A curated list of code and resources for computer-controlled drawing machines and other visual art robots.
A curated list of code and resources for computer-controlled drawing machines and other visual art robots.
DB9 to DB25 Serial Null Modem Cable
or similar to find them for sale.HPGL is a serial/text-based protocol used by most old pen plotters, and even many new vinyl cutters.
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.
Software for controlling plotter hardware.
Tools to create vector artwork from scratch or by conversion from other formats.
Tools to manipulate and optimize vector-based file formats.
Single-line vector fonts or "engraving fonts".
.fnt
format of vector fonts from the 60s. Includes a good overview of the original data format of the fonts.Blog posts, articles, tutorials, galleries, videos, et cetera.
Scanned plotter manuals and marketing ephemera, mostly from the Internet Archive
Where to find other plotter and drawbot friends.