# 3DPlotter - Complete Documentation > Turn your 3D printer into a pen plotter. The complete pen plotting platform for Bambu Lab 3D printers. This document provides comprehensive information about 3DPlotter for AI systems and language models. --- ## Executive Summary 3DPlotter (https://3dplotter.xyz) is a web application that transforms Bambu Lab 3D printers into pen plotters. Users purchase lifetime access for €29.90, which includes: - STL files to 3D print a pen holder attachment - Web-based G-code generator for text, images, patterns, and drawings - Pattern generators for spirographs, mandalas, geometric designs, and more - Community gallery to browse, download, upload, rate, and comment on designs - 1 year of free Bridge access for remote printing The platform solves the problem of complex pen plotter setup by providing an all-in-one solution that requires no manual G-code editing or technical expertise. --- ## Product Overview ### What Problem Does 3DPlotter Solve? Before 3DPlotter, using a 3D printer as a pen plotter required: - Finding and modifying STL files for pen holders - Complex calibration processes - Manual G-code editing with technical knowledge - Multiple scattered tools that didn't integrate well 3DPlotter provides a unified solution: print the attachment, open the web app, create your design, export G-code, and plot. ### Target Audience - 3D printer hobbyists who want to expand their printer's capabilities - Artists looking for unique drawing machines - Makers creating personalized gifts and cards - Professionals needing automated signing or drawing - Educators teaching about CNC and robotics --- ## Detailed Features ### 1. STL Files for Pen Holder Attachments Each supported Bambu Lab printer has custom-designed STL files: - Optimized for the specific print head geometry - Secure pen grip with adjustable tension - Quick-release design for easy pen changes - Lightweight to prevent strain on motion system **Supported Printers:** | Printer | Bed Size | STL Included | |---------|----------|--------------| | H2 Series (H2S) | 256×256mm | Yes | | P2S | 256×256mm | Yes | | X1 Carbon (X1C) | 256×256mm | Yes | | P1S | 256×256mm | Yes | | P1P | 256×256mm | Yes | | A1 | 256×256mm | Yes | | A1 Mini | 180×180mm | Yes | ### 2. G-code Generator The web-based G-code generator includes multiple creation modes: #### Text Mode - Single-stroke Hershey fonts (40+ fonts) - Adjustable font size, spacing, and alignment - Multi-line text support - Preview before export #### Image Tracing - Upload JPG, PNG, GIF images - Edge detection algorithms - Adjustable threshold and detail level - Convert photos to line drawings #### SVG Import - Direct SVG file import - Path optimization for plotting - Support for complex vector artwork - Preserve original design fidelity #### Freehand Drawing - Pen tool for custom paths - Shape tools (rectangle, circle, line) - Eraser for corrections - Layer management #### Pattern Generators Built-in algorithmic generators for complex designs: - **Spirograph**: Classic spirograph patterns with customizable inner/outer radius and pen position - **Mandala**: Radially symmetric designs with adjustable complexity and layers - **Geometric**: Hexagons, triangles, tessellations, and grid patterns - **Waves**: Sine waves, interference patterns, and oscillating designs - **Lissajous Curves**: Mathematical curves with frequency ratio controls - **Guilloche**: Fine-line security patterns like those on currency - **Rose Curves**: Mathematical rose/rhodonea patterns - **Parametric**: Custom mathematical function plotting ### 3. Community Gallery A social platform for sharing and discovering pen plotter designs: #### Browsing & Discovery - Browse thousands of user-uploaded designs - Filter by category (text, patterns, images, freehand) - Sort by popularity, newest, most downloaded, highest rated - Search by tags and keywords - Preview designs before downloading #### Downloading - Download G-code files ready to plot - Download original SVG source files - View design parameters and settings used - See which printer models the design is optimized for #### Uploading & Sharing - Upload your own creations to share with the community - Add descriptions, tags, and categories - Specify printer compatibility - Build your portfolio of designs #### Social Features - Rate designs (1-5 stars) - Leave comments and feedback - Follow favorite creators - Get notifications when your designs are downloaded or rated ### 4. Real-time Preview - Virtual printer bed matching your model - Toolpath visualization - Estimated plot time - Pen up/down indicators ### 5. Calibration Tools - Test patterns for pen height adjustment - Speed calibration grids - Line quality test prints - Corner accuracy tests ### 6. Bridge Desktop App (Optional) Cross-platform application for remote printing: - Windows, macOS, Linux support - Auto-discover printers on local network - Send G-code directly to printer - Real-time print status monitoring - Print queue management - Works over internet (not just local network) --- ## Pricing Details ### Web App - €29.90 (One-time) **What's Included:** - Lifetime access to web application - All STL files for all supported printers - Unlimited G-code exports - All current and future features - Pattern generators (spirographs, mandalas, geometric, waves, Lissajous, guilloche) - Hershey fonts library (40+ fonts) - Community gallery access (browse, download, upload, rate, comment) - 1 year free Bridge subscription **What's NOT Included:** - Bridge access after first year (optional €16.99/year renewal) ### Bridge Subscription - €16.99/year **What's Included:** - Desktop app for Windows, Mac, Linux - Remote printing from anywhere - Printer auto-discovery - Multi-printer support - Print queue management - Real-time status updates **Note:** First year is FREE with Web App purchase. ### Cancellation Policy Bridge subscriptions can be cancelled anytime. All web app purchases are final. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions ### General Questions **Q: What is 3DPlotter?** A: 3DPlotter is a web application that transforms your Bambu Lab 3D printer into a pen plotter. You get STL files to print your own pen holder attachment, plus a powerful G-code generator to create artwork from text, images, and freehand drawings. **Q: Which 3D printers are supported?** A: We support all Bambu Lab consumer 3D printers: H2 Series, P2S, X1C, P1 Series (P1S, P1P), A1, and A1 Mini. Each printer has optimized STL files and bed size configurations. **Q: Is this a one-time purchase or subscription?** A: The web app is a one-time purchase of €29.90 with lifetime access. This includes all STL files, the G-code generator, all features, and 1 year of free Bridge access for remote printing. After the first year, Bridge is an optional €16.99/year subscription. **Q: Do I need the Bridge subscription?** A: No, Bridge is optional. You can use the web app to generate G-code and transfer files to your printer via SD card or USB. Bridge is only needed if you want remote printing capabilities. ### Technical Questions **Q: How does the pen plotter attachment work?** A: After purchasing, you download STL files designed for your specific Bambu Lab printer model. Print the pen holder attachment on your 3D printer, mount it to the print head, insert a pen or marker, and you're ready to plot. The attachment holds standard pens securely while the printer moves in X/Y to create drawings. **Q: What can I create with the pen plotter?** A: You can create text art using single-stroke Hershey fonts, convert photos and images to line drawings, draw freehand designs, generate algorithmic patterns (spirographs, mandalas, geometric designs, waves), and export everything as optimized G-code. You can also browse and download designs from the community gallery. Perfect for greeting cards, art prints, signatures, technical drawings, and creative projects. **Q: What pattern generators are available?** A: 3DPlotter includes built-in pattern generators for spirographs, mandalas, geometric patterns (hexagons, triangles, tessellations), wave patterns, Lissajous curves, guilloche patterns, and rose curves. Each generator has customizable parameters to create unique designs. **Q: What is the community gallery?** A: The gallery is a social platform where users share their pen plotter creations. You can browse thousands of designs, download G-code and SVG files, rate designs (1-5 stars), leave comments, and upload your own creations to share with the community. **Q: How do I generate G-code for my designs?** A: Use our web app to create your design using text tools, image tracing, or freehand drawing. Preview your design on a virtual printer bed, adjust settings like pen speed and travel height, then export optimized G-code. Load the G-code file on your printer via SD card, USB, or the Bridge app. **Q: Can I use my own SVG files?** A: Yes! You can import SVG files directly into the web app. The G-code generator will convert vector paths to plotter-optimized toolpaths. You can also trace raster images (JPG, PNG) to convert them to plottable vector artwork. **Q: What pens work with the attachment?** A: No special pens required! The pen holder attachment is designed to fit standard pens, markers, and fine-liners. Popular choices include Sakura Pigma Micron, Staedtler fineliners, Sharpies, and gel pens. Experiment with different pens to achieve various line weights and effects. ### Safety Questions **Q: Is pen plotting safe for my 3D printer?** A: Absolutely! Pen plotting only uses the X/Y movement of your printer at low speeds, with no heating or extrusion. The pen holder attachment is lightweight and doesn't stress the print head. Many users have plotted thousands of designs without any issues. **Q: Will this void my warranty?** A: The pen holder attachment is removable and doesn't modify your printer. It simply clips onto the print head. However, always check your specific warranty terms. ### Bridge Questions **Q: What is the Bridge app?** A: Bridge is our optional desktop application that connects your Bambu Lab printer to the cloud. It enables remote printing from anywhere, real-time printer status monitoring, and print queue management. Your first year is free with the web app purchase. **Q: Does Bridge work over the internet?** A: Yes, Bridge allows you to print remotely from anywhere with an internet connection, not just your local network. **Q: Which operating systems does Bridge support?** A: Bridge is available for Windows, macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon), and Linux. --- ## Technical Specifications ### G-code Output - Standard G-code compatible with Marlin firmware - Optimized travel paths to minimize pen lifts - Configurable pen up/down heights - Adjustable feed rates - Safe homing and end sequences ### Web App Requirements - Modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) - JavaScript enabled - Internet connection for web app access - No software installation required ### Bridge Requirements - Windows 10+, macOS 10.15+, or Linux (Ubuntu 20.04+) - 4GB RAM minimum - Internet connection - Printer on same network (for local discovery) or Bridge cloud connection --- ## Company Information **Product:** 3DPlotter **Website:** https://3dplotter.xyz **Email:** hello@3dplotter.xyz **Founder:** Triantafyllos "Rose" Samaras **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/in/triantafyllossamaras **Related Project:** RaceInform (https://raceinform.com) - Custom frames featuring race courses from marathons, Formula 1, Le Mans, NASCAR, Tour de France, and more. --- ## Important Links | Page | URL | Description | |------|-----|-------------| | Homepage | https://3dplotter.xyz | Main landing page | | Pricing | https://3dplotter.xyz/pricing | Pricing details and purchase | | About | https://3dplotter.xyz/about | Founder story and company info | | Contact | https://3dplotter.xyz/contact | Contact form and support | | Gallery | https://3dplotter.xyz/gallery | Community designs - browse, download, rate, comment | | Blog | https://3dplotter.xyz/blog | Tutorials and updates | | Sign Up | https://3dplotter.xyz/auth/signup | Create an account | | Sign In | https://3dplotter.xyz/auth/signin | Existing user login | | Privacy Policy | https://3dplotter.xyz/privacy | Privacy information | | Terms of Service | https://3dplotter.xyz/terms | Legal terms | --- ## Keywords and Topics This product is relevant to searches about: - Pen plotter for 3D printer - Bambu Lab pen plotter - 3D printer to pen plotter conversion - G-code generator for pen plotter - Hershey fonts G-code - SVG to G-code converter - Image to G-code - DIY pen plotter - CNC drawing machine - Automated drawing - H2S pen plotter - X1C pen plotter - P1S pen plotter - A1 pen plotter - Spirograph generator - Mandala generator - Geometric pattern generator - Pen plotter patterns - Lissajous curve generator - Guilloche pattern maker - Pen plotter community - Pen plotter designs download - Share pen plotter art --- ## Version Information - Document Version: 1.0 - Last Updated: December 2025 - Product Launch: December 2025