, scale and paths before plotting.
How to Make Radial Generative Line Art with Rad Lines
Make radial line art for pen plotting with Rad Lines: three worked examples with links, eight favourite designs with their settings, and export tips.
How to Make Flow Field Line Art with Flow Lines
Turn two formulas into flow field line art with Flow Lines: worked examples, eight favourite plots, density settings compared, and export tips.
How to Convert an Image to SVG for Pen Plotting
Turn a photo into plotter-ready line art: squiggle, spiral, stipple, hatching and flow field compared on sample photos, with the settings that matter.
Multi-Color Pen Plotting: Split a Photo into Pen Layers
Split a photo into CMYK, RGB or custom pen layers for multi-colour plotting, starting with a downloadable colour test chart to see what your pens can do.
Choose your next step
Explore drawing machines
Compare machine profiles and learn which software and workflow each uses.
Choose software
Find SVG generators, image converters, path utilities, and machine-control tools.
Try browser tools
Create and prepare artwork with tools that run on DrawingBots.
Find pens and supplies
Explore papers, pens, inks, and accessories for your plotting setup.
Understand the algorithms
Explore the geometry and methods behind generative drawings and path preparation.
Browse community resources
Find projects, reference material, and further reading from the plotting community.