V3 Feature Series (10 of 69)
Modifier · Lines

Overlay for Pen Plotters

Overlay in 3DPlotter V3 (Add Modifier → Lines): Let the layer’s image decide which strokes survive. Real defaults from engine source. Try in Studio.

Overlay demo

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Overlay is an Add Modifier tool in Lines inside 3DPlotter V3 Studio. Let the layer’s image decide which strokes survive.

How to use Overlay

  1. Select the layer whose linework you want to transform
  2. Open Studio → Add Modifier → Lines → Overlay
  3. A modifier node is appended to the layer stack (non-destructive)
  4. Reorder modifiers in the stack; later modifiers see earlier output
  5. Tune parameters in the modifier card; preview updates on the canvas

Menu path: Add Modifier → Lines → Overlay

Key controls

  • Acts On — own · This Layer, This Layer and Below
  • Keep — keepDark · Where the image is dark, Where the image is light, Only at edges
  • Threshold — 0.5 (0–1 step 0.01)
  • Tonal Blend — 0 (0–1 step 0.02)
  • Drop Shorter Than — 0.4mm (0–20mm step 0.1)

Tune acts on, keep, threshold, tonal blend, and drop shorter than in the inspector — open Studio to see all options.

Modifier stack: May add, drop, or reorder paths — selection maps reset for this layer

Acts On: Choose *This Layer* or *This Layer and Below* in the inspector.

What you can plot with Overlay

  • Pen-plotter art on A4/A3 beds (Bambu Lab, Prusa, Creality, and other pen-holder setups)
  • Layered linework exported as G-code with pen-up travel
  • Combined with other V3 objects and modifiers in the same document

Frequently asked questions

Where is Overlay in the menu?

Add Modifier → Lines → Overlay

What can I adjust?

Start with the key controls above, then fine-tune everything else in the inspector inside Studio.

Is this non-destructive?

Yes. Modifiers run on the layer stack without destroying source elements. Reorder or remove the modifier node to revert.

Does Overlay work with multi-pen plotting?

Yes. Use Pen Palette on a layer to split linework by color, or set per-path ink on modifiers like Offset.

Try Overlay

Open 3DPlotter Studio, follow the steps above, and export a test plot. Lifetime V3 access is €29.90.

More tools: Feature hub · V3 launch

Topics

Overlay pen plotterOverlay 3DPlotter3DPlotter OverlayLines pen plottingpen plotter softwareBambu Lab pen plotter3D printer pen plottingplotter G-code generator

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Overlay for Pen Plotters | 3DPlotter V3 Modifier