Bambu Lab A2L Pen Plotter Setup Guide
Everything you need to go from unboxing to your first large-format plot. Massive 330×292mm plotting area with lightning-fast speeds.
Large Format Plotting
The A2L offers a 330×292mm plot area on its large bed-slinger frame — perfect for A3 posters, detailed maps, and impressive artwork. Uses the same H2S / A2L tool head cover with integrated pen holder.
Before You Start
Printed Tool Head Cover
Print the A2L tool head cover STL on your printer (included with purchase)
USB Stick or Network
For transferring G-code files to your A2L
Pen or Marker
Any pen with 8-12mm diameter (Stabilo, Sakura Pigma, Staedtler, Sharpie, etc.)
Large Format Paper
Secured to the bed with tape or clips (330×292mm max plotting area)
Login & Create Your Design
Start by logging into your 3DPlotter account. Once in the app, you can create designs using:
- 3D Shape Studio - Layered 3D linework from cubes, spheres, and more (see below)
- Text tool - Type with 50+ single-stroke Hershey fonts
- Image upload - Convert photos to plottable vector paths
- Drawing tools - Freehand drawing and shapes
Create a 3D design with Shape Studio:
The demo video at the end of this guide plots a layered 3D shape built in 3D Shape Studio. Add a live 3D element, tune it in the right sidebar, and export plot-ready G-code when it looks right.
- 1Open Add Object → 3D → 3D Shape Studio
- 2Pick a primitive (cube, ellipsoid, cone, etc.) and a style such as Topographic Planes, Triangle Mesh, or Spiral Wrap
- 3Adjust hidden lines, line style, and see-through in the element card — the canvas updates live
- 4Stack multiple Shape Studio objects on the same layer if you want a base plus a ring or other accent, as in the video
Select Your Printer:
Choose A2L from the printer dropdown. This automatically sets the correct bed size (330×320mm) and attachment offsets for the massive plotting area.
Download the Tool Head Cover STL:
Click Resources in the top toolbar, then open 3D Pen Models. The A2L uses the H2S / A2L tool head cover with integrated pen holder.
Configure Plotter Settings
Configure the Z-height settings for the A2L. These values control how high the pen lifts and how low it draws.
Recommended Settings for H2S / A2L Tool Head Cover
Z-Draw (pen down)
12 mm
Z-Lift (pen up)
20 mm
These values work for most pens with the A2L tool head cover. The A2L can handle fast travel speeds (300mm/s default) between paths.
Configuration steps:
- 1Open the Settings panel in the app
- 2Select "Bambu Lab A2L" from the printer dropdown
- 3Set Z-Draw to 12 and Z-Lift to 20
Pen Height & Speed Calibration
Calibration finds your optimal Z-Draw (pen-down height) and Draw Speed by printing labeled test lines at different combinations. Pick the row that looks darkest, smoothest, and most consistent — then enter those values in Plotter Settings.
Test lines run from Z High down to Z Low (high to low, default 16→4 mm) so the printer starts with lighter contact and gradually presses harder. Adjust Z High / Z Low in this panel if your pen sits lower in the holder.
When a row looks ideal, stop the print on your printer immediately. The file keeps going to lower Z values — continuing past your best line can press too hard and damage your pen tip or pen holder.
Dry run required first
You must run the calibration G-code without the pen holder attached first. Watch the homing and travel paths to confirm nothing collides with the bed or frame.
- Attaching the pen holder too early can drag the pen across the bed during homing.
- A crooked or loose mount can crash the nozzle into the bed or tear your paper.
- Always dry-run first, then attach the pen only when the file is ready to draw.
How to calibrate in the app
- 1Download the calibration G-code (Full or Compact test).
- 2Dry run: start the file on your printer WITHOUT the pen holder. Verify homing and movement look safe.
- 3Secure paper to the bed and attach the pen holder correctly (pen vertical, mount tight).
- 4Run the calibration again with the pen. The file draws labeled rows from your Z High down to Z Low at three speeds each (default Z16→Z4).
- 5As soon as a row looks ideal, stop the print — do not let it continue to lower Z values (risk of pen or holder damage).
- 6Note the Z-Draw and Draw Speed on that row (e.g. Z12 D45) and enter them in Plotter Settings.
- 7Optionally run a Fractal test to confirm on curves.
Open the Calibration panel at the bottom of the plotter sidebar and download a Full or Compact test. A confirmation dialog explains the full procedure before the G-code downloads. Open the plotter app.
Generate & Download G-code
Once your design is ready and settings are configured, generate the G-code file that your A2L will execute.
- 1Click Export at the bottom of the settings panel
- 2Review path cleanup, travel optimization, and plotter settings in the export dialog
- 3Confirm Start pause is enabled (default on A2L). Choose a 10-second timed wait or Wait for Resume if you need more time to attach the cover
- 4Finish pause is off by default on A2L — turn it on only if you want a pause at the end to remove the cover before the printer homes
- 5Click Download to save the
.gcodefile
Start pause: After homing, the A2L moves to the back center of the bed and waits so you can swap in the tool head cover with your pen. Finish pause is optional — leave it unchecked unless you need time to remove the cover when the plot completes.
Transfer to Your A2L
Copy the G-code file to your A2L using an USB Stick or via your network.
- 1Copy the downloaded
.gcodefile to your USB Stick or send via LAN - 2Insert the USB Stick into your Bambu Lab A2L (or access via Bambu Studio)
- 3Secure your large paper to the print bed using tape or clips (max 330×292mm)
Important: When selecting the file on the printer screen, choose the file WITHOUT the underscore (_) prefix. Files starting with _ are thumbnails/metadata and will not print.
Dry Run Test (Required)
Why a Dry Run Is Required
- You must verify homing and travel paths before attaching the tool head cover or using ink
- Never skip this step — wrong attachment timing can damage your A2L or tear paper
- Ensure the large design fits within your paper boundaries
Dry Run Steps:
- 1
Start WITHOUT the tool head cover attached
Navigate to your G-code file on the A2L and start the print job. Keep the original tool head cover on.
- 2
Watch homing and the 10-second pause
After homing, the toolhead moves to the back center and waits 10 seconds. Do not attach the cover during a dry run — let the timer finish so you can observe travel moves only.
- 3
Verify the paths look correct
You must run a dry run without the tool head cover. Watch the movements only — if everything looks safe, you are ready for the real plot.
Attach Tool Head Cover & Plot
Now that you've completed the required dry run, it's time to create your actual large-format plot.
- 1
Start the G-code with the standard cover on
Run the print job with the factory tool head cover still installed. Have the pen holder cover and pen ready nearby.
- 2
Swap in the pen holder during the 10-second pause
After homing, the toolhead moves to the back center and waits 10 seconds. Remove the standard cover, clip on the pen holder cover, insert your pen, and the plot starts automatically.
- 3
Watch your 3D Shape Studio design plot!
Your A2L will draw the layered linework from Step 1 at impressive speeds.
A2L with H2S / A2L Tool Head Cover
The tool head cover replaces the standard cover and includes an integrated pen holder.
Side View
The pen holder integrated into the tool head cover design.
Correct Pen Position in the Holder
Important: The reference photo below uses a Stabilo Fineliner Point 88 (0.4 mm). For Stabilo pens, insert from the bottom so the cap touches the bottom of the pen holder — that is the ideal height. Align the tip with the offset point shown.
Stabilo Point 88 in the H2S / A2L tool head cover holder — align the tip with the offset point for accurate plotting
See the A2L in Action
Watch a 3D Shape Studio design plot on a Bambu Lab A2L — layered topographic linework on paper.
3D Shape Studio layered design plotted on the A2L with the H2S / A2L tool head cover
Troubleshooting Tips
Paths are offset from expected position
Check that you selected "Bambu Lab A2L" in the printer dropdown. The attachment offset (28mm) is automatically calculated.
Pen doesn't touch the paper
Decrease the Z-Draw value (e.g., from 12 to 10). Each pen has slightly different dimensions.
Pen drags too hard on paper
Increase the Z-Draw value (e.g., from 12 to 14). The spring in the pen holder provides some flexibility.
Lines are broken or inconsistent
Ensure your pen has enough ink. Try a slower draw speed in the settings.
Travel moves seem too fast
The A2L can handle up to 500mm/s travel, but you can reduce move speed in the settings if needed.
Ready to Start Large-Format Plotting?
You now have everything you need to create impressive large-format pen plots on your Bambu Lab A2L.