{"id":452,"url":"https://github.com/beardicus/awesome-plotters","name":"awesome-plotters","description":"A curated list of code and resources for computer-controlled drawing machines and other visual art robots.","projects_count":296,"last_synced_at":"2026-04-05T12:00:21.802Z","repository":{"id":38206690,"uuid":"136463450","full_name":"beardicus/awesome-plotters","owner":"beardicus","description":"A curated list of code and resources for computer-controlled drawing machines and other visual art robots.","archived":false,"fork":false,"pushed_at":"2025-12-03T21:39:31.000Z","size":361,"stargazers_count":1369,"open_issues_count":3,"forks_count":86,"subscribers_count":53,"default_branch":"main","last_synced_at":"2026-03-22T20:02:05.738Z","etag":null,"topics":["awesome","awesome-list","axidraw","gcode","grbl-firmware","hacktoberfest","hpgl","hpgl-plotters","pen-plotter","plotter","plotter-art","roland-plotters","vector-graphics"],"latest_commit_sha":null,"homepage":"","language":null,"has_issues":true,"has_wiki":null,"has_pages":null,"mirror_url":null,"source_name":null,"license":"cc0-1.0","status":null,"scm":"git","pull_requests_enabled":true,"icon_url":"https://github.com/beardicus.png","metadata":{"files":{"readme":"README.md","changelog":null,"contributing":"CONTRIBUTING.md","funding":null,"license":"LICENSE","code_of_conduct":"CODE-OF-CONDUCT.md","threat_model":null,"audit":null,"citation":null,"codeowners":null,"security":null,"support":null,"governance":null,"roadmap":null,"authors":null,"dei":null,"publiccode":null,"codemeta":null,"zenodo":null,"notice":null,"maintainers":null,"copyright":null,"agents":null,"dco":null,"cla":null}},"created_at":"2018-06-07T10:49:52.000Z","updated_at":"2026-03-22T12:14:37.000Z","dependencies_parsed_at":"2025-12-23T17:00:26.676Z","dependency_job_id":null,"html_url":"https://github.com/beardicus/awesome-plotters","commit_stats":null,"previous_names":[],"tags_count":0,"template":false,"template_full_name":null,"purl":"pkg:github/beardicus/awesome-plotters","repository_url":"https://repos.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/hosts/GitHub/repositories/beardicus%2Fawesome-plotters","tags_url":"https://repos.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/hosts/GitHub/repositories/beardicus%2Fawesome-plotters/tags","releases_url":"https://repos.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/hosts/GitHub/repositories/beardicus%2Fawesome-plotters/releases","manifests_url":"https://repos.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/hosts/GitHub/repositories/beardicus%2Fawesome-plotters/manifests","owner_url":"https://repos.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/hosts/GitHub/owners/beardicus","download_url":"https://codeload.github.com/beardicus/awesome-plotters/tar.gz/refs/heads/main","sbom_url":"https://repos.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/hosts/GitHub/repositories/beardicus%2Fawesome-plotters/sbom","scorecard":{"id":229516,"data":{"date":"2025-08-11","repo":{"name":"github.com/beardicus/awesome-plotters","commit":"e532f54409ac6a2bb74d0135d4d9989591468dad"},"scorecard":{"version":"v5.2.1-40-gf6ed084d","commit":"f6ed084d17c9236477efd66e5b258b9d4cc7b389"},"score":3.6,"checks":[{"name":"Packaging","score":-1,"reason":"packaging workflow not detected","details":["Warn: no GitHub/GitLab publishing workflow detected."],"documentation":{"short":"Determines if the project is published as a package that others can easily download, install, easily update, and uninstall.","url":"https://github.com/ossf/scorecard/blob/f6ed084d17c9236477efd66e5b258b9d4cc7b389/docs/checks.md#packaging"}},{"name":"Code-Review","score":2,"reason":"Found 8/30 approved changesets -- score normalized to 2","details":null,"documentation":{"short":"Determines if the project requires human code review before pull requests (aka merge requests) are merged.","url":"https://github.com/ossf/scorecard/blob/f6ed084d17c9236477efd66e5b258b9d4cc7b389/docs/checks.md#code-review"}},{"name":"Maintained","score":0,"reason":"0 commit(s) and 0 issue activity found in the last 90 days -- score normalized to 0","details":null,"documentation":{"short":"Determines if the project is \"actively maintained\".","url":"https://github.com/ossf/scorecard/blob/f6ed084d17c9236477efd66e5b258b9d4cc7b389/docs/checks.md#maintained"}},{"name":"Dangerous-Workflow","score":10,"reason":"no dangerous workflow patterns detected","details":null,"documentation":{"short":"Determines if the project's GitHub Action workflows avoid dangerous patterns.","url":"https://github.com/ossf/scorecard/blob/f6ed084d17c9236477efd66e5b258b9d4cc7b389/docs/checks.md#dangerous-workflow"}},{"name":"Binary-Artifacts","score":10,"reason":"no binaries found in the repo","details":null,"documentation":{"short":"Determines if the project has generated executable (binary) artifacts in the source repository.","url":"https://github.com/ossf/scorecard/blob/f6ed084d17c9236477efd66e5b258b9d4cc7b389/docs/checks.md#binary-artifacts"}},{"name":"Token-Permissions","score":0,"reason":"detected GitHub workflow tokens with excessive permissions","details":["Warn: no topLevel permission defined: .github/workflows/links.yml:1","Warn: no topLevel permission defined: .github/workflows/lint.yml:1","Info: no jobLevel write permissions found"],"documentation":{"short":"Determines if the project's workflows follow the principle of least privilege.","url":"https://github.com/ossf/scorecard/blob/f6ed084d17c9236477efd66e5b258b9d4cc7b389/docs/checks.md#token-permissions"}},{"name":"Pinned-Dependencies","score":0,"reason":"dependency not pinned by hash detected -- score normalized to 0","details":["Warn: GitHub-owned GitHubAction not pinned by hash: .github/workflows/links.yml:13: update your workflow using https://app.stepsecurity.io/secureworkflow/beardicus/awesome-plotters/links.yml/main?enable=pin","Warn: third-party GitHubAction not pinned by hash: .github/workflows/links.yml:17: update your workflow using https://app.stepsecurity.io/secureworkflow/beardicus/awesome-plotters/links.yml/main?enable=pin","Warn: third-party GitHubAction not pinned by hash: .github/workflows/links.yml:23: update your workflow using https://app.stepsecurity.io/secureworkflow/beardicus/awesome-plotters/links.yml/main?enable=pin","Warn: GitHub-owned GitHubAction not pinned by hash: .github/workflows/lint.yml:9: update your workflow using https://app.stepsecurity.io/secureworkflow/beardicus/awesome-plotters/lint.yml/main?enable=pin","Info:   0 out of   2 GitHub-owned GitHubAction dependencies pinned","Info:   0 out of   2 third-party GitHubAction dependencies pinned"],"documentation":{"short":"Determines if the project has declared and pinned the dependencies of its build process.","url":"https://github.com/ossf/scorecard/blob/f6ed084d17c9236477efd66e5b258b9d4cc7b389/docs/checks.md#pinned-dependencies"}},{"name":"CII-Best-Practices","score":0,"reason":"no effort to earn an OpenSSF best practices badge detected","details":null,"documentation":{"short":"Determines if the project has an OpenSSF (formerly CII) Best Practices Badge.","url":"https://github.com/ossf/scorecard/blob/f6ed084d17c9236477efd66e5b258b9d4cc7b389/docs/checks.md#cii-best-practices"}},{"name":"Security-Policy","score":0,"reason":"security policy file not detected","details":["Warn: no security policy file detected","Warn: no security file to analyze","Warn: no security file to analyze","Warn: no security file to analyze"],"documentation":{"short":"Determines if the project has published a security policy.","url":"https://github.com/ossf/scorecard/blob/f6ed084d17c9236477efd66e5b258b9d4cc7b389/docs/checks.md#security-policy"}},{"name":"Vulnerabilities","score":10,"reason":"0 existing vulnerabilities detected","details":null,"documentation":{"short":"Determines if the project has open, known unfixed vulnerabilities.","url":"https://github.com/ossf/scorecard/blob/f6ed084d17c9236477efd66e5b258b9d4cc7b389/docs/checks.md#vulnerabilities"}},{"name":"Fuzzing","score":0,"reason":"project is not fuzzed","details":["Warn: no fuzzer integrations found"],"documentation":{"short":"Determines if the project uses fuzzing.","url":"https://github.com/ossf/scorecard/blob/f6ed084d17c9236477efd66e5b258b9d4cc7b389/docs/checks.md#fuzzing"}},{"name":"License","score":10,"reason":"license file detected","details":["Info: project has a license file: LICENSE:0","Info: FSF or OSI recognized license: Creative Commons Zero v1.0 Universal: LICENSE:0"],"documentation":{"short":"Determines if the project has defined a license.","url":"https://github.com/ossf/scorecard/blob/f6ed084d17c9236477efd66e5b258b9d4cc7b389/docs/checks.md#license"}},{"name":"Signed-Releases","score":-1,"reason":"no releases found","details":null,"documentation":{"short":"Determines if the project cryptographically signs release artifacts.","url":"https://github.com/ossf/scorecard/blob/f6ed084d17c9236477efd66e5b258b9d4cc7b389/docs/checks.md#signed-releases"}},{"name":"Branch-Protection","score":0,"reason":"branch protection not enabled on development/release branches","details":["Warn: branch protection not enabled for branch 'main'"],"documentation":{"short":"Determines if the default and release branches are protected with GitHub's branch protection settings.","url":"https://github.com/ossf/scorecard/blob/f6ed084d17c9236477efd66e5b258b9d4cc7b389/docs/checks.md#branch-protection"}},{"name":"SAST","score":0,"reason":"SAST tool is not run on all commits -- score normalized to 0","details":["Warn: 0 commits out of 8 are checked with a SAST tool"],"documentation":{"short":"Determines if the project uses static code analysis.","url":"https://github.com/ossf/scorecard/blob/f6ed084d17c9236477efd66e5b258b9d4cc7b389/docs/checks.md#sast"}}]},"last_synced_at":"2025-08-17T04:35:44.045Z","repository_id":38206690,"created_at":"2025-08-17T04:35:44.045Z","updated_at":"2025-08-17T04:35:44.045Z"},"host":{"name":"GitHub","url":"https://github.com","kind":"github","repositories_count":286080680,"owners_count":31434624,"icon_url":"https://github.com/github.png","version":null,"created_at":"2022-05-30T11:31:42.601Z","updated_at":"2026-04-05T08:13:15.228Z","status":"ssl_error","status_checked_at":"2026-04-05T08:13:11.839Z","response_time":75,"last_error":"SSL_read: unexpected eof while reading","robots_txt_status":"success","robots_txt_updated_at":"2025-07-24T06:49:26.215Z","robots_txt_url":"https://github.com/robots.txt","online":false,"can_crawl_api":true,"host_url":"https://repos.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/hosts/GitHub","repositories_url":"https://repos.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/hosts/GitHub/repositories","repository_names_url":"https://repos.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/hosts/GitHub/repository_names","owners_url":"https://repos.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/hosts/GitHub/owners"}},"readme":"# Awesome Plotters [![Awesome](https://awesome.re/badge.svg)](https://awesome.re)\n\nA curated list of code and resources for computer-controlled drawing machines and other visual art robots.\n\n## Contents\n\n- [Getting Started](#getting-started)\n- [Hardware](#hardware)\n  - [Plotters](#plotters)\n  - [Motor Controllers](#motor-controllers)\n  - [Accessories and Adapters](#accessories-and-adapters)\n  - [Pens](#pens)\n- [Software](#software)\n  - [HPGL](#hpgl)\n  - [G-code](#g-code)\n  - [Plotter Control](#plotter-control)\n  - [Vector Creation](#vector-creation)\n  - [Vector Utilities](#vector-utilities)\n  - [Fonts](#fonts)\n- [Inspiration, Instruction, and Research](#inspiration-instruction-and-research)\n- [Manuals, Ephemera, Papers, and Patents](#manuals-ephemera-papers-and-patents)\n  - [Manuals](#manuals)\n  - [Ephemera](#ephemera)\n  - [Papers](#papers)\n  - [Patents](#patents)\n- [Courses](#courses)\n- [Community](#community)\n- [Plotter Art For Sale](#plotter-art-for-sale)\n- [Other Awesomes](#other-awesomes)\n\n## Getting Started\n\nA short selection of resources to help you get started with pen plotters.\n\n- [What is a pen plotter 2022?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1NpYzETm3M) - Nice video introduction to modern plotters in 2022.\n- [An Intro to Pen Plotters](https://medium.com/quarterstudio/an-intro-to-pen-plotters-29b6bd4327ba) - Good info on getting started with old HPGL plotters.\n- [An Introduction to Pen Plotting](https://mrmrs.cc/writing/pen-plotting-intro/) - Another getting started article with modern pen plotters.\n- [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.\n- [Pen Plotter Art \u0026 Algorithms](https://mattdesl.svbtle.com/pen-plotter-1) - A two-part intro to creating generative graphics for plotting.\n- [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.\n\n## Hardware\n\n### Plotters\n\nPen plotters available to build or purchase, historical information, and restoration projects.\n\n- [AxiDraw](https://shop.evilmadscientist.com/productsmenu/846) - Pen plotter from Evil Mad Scientist.\n- [NextDraw](https://bantamtools.com/collections/bantam-tools-nextdraw) - The new AxiDraw, now from Bantam Tools.\n- [ArtFrame](https://bantamtools.com/collections/artframe) - Beefy flatbed pen plotters from Bantam Tools.\n- [Line-us](https://www.line-us.com) - A cute little kickstarted robotic drawing arm.\n- [Drawing Robot](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2349232) - 3d-Printable AxiDraw clone w/ Arduino CNC Shield controller running grbl firmware.\n- [4xiDraw](https://www.instructables.com/id/4xiDraw/) - Yet another 3d-printable AxiDraw clone w/ Arduino CNC Shield controller running grbl firmware.\n- [WaterColorBot](https://watercolorbot.com) - XY art robot and software to plot with watercolor paints.\n- [EggBot](https://egg-bot.com) - Pen plotter for egg-shaped and spherical objects.\n- [HP Pen Plotters](https://www.hpmuseum.net/exhibit.php?class=4\u0026cat=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.\n- [Roland Pen Plotters](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_pwzqPk6Gg) - Vintage flatbed HPGL pen plotters. Search eBay for \"roland dxy\".\n- [Blot](https://blot.hackclub.com) - An open-source DIY pen plotter from Hack Club with a browser-based editor for generative art.\n- [BrachioGraph](https://www.brachiograph.art) - 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.\n- [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.\n- [PlotterXY](https://github.com/jamescarruthers/PlotterXY) - A coreXY plotter made from extrusion, 3d-printed parts, and an inexpensive 3d-printer control board.\n- [NextDraw](https://store.bantamtools.com/collections/bantam-tools-nextdraw) - The [Bantam Tools](https://www.bantamtools.com) successor to the popular AxiDraw pen plotter.\n- [openBrushograph](https://github.com/openBrushograph/openBrushograph_hardware) - Open source 3d-printable XY gantry and Z-stage designed for automated brush and pen painting.\n- [Lego-Pen-Plotter](https://github.com/Jormono1/Lego-Pen-Plotter) - Pen plotter built entirely of LEGO and programmed with PyBricks and Python.\n- [Makelangelo 5](https://www.marginallyclever.com/products/makelangelo-5/) - Polargraph robot that draws on a wall, window, or easel.\n- [Reviving the Apple 410 Color Plotter](https://www.nycresistor.com/2017/12/13/reviving-the-apple-410-color-plotter/)\n- [Apple-410](https://github.com/phooky/Apple-410) - Apple 410 Color Plotter documentation, drivers, and ROM dumps.\n\n### Motor Controllers\n\nHardware for driving stepper motors and controlling pen plotters.\n\n- [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))\n- [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))\n- [Arduino CNC Shield](https://blog.protoneer.co.nz/arduino-cnc-shield) - Grbl-compatible stepper motor control shield for Arduino, similar to the grblShield.\n- [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.\n- [EBB Driver Board](https://shop.evilmadscientist.com/productsmenu/188) - USB-based dual stepper motor controller board, originally designed for the EggBot.\n\n### Accessories and Adapters\n\nCables, serial adapters, and replacement parts.\n\n- [WiFi232](http://biosrhythm.com/?page_id=1453) - Wifi to RS-232 serial via a DB25 plug. Control your serial plotter wirelessly.\n- [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.\n- [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.\n- [Replacement Pen Carousel Turret Carriage Holder for HP 7475A Plotter](https://obsoletetech.us/products/replacement-pen-carousel-turret-carriage-holder-for-hp-7475a-plotter) - 3d printed replacement part.\n- [Replacement Geneva Drive Wheel Gear for HP 7475A Plotter Pen Carousel](https://obsoletetech.us/products/replacement-geneva-drive-wheel-gear-for-hp-7475a-plotter-pen-carousel) - 3d printed replacement for a commonly-busted part.\n\n### Pens\n\nPen adapters, mounts, and recommendations.\n\n- [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.\n- [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.\n- [Plotter Pen STL Models](https://www.printables.com/model/156722-plotter-pen) - Accurate STL models of both short and long standard plotter pens.\n- [Pens for AxiDraw](https://wiki.evilmadscientist.com/Pens_for_AxiDraw) - List of pens suitable for general plotter abuse.\n- [Pens for EggBot](https://wiki.evilmadscientist.com/Pen_choices) - Egg- and glass-focused pen recommendations but still generally applicable information.\n- [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.\n\n## Software\n\n### HPGL\n\nHPGL is a text-based protocol used by most old pen plotters and many new vinyl cutters.\n\n- [Chiplotle](https://github.com/drepetto/chiplotle) - Python library for generating HPGL and interfacing with serial plotters.\n- [Chiplotle3](https://github.com/cyprienh/chiplotle3) - Chiplotle fork updated for Python 3.x compatibility.\n- [HPGL Reference Guide](https://www.isoplotec.co.jp/HPGL/eHPGL.htm) - HTML-based HPGL Reference.\n- [HP 7475A Interfacing and Programming Manual](https://archive.org/details/HP7475AInterfacingandProgrammingManual) - Scanned PDF manual that contains a full HPGL reference.\n- [djipco/hpgl](https://github.com/djipco/hpgl) - A Node.js library to communicate with HPGL-compatible plotters and printers.\n- [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.\n- [vec](https://github.com/anachrocomputer/vec) - Example C code for generating HPGL, with a turtle graphics interface.\n- [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.\n- [HPGL Viewer](https://github.com/drskullster/HPGLViewer) - An HPGL Viewer using JavaScript and HTML5 canvas.\n- [HPGL Sender](https://github.com/LgHS/hpgl-sender) - A web interface for previewing HPGL and sending it to your plotter.\n- [HPGLGraphics](https://github.com/ciaron/HPGLGraphics) - A Processing library for writing HPGL files.\n- [processing2hpgl](https://github.com/awdriggs/processing2hpgl) - A Processing library that allows for direct communication with HPGL pen plotters from within a Processing sketch.\n\n### G-code\n\nG-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.\n\n- [grbl](https://github.com/grbl/grbl) - A high-performance G-code interpreting firmware for the Atmega 328 microcontroller and Arduino.\n- [cncjs](https://github.com/cncjs/cncjs) - A web-based interface controlling CNC machines running grbl, TinyG, or other G-code-based firmware.\n- [node-gcode](https://github.com/ryansturmer/node-gcode) - Node.js G-code interpreter and simulator.\n- [svg2gcode](https://github.com/em/svg2gcode) - Node.js command line utility for converting SVG to G-code.\n- [svg2gcode](https://github.com/vishpat/svg2gcode) - Python utility for fast SVG to G-code conversion.\n- [jscut](http://jscut.org/) - A web-based utility for converting SVG to G-code.\n- [Universal-G-Code-Sender](https://github.com/winder/Universal-G-Code-Sender) - Java-based grbl-compatible cross-platform G-code sender.\n- [ChiliPeppr Hardware Fiddle](http://chilipeppr.com) - Modular web-based workspaces to visualize G-code and control hardware.\n- [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)\n- [gcodeplot](https://github.com/arpruss/gcodeplot) - Python utility to convert SVG and HPGL to G-code for a 3-axis CNC machine.\n- [fabnodes](https://extensions.blender.org/add-ons/fabnodes/) - Blender add-on to export geometry node toolpaths as G-code.\n\n### Plotter Control\n\nSoftware for controlling plotter hardware.\n\n- [axidraw](https://github.com/evil-mad/axidraw) - Official AxiDraw extensions for Inkscape.\n- [axi](https://github.com/fogleman/axi) - Unofficial Python library for the AxiDraw v3.\n- [bCNC](https://github.com/vlachoudis/bCNC) - Cross-platform G-code sender and CNC control software for grbl.\n- [xy](https://github.com/fogleman/xy) - Utilities for the Makeblock XY Plotter Robot Kit.\n- [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.\n- [Line-us Inkscape Plugin](https://github.com/Line-us/Inkscape-Plugin) - Sends drawings to the Line-us plotter directly from Inkscape.\n- [Line-us API Examples](https://github.com/Line-us/Line-us-Programming) - Example code for the Line-us plotter's G-code-based API.\n- [@beardicus/line-us](https://github.com/beardicus/line-us) - JavaScript library for controlling the Line-us machine from Node or the browser.\n- [PenPlotter](https://github.com/RickMcConney/PenPlotter) - Polargraph controller that uses repetier firmware.\n- [Makelangelo-firmware](https://github.com/MarginallyClever/Makelangelo-firmware) - Firmware for the Makelangelo polargraph robot.\n- [RoboPaint](https://github.com/evil-mad/robopaint) - Software for the WaterColorBot.\n- [AxiTurtle](https://github.com/ralphcrutzen/AxiTurtle) - Turtle graphics for AxiDraw in Processing.\n- [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.\n- [saxi](https://github.com/nornagon/saxi) - Driver and library for the AxiDraw. Uses constant-acceleration motion planning and automatically resizes to paper.\n- [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.\n- [Inkcut](https://github.com/inkcut/inkcut) - Application for controlling 2D plotters, cutters, engravers, and CNC machines.\n- [plottie](https://github.com/mossblaser/plottie) - Command-line tool for controlling Silhouette plotters and cutters with SVG input.\n- [py_silhouette](https://github.com/mossblaser/py_silhouette) - Python library for controlling Silhouette plotters and cutters.\n- [pypenwriter](https://github.com/Lana-chan/pypenwriter) - Python script to convert and send SVG drawings to the Panasonic PenWriter family of typewriter plotters.\n\n### Vector Creation\n\nTools to create vector artwork from scratch or by conversion from other formats.\n\n- [Inkscape](https://inkscape.org) - Popular cross-platform open source vector graphics editor.\n- [p5.js](https://p5js.org) - \"JavaScript library that makes coding accessible for artists, designers, educators, and beginners\".\n- [Paper.js](http://paperjs.org) - \"The Swiss Army Knife of Vector Graphics Scripting\".\n- [ln](https://github.com/fogleman/ln) - Vector-based 3D renderer written in Go.\n- [autotrace](https://github.com/autotrace/autotrace) - Converts bitmap images to vector graphics.\n- [stipplegen](https://github.com/evil-mad/stipplegen) - Creates interesting stippled drawings from bitmap images. ([blog post](https://www.evilmadscientist.com/2012/stipplegen2))\n- [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\".\n- [svgurt](https://svgurt.com) - Web-based PNG to SVG creative noodler.\n- [maptrace](https://github.com/mzucker/maptrace) - Produce watertight polygonal vector maps by tracing raster images.\n- [Drawbot_image_to_gcode_v2](https://github.com/Scott-Cooper/Drawbot_image_to_gcode_v2) - Creates G-code for use on drawbots.\n- [blackstripes](https://github.com/fullscreennl/blackstripes-python-extensions) - Turns a PNG image into a SVG line drawing.\n- [penplot](https://github.com/mattdesl/penplot) - A development environment for plotter art in JavaScript.\n- [penkit](https://github.com/paulgb/penkit) - A Python library for creating line-based SVG graphics.\n- [generativeExamples](https://github.com/digitalcoleman/generativeExamples) - Example Processing code that generates plottable PDFs.\n- [Let's make map](https://svg-exporter.netlify.app) - Web-based tool to export an SVG map from Mapzen tiles.\n- [LineDream](https://linedream.marcrleonard.com/) - A generative art library for Python that can export SVGs.\n- [SuperformulaSVG for web](https://jasonwebb.github.io/SuperformulaSVG-for-web) - A generative line art web app.\n- [scribbleplot](https://github.com/bleeptrack/scribbleplot) - Scribbly image transformations in Processing.\n- [Maker.js](https://maker.js.org) - Library for creating 2D vector drawings for CNC and laser cutter machines.\n- [Turtletoy](https://turtletoy.net) - Browser-based JavaScript turtle graphics API with SVG export.\n- [cozyvec](https://github.com/brubsby/cozyvec) - Web/Standalone terminal environment for plotter art and tweet plots.\n- [makio135/plotter](https://observablehq.com/collection/@makio135/plotter) - An [Observable](https://observablehq.com/) notebook collection full of plotter-oriented work.\n- [PlotterFun](https://mitxela.com/plotterfun/) - Browser-based Image to SVG converter similar to SquiggleDraw.\n- [SVG.js](https://svgjs.dev/) - Dependency-free lightweight library for creating, manipulating, and animating SVG.\n- [Components AI](https://components.ai/) - Experimental computational design platform for exploring generative space.\n- [DrawingBotV3](https://github.com/SonarSonic/DrawingBotV3) - Cross-platform software for converting images to line drawings.\n- [linedraw](https://github.com/LingDong-/linedraw) - Python tool to convert images to sketchy vector line drawings.\n- [plotter.vision](https://plotter.vision/) - Interactive website for hidden line removal of STL files to generate plottable SVG. Also supports Red/Blue 3D glasses.\n- [plotting-maps](https://github.com/piebro/plotting-maps) - A simple web tool to create OpenStreetMap SVG maps for plotting.\n- [ThreadPlotter](https://github.com/LiciaHe/threadPlotter) - \"A toolkit for the design and fabrication of delicate punch needle embroidery using X-Y plotters\".\n- [PINTR](https://javier.xyz/pintr) - Plottable random line drawings from your images.\n- [REVDANCATT Plotter Tools](https://revdancatt.com/penplotter/) - A bunch of web-based pen plotter tools with SVG output.\n- [Flow Lines](https://msurguy.github.io/flow-lines/) - A tool for generating flow line representations using SVG paths / polylines.\n- [UJI](https://doersino.github.io/uji/) - A web-based generative art thing with SVG export.\n- [Rad Lines](https://msurguy.github.io/rad-lines/) - A web-based radial lines vector generation tool with SVG export.\n- [Peak Map](https://anvaka.github.io/peak-map/) - A web-based tool to generate ridge line charts from map data.\n\n### Vector Utilities\n\nTools to manipulate and optimize vector-based file formats.\n\n- [svgsort](https://github.com/inconvergent/svgsort) - Path planning for plotting SVG files, reduces time spent moving with the pen up.\n- [svgoutline](https://github.com/mossblaser/svgoutline) - Python library to extract strokes and outlines from SVGs as line segments.\n- [svgo](https://github.com/svg/svgo) - Node.js-based tool for optimizing SVG files.\n- [Polargraph Optimizer](https://github.com/ezheidtmann/polargraph-optimizer) - Optimize drawing plan for a polargraph.\n- [penkit-optimize](https://github.com/paulgb/penkit/tree/master/optimizer) - An SVG optimizer that uses a vehicle routing solver to minimize plot time.\n- [svg-crowbar](https://github.com/NYTimes/svg-crowbar) - Chrome-only bookmarklet for extracting SVG from an HTML document.\n- [vpype](https://github.com/abey79/vpype) - Plotter-focused Python-based CLI utility for generating and manipulating SVGs, including scaling and optimizing paths.\n- [SVG Cropper](https://msurguy.github.io/svg-cropper-tool/) - A browser-based tool to crop SVGs using different primitives, custom shapes, or other SVGs.\n\n### Fonts\n\nSingle-line vector fonts or \"engraving fonts\".\n\n- [Summary of single line fonts](http://imajeenyus.com/computer/20150110_single_line_fonts/index.shtml) - Good information and links to other resources and fonts.\n- [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.\n- [hershey-fonts](https://github.com/kamalmostafa/hershey-fonts) - C library and original font data for the Hershey fonts.\n- [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.\n- [CNC Text Tool](https://msurguy.github.io/cnc-text-tool/) - Browser-based Hershey Text tool with export to SVG.\n- [hf2gcode](https://github.com/Andy1978/hf2gcode) - Generates G-code from text with a Hershey font.\n- [FifteenTwenty: Commodore 1520 plotter font](https://github.com/scruss/FifteenTwenty) - [Blog post](https://scruss.com/blog/2016/04/23/fifteentwenty-commodore-1520-plotter-font/) about the creation of this font from the original ROM.\n- [Pulling Teeth From a Corpse: Extracting the Vector Font From the Apple 410 Color Plotter](https://www.nycresistor.com/2017/12/29/pulling-teeth-from-a-corpse-extracting-the-vector-font-from-the-apple-410-color-plotter/)\n\n## Inspiration, Instruction, and Research\n\nBlog posts, articles, tutorials, galleries, videos, et cetera.\n\n- [On Generative Algorithms](https://inconvergent.net/generative) - Nice 13-part walkthrough of interesting algorithms.\n- [Roland DG DXY-990](https://hackaday.io/project/12276-roland-dg-dxy-990) - Quickstart guide for a Roland flatbed plotter.\n- [The Cohen-Sutherland Line Clipping Algorithm](https://sighack.com/post/cohen-sutherland-line-clipping-algorithm) - Detailed explanation and examples of an interesting algorithm.\n- [Vera Molnár](https://www.surfacemag.com/articles/vera-molnar-in-thinking-machines-at-moma) - OG plotter artist.\n- [Hektor](http://juerglehni.com/works/hektor) - The original cable-based drawbot from 2002.\n- [Surface Projection](https://nb.paulbutler.org/surface-projection/) - Deep dive into surface projection and hidden line removal using Python and penplot.\n- [Fractal Generation with L-Systems](https://nb.paulbutler.org/l-systems/) - Techniques for creating line-based fractal graphics.\n- [Introduction to TSP art](https://wiki.evilmadscientist.com/TSP_art) - Resources for traveling salesman problem (single path) art.\n- [Hidden wireframe removal](https://trmm.net/Hidden_Wireframe) - Discussion and links to code for wireframe removal of STL files.\n- [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.\n- [Orbis Tertius](https://www.glkitty.com/pages/orbistertius.html) - An immersive digital installation with plotter output of Martian topography.\n- [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.\n- [CuriousMarc: HP 7475A Plotter and HPGL Demo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr7Mbw9gLpk) - Video of an HP 7475A plotting some demos.\n- [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.\n- [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.\n- [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.\n- [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.\n- [From Lettering Guides to CNC Plotters](https://www.typotheque.com/articles/from-lettering-guides-to-cnc-plotters) - \"A Brief History of Technical Lettering Tools\".\n- [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.\n- [Taxan KPL 710 Demo Plot](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xms3sZONQjo) - A handheld recording of the Taxan KPL 710 running its demo plot.\n- [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.\n- [Bottle Plotter](https://vgnotepad.blogspot.com/2024/04/bottle-plotter.html) - Blog post about building a cylindrical pen plotter for drawing on wine bottles.\n- [Buildlog.net Atari 1020 Plotter Retrofit](https://www.buildlog.net/blog/2019/10/inktober-project-2019-post-5/) - Blog post and video about converting an Atari 1020 plotter to use a ESP32-based GRBL controller.\n- [Texas Instruments HX-1000 Plotter Photos](http://www.hexbus.com/TI-99_4A_Home_Computer_Page/Hexbus_HX-1000_Printer_Plotter.html) - Photo gallery of the plotter's exterior, interior, and packaging.\n- [Making cheap HP plotter pens](https://scruss.com/blog/2014/04/06/making-cheap-hp-plotter-pens-yet-another-hp-gl-viewer/) - Blog post mainly about using vinyl cutter parts as pen holders.\n- [Marcel Schwittlick and The Long Run](https://www.artxcode.io/journal/marcel-schwittlick-the-long-run) - Interview with Marcel, and lots of photos and videos of his work and workspace.\n- [Lars Wander and Mixing Paint With Code](https://www.artxcode.io/journal/lars-wander-interview) - Interview with Lars Wander, plus art and videos.\n- [Flatulence, Crystals, and Happy Little Accidents by Nick Fitzgerald (RustConf 2019)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ho3xr4b60Zg) - A RustConf talk with very little Rust, more about the creative process of generative art and pen plotters.\n- [Recreating Retro Plotter Art, by Sher Minn (Plotter People #1)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR_TzMFhv50) - Conference talk with lots of great computer and plotter history.\n- [20+ Questions About My Plotter Painting Practice](https://www.eyesofpanda.com/project/plotter_painting_q_a/) - Q\u0026A blog post with lots of details about more painterly plotting.\n- [How to Watercolor Paint with a Robotic Drawing Machine: An Interview with Licia He](https://www.dirtalleydesign.com/blogs/news/how-to-watercolor-painting-with-a-robotic-drawing-machine-an-interview-with-licia-he)\n- [300 Days with Plotters](https://liciahe.medium.com/300-days-with-plotters-14159ab64034) - Blog post by Licia He about a successful 100 day plotting challenge.\n- [Roland DXY 1300 Plotter Self Test](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMVq8vuH4sw)\n- [Vintage Aritma 0507 Plotter drawing Sierpinski triangles in one stroke](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfL3K8mQp5I) - Aritma Minigraf 0507 video.\n- [Plotter (Artima Minigraf 0507)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xso0gfLp8IE\u0026t=34s)\n- [https://jiristepanovsky.cz/project.php?p=13plotter](https://jiristepanovsky.cz/project.php?p=13plotter) - Blog post on the Aritma Minigraf 0507 plotter from Czechoslovakia.\n- [Another drawing on Aritma Minigraf 0507](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwFyIusdH7g)\n- [Aritma Minigraf 0507 Plotting Space Shuttle](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YY0ivdyhLpo)\n- [Drawing an Etch-Mask Directly onto a PCB using a Vintage Plotter](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkxiFXCnbj8\u0026t=131s) - The video description has some interesting details about this plotter.\n- [OrCAD 386 and a plotter Colorgraf Aritma 512](http://simandl.cz/stranky/elektro/spoje/pcb.htm) - Article about using a Colorgraf 512 plotter with OrCAD 386 for making printed circuit boards.\n- [Early Computer Art in the 50s and 60s](https://www.amygoodchild.com/blog/computer-art-50s-and-60s) - Good art history lesson with lots of plotter-relevant artists.\n- [Coding My Handwriting](https://www.amygoodchild.com/blog/cursive-handwriting-in-javascript) - Great exploration of creating handwriting with p5.js and some custom tools.\n\n## Manuals, Ephemera, Papers, and Patents\n\nScanned plotter manuals, marketing ephemera, academic papers, and patents. Thank you to the [Internet Archive](https://archive.org) for hosting most of these.\n\n### Manuals\n\nSorted alphabetically by company name and product name.\n\n- [Apple Color Plotter User's Manual](https://archive.org/details/AppleColorPlotter)\n- [Aritma Colorgraf 512](http://simandl.cz/stranky/elektro/colorgraf/colorgraf_a.htm) - Website with scanned schematics and manual.\n- [Atari 1020 Color Printer Owner's Guide (1982)](https://archive.org/details/atari-1020-color-printer) - A higher-quality scan is also available as [a PDF on buildlog.net](https://www.buildlog.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/atari-1020-color-printer-owners-guide.pdf)\n- [Atari 1020 Color Printer Field Service Manual (1983)](https://archive.org/details/atari1020colorprinterfieldservicemanualrev.011983atari)\n- [CalComp Artisan Plus 1023/1025/1026 User's Guide (1990)](https://archive.org/details/calcomp-artisan-plus-1023-1025-1026-users-guide)\n- [Programming CalComp Pen Plotters (1968)](https://archive.org/details/bitsavers_calcompProlottersJun68_2464236)\n- [Commodore 1520 Printer Plotter Manual (1983)](https://archive.org/details/1520PrinterPlotterUsersManualStyleA)\n- [Commodore 1520 Printer Plotter Manual](https://archive.org/details/1520PrinterPlotterusersManualStyleB)\n- [Control Data 165/165-2 Plotter Manual](https://archive.org/details/bitsavers_cdc160139c_4086972)\n- [Esterline Angus Spartan X-Y Recorder Instruction Manual](https://archive.org/details/manualsplus_03665) - Rev 1178.\n- [Esterline Angus Spartan X-Y Recorder Instruction Manual (1980)](https://archive.org/details/manualsplus_03659) - Revs 1080, 1178, 0480.\n- [Esterline Angus Model XY530 Recorder Instruction Manual](https://archive.org/details/manualsplus_03657)\n- [Esterline Angus Model XY575 Recorder Instruction Manual (1976)](https://archive.org/details/manualsplus_03641)\n- [Fluke 1771A Intelligent Digital Plotter User's Manual (1983)](https://archive.org/details/manualsplus_03096)\n- [Gerber GS750 Plus User Manual (1995) (manualslib)](https://www.manualslib.com/manual/465193/Gerber-Gs750-Plus.html)\n- [Gerber Signmaker IVB User's Manual (1983) (manualslib)](https://www.manualslib.com/manual/464167/Gerber-Signmaker-Ivb.html)\n- [Graphtec Pen Plotter MP303 Series Service Manual (2004)](https://archive.org/details/manualzilla-id-5807113)\n- [Houston Instrument DMP-160 Plotter Operation Manual](https://archive.org/details/houston-instrument-dmp-160-series-plotters-operation-manual)\n- [Houston Instrument DM/PL Command Language (1984)](https://archive.org/details/hi-dmpl-command-language)\n- [Houston Instrument DMP-40V Operation Manual (1988)](https://archive.org/details/dmp-40v)\n- [Houston Instrument HIPLOT DMP-51/52 Operation Manual (1985)](https://archive.org/details/hi-dmp-51-52-operation-manual)\n- [Houston Instrument Interface Notes for DM/PL Intelligent Plotters (1983)](https://archive.org/details/hi-interface-notes-dm-pl-plotters)\n- [Houston Instrument Stand Assembly Procedure DMP-50 Series Plotter](https://archive.org/details/hi-stand-assembly-procedure-dmp-50-series-plotter)\n- [Houston Instrument DMP-60 Series Plotters Operation Manual (1990)](https://archive.org/details/houston-instruments-dmp-60-manual)\n- [HP 7470A Interconnection Guide](https://archive.org/details/manualzilla-id-7029812)\n- [HP 7470A Operator's Manual (manualslib)](https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1089592/Hp-7470a.html)\n- [HP 7475A Graphics Plotter Operation and Interconnection Manual](https://archive.org/details/HP7475AOperationManual)\n- [HP-75 Plotter ROM External Reference Specification (1982) (PDF)](https://literature.hpcalc.org/community/hp75-plotter-ers.pdf)\n- [HP 7570A DraftPro Plotter Hardware Support Manual](https://archive.org/details/7570adraftproplotterhardwaresupportmanual0757090000201pagesdec86)\n- [HP 7580B Drafting Plotter Service Manual (1986)](https://archive.org/details/hp-7580-b-plotter-service-manual)\n- [HP 7585B Drafting Plotter Service Manual (1983)](https://archive.org/details/bitsavers_hpplotter0_18190273)\n- [HP DraftPro Plotter User's Guide (1986)](https://archive.org/details/draftproplotterusersguide0757090017163pagesmay86)\n- [HP DraftPro Plotter Programmers Reference (1986)](https://archive.org/details/draftproprogrammersreference0757090001387pagessep86)\n- [Mutoh ET202 Scriber (German)](https://archive.org/details/mutoh-et202-leichtgemacht)\n- [Olivetti PL10 Microplotter User Guide (1983)](https://archive.org/details/olivettipl10microplotter)\n- [Olivetti P6060 Programming Manual (1979) (Italian)](https://archive.org/details/olivettip6060prestazionigrafiche)\n- [Philips X-Y Flat Bed Recorder PM 8120 (1971)](https://archive.org/details/manualsplus_03520)\n- [Radio Shack TRS-80 Plotter Printer Manual](https://archive.org/details/Plotter_Printer_19xx_Radio_Shack)\n- [Radio Shack TRS-80 Color Graphic Printer Operation Manual](https://archive.org/details/cgp-115_operation_manual)\n- [Radio Shack TRS-80 Color Graphic Printer Service Manual](https://archive.org/details/cgp-115-service-manual)\n- [Roland DXY-880 Operation Manual (1984)](https://archive.org/details/RolandDXY880PlotterOperationManual)\n- [Roland DXY-980 Operation Manual (1985)](https://archive.org/details/rolanddxy980operationmanual)\n- [Roland DXY-990 Operation Manual (1986)](https://archive.org/details/roland-dxy-990)\n- [Roland DXY-1300 -1200 -1100 Command Reference Manual](https://archive.org/details/rolanddxy130012001100commandreferencemanualaf)\n- [Roland DXY-1350A -1150A User's Manual (1997) (manualslib)](https://www.manualslib.com/manual/884553/Roland-Dxy_1350.html)\n- [Roland DPX-2000 User's Manual](https://archive.org/details/roland-dpx-2000-manual)\n- [Roland DPX-3300 Operation Manual (GitHub)](https://github.com/sismoke/Roland-DPX-3300/blob/master/manual/DPX-3300.pdf)\n- [Roland DPX-3300 Service Notes (1987)](https://archive.org/details/dpx-3300-service-manual)\n- [Roland DPX-3300 Schematics (1987)](https://archive.org/details/dpx-3300-schematics)\n- [Roland DPX-3700A DPX-2700A User's Manual (Roland Direct Download)](https://downloadcenter.rolanddg.com/contents/manuals/DPX-3700A+2700A_USE_E_R8.pdf)\n- [Roland XY Plotter DXY-1350A DXY-1150A User's Manual (1997)](https://archive.org/details/manualzilla-id-5691908)\n- [Rotring Tubular Plotter Points Practical Tips and Information](https://archive.org/details/rotingtubularplotterpointprakticaltipsandinformation)\n- [Rotring NC-scriber CS 50 Operating Instructions (1989)](https://archive.org/details/rotring_NC-scriber_CS_50_Operating_Instructions)\n- [SEGA SP-400 Operation Manual](https://archive.org/details/sega-sp-400) - This doesn't present as a flippable book on the archive, but the original page scans are still available for download.\n- [Sekonic SPL-450+/SPL-455 User Manual (1990) (German)](https://archive.org/details/sekonicspl450spl455)\n- [Siemens C1613 Plotter Manual (German)](https://archive.org/details/SiemensC1613Manual)\n- [Silver Reed Colour PenGraph EB-50 Operating Manual (1984)](https://archive.org/details/silver-reed-colour-pengraph-eb-50-operating-manual)\n- [Taxan X-Y Plotter KPL 710 Instruction Manual](https://pzwiki.wdka.nl/mediadesign/File:Taxan_kpl710_x-y_plotter.pdf)\n- [Tectronix 4662 Interactive Digital Plotter User Manual (1976)](https://archive.org/details/bitsavers_tektronix42InteractiveDigitalPlotterUserManualNov1_40423494)\n- [Tectronix HC100 Instruction Manual (1987)](https://archive.org/details/manualsonline-id-212d14c3-7d2f-4e64-906f-1a22e86d1f35/)\n- [Panasonic RK-P400C 4-Color Graphic Penwriter Manual](https://archive.org/details/panasonic-rk-p-400-c-manual)\n- [Panasonic Penwriter Manual Excerpt: RS232 Protocol Section](https://archive.org/details/panasonicpenwriterprotocol)\n- [(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.\n\n### Ephemera\n\nVintage advertising, marketing materials, and promotional videos.\n\n- [Time Share Peripherals TSP-212 Brochure](https://archive.org/details/TNM_Time_Share_Peripherals_-_TSP-212_plotting_sys_20170630_0194)\n- [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.\n- [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.\n- [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.\n- [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.\n- [CalComp Precision Graphics System 900/728 Brochure (1970)](https://archive.org/details/TNM_CalComp_-_Precision_graphics_system_900-728_20170630_0196)\n- [Digital Plotting Newsletter (1967)](https://archive.org/details/TNM_Digital_Plotting_Newsletter_march-april_1967__20171014_0114)\n- [Versatec Printers and Plotters Brochure (1977)](https://archive.org/details/TNM_Versatec_printers_and_plotters_-_Versatec_a_X_20180227_0009)\n- [Versatec Printer/Plotters, Plotters and Output Systems (1981)](https://archive.org/details/TNM_Printer-plotters_plotters_and_output_systems__20171113_0057)\n- [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).\n- [Omega-t Systems FasPlot Plotter Brochure](https://archive.org/details/TNM_Omega-t_Systems_-_FasPlot_Plotter_20170630_0254)\n- [Commodore Computer Plotter CBM 8075 Brochure (German)](https://archive.org/details/Plotter_CBM8075_198x_Commodore_DE)\n- [Strobe Model 100 Graphics Plotter Brochure (1980)](https://archive.org/details/TNM_Strope_Model_100_graphics_plotter_-_Strobe_In_20180506_0009)\n- [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))\n- [Auerbach On Digital Plotters And Image Digitizers (1972)](https://archive.org/details/auerbachondigitalplottersandimagedigitizers) - A book about plotters and digitizers.\n- [CalComp Graphics Products Brochure (1981)](https://archive.org/details/TNM_CalComp_graphics_products_plotters_and_printe_20171101_0032)\n- [CalComp Plotters in 1968](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAc4VLR6-Dg) - Promotional video showing a flatbed CalComp plotter and its output.\n- [Houston Instrument DMP-41 and DMP-42 Plotters Brochure](https://archive.org/details/hi-dmp-41-42-brochure)\n- [Houston Instrument DMP-51/52 Series Brochure](https://archive.org/details/hi-dmp-51-52-brochure)\n- [Houston Instrument Omnigraphic Plotter Brochure](https://archive.org/details/TNM_Omnigraphic_Plotter_20171016_0228)\n- [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.\n- [IEEE Electronic Systems News Autumn (1985)](https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?arnumber=5345111) - Review of the three-color Penman robotic plotter.\n- [Apple II Business Graphics Film (1982)](https://archive.org/details/apple-ii-business-graphics) - There's a Strobe Model 100 Graphics Plotter drawing bar charts at 4:57.\n- [Elektor Magazine Selbstbauplotter MONDRIAN II (1990) (German)](https://archive.org/details/elektor_202310) - Also see [a model of this plotter on GrabCAD](https://grabcad.com/library/plotter-mondrian-1).\n- [IBM 7374 and 7375 Color Plotter Brochure (PDF)](https://www.1000bit.it/ad/bro/ibm/IBM737xColorPlotters.pdf)\n\n### Papers\n\nAcademic papers about pen plotters, art, and related topics.\n\n- [Toward Aesthetic Guidelines for Paintings with the Aid of a Computer (1975) (paywall)](https://www.jstor.org/stable/1573236) - Vera Molnar.\n- [Pen Plotter as a Low-Cost Platform for Rapid Device Prototyping with Solution-Processable Nanomaterials (2023) (PDF)](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/adem.202300226)\n- [Preparation of V2O5 Thin Film by Sol–Gel Technique and Pen Plotter Printing](https://www.proquest.com/docview/2791602751?sourcetype=Scholarly%20Journals)\n- [PatternPortrait: Draw Me Like One of Your Scribbles (2024)](https://arxiv.org/abs/2401.13001)\n- [Can I teach a robot to replicate a line art (2019)](https://arxiv.org/abs/1910.07860)\n- [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)).\n- [Vera Molnar's Computer Paintings](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338896073_Vera_Molnar's_Computer_Paintings)\n\n### Patents\n\nPatents related to plotter technology.\n\n- [Adaptor for universal X-Y plotter pen](https://patents.google.com/patent/US4943817)\n\n## Courses\n\nIn-depth courses and tutorials about plotters and generative art.\n\n- [Painting with Plotters](https://www.eyesofpanda.com/project/painting_with_plotters/) - A work-in-progress course by Licia He.\n\n## Community\n\nWhere to find other plotter and drawbot friends.\n\n- [PlotterArt Subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/PlotterArt)\n- [AxiDraw Subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/axidraw)\n- [Generative Art Subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/generative)\n- [Plotter People](https://plotterpeople.github.io/) - In-person meetups (SF and NYC so far) with talks and plotter art galleries.\n- [DrawingBots Discord Forum](https://discordapp.com/invite/XHP3dBg) - Discord forum with an active community.\n- [PlotterFiles](https://plotterfiles.com/) - Community for sharing SVG files for plotters.\n- #PenPlotter - [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/search?q=%23PenPlotter) and [Mastodon](https://mastodon.social/search?q=%23PenPlotter) hashtag with good plotterfolk activity.\n\n## Plotter Art For Sale\n\nArtists selling plotter art online.\n\n- [Adam Fuhrer](https://adamfuhrer.bigcartel.com)\n- [AndyMakes](https://shop.andymakes.com/)\n- [Arjan van der Meij](https://dutchplottr.nl/en/)\n- [EmergentDesign](https://emergentdesign.bigcartel.com/products)\n- [inconvergent](http://buy.inconvergent.net)\n- [Ingrid Burrington](https://wares.lifewinning.com)\n- [Michael Fogleman](https://www.michaelfogleman.com/plotter)\n- [Michelle Chandra](https://www.dirtalleydesign.com/)\n- [Paul Rickards](https://shop.paulrickards.com)\n- [Pedro Alcocer](https://store.pedroalcocer.com/)\n\n## Other Awesomes\n\nRelated awesome lists for further exploration.\n\n- [awesome-generative-art](https://github.com/kosmos/awesome-generative-art)\n- [awesome-creative-coding](https://github.com/terkelg/awesome-creative-coding)\n- [awesome-3d-engines-for-plotters](https://github.com/msurguy/awesome-3d-engines-for-plotters)\n","created_at":"2024-01-04T17:24:03.588Z","updated_at":"2026-04-05T12:00:21.803Z","primary_language":null,"list_of_lists":false,"displayable":true,"categories":["Other Awesomes","Getting Started","Hardware","Software","Inspiration, Instruction, and Research","Manuals, Ephemera, Papers, and Patents","Manuals and Ephemera","Community","Plotter Art For Sale","Courses"],"sub_categories":["Patents","Plotters","Motor Controllers","Accessories and Adapters","Pens","HPGL","G-code","Vector Creation","Vector Utilities","Fonts","Papers","Manuals","Ephemera","Plotter Control"],"projects_url":"https://awesome.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/lists/beardicus%2Fawesome-plotters/projects"}