I use Line Edit when I want straight linework to look hand-drawn. This is feature 2 of 69: I drew vertical lines for a sea, ran Roughen, dropped a paper boat on a layer above, and exported G-code without opening Inkscape.
What you'll see in the video
- Add Modifier → Lines → Line Edit and try Simplify, Roughen, Sawtooth, Squiggle, and Loops
- See the same modifier on a simple line, pattern output, and shape objects
- Draw parallel lines for a sea scene (filmed on Agios Efstratios in the Aegean)
- Apply Roughen so straight strokes turn into wave texture
- Sketch a paper boat on a separate layer and place it above the sea
- Copy, paste, and stack layers, then export and plot the finished artwork
How to use Line Edit
- Select the layer whose linework you want to transform
- Open Studio → Add Modifier → Lines → Line Edit
- A modifier node is appended to the layer stack (non-destructive)
- Reorder modifiers in the stack; later modifiers see earlier output
- Tune parameters in the modifier card in the right sidebar; preview updates on the canvas
Menu path: Add Modifier → Lines → Line Edit
Line Edit operations
- Six operations: Smooth, Simplify, Roughen, Sawtooth, Squiggle, and Loops
- Roughen: organic noise and wobble on any stroke; I use this for water, terrain, and sketchy textures
- Amount: how far strokes deviate (0-10 mm)
- Wave Length: scale of roughen detail (1-60 mm)
- Seed: randomise the roughen pattern for a different result each time
- Smooth: soften jagged or noisy linework
- Simplify: reduce point count while keeping the stroke shape
- Sawtooth, Squiggle, Loops: decorative periodic distortions along the stroke path
- Non-destructive stack: modifiers run on the layer without destroying source elements; remove or reorder to revert
- Acts On: This Layer only, or This Layer and Below
- Path-count preserving: canvas selection stays valid after the modifier runs
- Works on shapes, freehand strokes, imports, and generator output
- G-code export: PlotFlow outputs pen-optimised paths for your printer
Why I built Line Edit
In Inkscape or Illustrator I used to duplicate paths, apply jitter filters, break apart nodes, and hope the result still exported cleanly. Line Edit does it live as a reversible modifier. I roughen a sea from straight lines in seconds, tweak Wave Length until it looks right, and export G-code without leaving Studio.
Key controls
- Acts On: own, options: This Layer, This Layer and Below
- Operation: smooth, options: Smooth, Simplify, Roughen...
- Amount: 2mm (0-10mm step 0.1)
- Wave Length: 6mm (1-60mm step 1)
- Smoothness: 8 (2-40 step 1)
Tune acts on, operation, amount, wave length, and smoothness in the right sidebar. Open Studio to see every control.
Modifier stack: Preserves path count; canvas selection maps stay valid
Acts On: Choose *This Layer* or *This Layer and Below* in the right sidebar.
What I plot with Line Edit
- Seascapes, terrain, and sketchy textures from one modifier stack
- Layered linework exported as G-code with pen-up travel
- Combined with other V3 objects and modifiers in the same document
- Works on Bambu Lab, Prusa, Creality, and other pen-holder setups
Frequently asked questions
How do I roughen lines in 3DPlotter?
Select your linework layer, then Add Modifier → Lines → Line Edit. Set Operation to Roughen and tune Amount, Wave Length, and Seed in the right sidebar.
How do I make a hand-drawn sea effect with a pen plotter?
Draw parallel vertical lines on a layer, apply Line Edit with Roughen, then add a boat or other shapes on a layer above. Export G-code and plot with your pen holder.
What does the Line Edit modifier do?
Line Edit smooths, simplifies, or roughens existing strokes. Six operations: Smooth, Simplify, Roughen, Sawtooth, Squiggle, and Loops.
What's the difference between Smooth, Simplify, and Roughen?
Smooth softens jagged linework. Simplify reduces point count while keeping shape. Roughen adds organic wobble, ideal for water, terrain, and sketchy textures.
How do modifiers work in 3DPlotter V3?
Modifiers are non-destructive nodes on the layer stack. They run in order; later modifiers see earlier output. Reorder or remove a modifier to revert.
Does Line Edit 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 Line Edit
Open 3DPlotter Studio, follow the steps above, and export a test plot. Lifetime V3 access is €29.90. Creator Bundle (€39.90) adds Map to Pen Plot, String Art, Wax Seal, and 3D Model to SVG.
More tools: Feature hub · V3 launch
