# DrawingBots.com

> Website for drawing robots, plotter and laser CNC machine enthusiasts. A community-driven platform for pen plotter, drawing robot, and laser CNC enthusiasts.

## Main Sections
- [Learn](/knowledge/): Practical guides to preparing artwork for pen plotting.
- [How to Crop an SVG for Pen Plotting](/guides/crop-svg-for-pen-plotting/): Cut vector paths at a crop boundary, compare geometric cropping with clipping, and export an SVG using a downloadable practice drawing.
- [Single-Line Text and Fonts for Pen Plotters](/guides/single-line-text-for-pen-plotters/): Create stroke-based SVG lettering with Plotter Text, choose a single-line font, and check character coverage, scale, and exported paths before plotting.
- [How to Make Radial Generative Line Art with Rad Lines](/guides/rad-lines-radial-generative-art/): Create generative radial line art for pen plotting with Rad Lines: three worked examples with shareable links, formula tips, and plotter-ready SVG export.
- [How to Make Flow Field Line Art with Flow Lines](/guides/flow-lines-vector-field-art/): Turn two math formulas into flow field line art for pen plotting with Flow Lines: worked examples, density and simplification compared, and SVG export tips.
- [How to Convert an Image to SVG for Pen Plotting](/guides/convert-image-to-svg-for-pen-plotting/): Convert a photo into plotter-ready SVG line art: compare squiggle, spiral, stipple, hatching and flow field algorithms on sample images and tune the settings.
- [Multi-Color Pen Plotting: Split a Photo into Pen Layers](/guides/multi-color-pen-plotting-from-a-photo/): Separate a photo into CMYK, RGB or custom pen colors for multi-color pen plotting, using a downloadable color test chart to compare split methods first.
- [Machines](/machines/): The ultimate directory of drawing robots, commercial pen plotters, wall plotters, and DIY designs.
- [Tools](/knowledge/tools/): Filterable directory of vector generators, plotter control software, libraries, and SVG utilities.
- [Supplies](/knowledge/supplies/): Collection of the best pens, papers, and ink supplies for pen plotters and drawing robots.
- [Resources](/resources/): Directory of educational websites, books, algorithms, and links for pen plotting.
- [Algorithms](/algorithms/): Visual catalog of 122 pen-plotter algorithms with live interactive p5.js demos.
- [About](/about/): Learn about DrawingBots.com and our community.

## Featured Drawing Machines & Plotters
Here are some of the most notable drawing robots in our directory:

- **[NextDraw](/machines/nextdraw/)**: NextDraw is an extremely precise and easy to use plotter made by Bantam Tools. With the software that is easy to install and easy to use and the hardware that is tuned to perfection, it just works, consistently!
- **[Makelangelo](/machines/makelangelo/)**: Makelangelo is a wall-mounted plotter capable of drawing beautiful signs, posters, art, and more!
- **[iDraw pen plotter](/machines/idraw-pen-plotter/)**: GRBL compatible plotter with A3 and A4 size plotting area.
- **[AxiDraw](/machines/axidraw/)**: AxiDraw was an extremely precise and easy to use plotter made by Evil Mad Science LLC. With the software that is easy to install and easy to use and the hardware that is tuned to perfection, it just works, consistently! AxiDraw has been superseded by NextDraw

## Featured Software & Tools
A few featured utilities and graphics generators:

- **[Paragraphic](https://paragraphic.design)**: Procedural vector design app for making complex repeating patterns and gradients, or more complex things like generative truchet tile patterns for plotting.
- **[Vectoraster](https://lostminds.com/vectoraster8)**: Tool for creating vector halftone effects, can also produce outlined shapes or lines for plotting
- **[Serpentine Plotter](https://labs.jawharkodadi.com/serpentine/)**: Serpentine Plotter is a generative tool that creates fluid, noise-driven serpentine lines for pen plotting. Customize parameters like amplitude, noise frequency, drawing size, and more to craft unique, line-based designs.
- **[Bezier Morpher](https://editor.p5js.org/knectar/full/bLcZrlqt_)**: Utility sets two "end-member" closer bezier curves, then generates a series of transitional bezier curves that gradually morph into each other. The end-member bezier control points are adjustable, as are the number of transitional curves. Exportable to gcode and svg files.
- **[Generative Noodles](https://github.com/cadin/generative-noodles)**: Processing Sketch that squirts bendy noodle segments into a predefined grid. SVG output is ready for printing or plotting.

## Community & Social Links
- [Discord Community](https://discord.gg/XHP3dBg) - Chat with hundreds of plotter art creators.
- [Twitter/X (@drawingbots)](https://twitter.com/drawingbots)
- [Facebook Page](https://facebook.com/drawingbots)
- [Support the site](https://opencollective.com/drawingbots-community)