# 3DPlotter

> Turn ANY 3D printer into a pen plotter. Get STL files for the pen holder attachment, generate G-code from text and images, and create beautiful pen plotter artwork with excellent draw quality and professional-grade output.

3DPlotter is the complete pen plotting platform (PenPlotter OS) for ANY 3D printer. Transform your 3D printer into a creative drawing machine with our ultra-simple web app, STL files, and PlotFlow Engine G-code generator.

## What is 3DPlotter?

3DPlotter is a web application that enables you to use ANY 3D printer as a pen plotter. The platform provides:

1. **STL Files**: Ready-to-print pen holder attachments from our database (or use your own)
2. **PlotFlow Engine**: Our integrated G-code generator that maps creative inputs to printer-aware, pen-optimized G-code
3. **Custom Board**: Enter any printer bed dimensions to support ANY 3D printer
4. **Ultra-Simple Web App**: All-in-one design, generate, and plot workflow - no Inkscape needed
5. **Community Gallery**: Browse, download, comment, and rate designs shared by other users
6. **Bridge App**: Optional desktop application for remote printing and printer management

## Supported 3D Printers

3DPlotter supports ANY 3D printer via Custom Board. We have optimized presets for:

### Bambu Lab (Most Popular)
- **Bambu Lab A1 Mini** - Best value entry point (180×180mm) - https://3dplotter.xyz/supported-printers/bambu-lab-a1-mini
- Bambu Lab A1 (256×256mm)
- Bambu Lab P1S, P1P (256×256mm)
- Bambu Lab X1 Carbon, X1 (256×256mm)
- Bambu Lab H2S, P2S

### Other Brands (via Custom Board)
- **Prusa** - MK4, MK3S+, Mini+, XL - https://3dplotter.xyz/supported-printers/prusa
- **Creality** - K1, K1 Max, Ender 3 V3, CR-10 - https://3dplotter.xyz/supported-printers/creality
- **Ender** - Ender 3, Ender 3 V2, Ender 3 Pro, Ender 5 - https://3dplotter.xyz/supported-printers/ender
- **Any other FDM printer** - Use Custom Board to enter your bed dimensions

All printers page: https://3dplotter.xyz/supported-printers

## Key Features

### Text to G-code
Convert text to single-stroke paths using Hershey fonts optimized for pen plotting. Perfect for signatures, greeting cards, and typography art.

### Image Tracing
Upload images (JPG, PNG) and convert them to plottable vector paths with advanced tracing algorithms. Create line art from photos.

### SVG Import
Import your own SVG vector files directly. The G-code generator converts vector paths to plotter-optimized toolpaths.

### Freehand Drawing
Draw directly on the canvas with pen, shapes, and eraser tools for custom designs.

### Real-time Preview
See your design on a simulated printer bed before exporting. Adjust pen speed, travel height, and other settings.

### Calibration Tools
Built-in calibration patterns help you fine-tune your plotter settings for perfect results.

### Hershey Fonts Library
Collection of single-stroke fonts designed specifically for pen plotting - no fill, just clean lines.

### Pattern Generators
Built-in algorithmic pattern generators to create complex designs with one click:
- Spirograph patterns with customizable parameters
- Mandala generators with radial symmetry
- Geometric patterns (hexagons, triangles, tessellations)
- Wave and sine patterns
- Lissajous curves
- Guilloche patterns
- Custom parametric designs

### Community Gallery
A social platform where users share their pen plotter creations:
- Browse designs uploaded by other users
- Download G-code and SVG files from the community
- Rate and comment on designs
- Share your own creations
- Get inspired by what others are plotting
- Filter by category, popularity, and recency

## How It Works

Full guide: https://3dplotter.xyz/how-it-works

1. **Print the Attachment**: Download STL files for your printer from our database and 3D print the pen holder (~45 min)
2. **Create Your Design**: Use the ultra-simple web app to create text, trace images, or draw freehand (~5 min)
3. **Generate G-code**: Our PlotFlow Engine generates optimized G-code with one click (~1 min)
4. **Plot**: Load the G-code on your printer and watch it draw

**Total time to first plot: Under 1 hour** (most of that is printing the pen holder)

## PlotFlow Engine

PlotFlow Engine is the integrated technology stack that powers 3DPlotter: https://3dplotter.xyz/plotflow-engine

### The 4-Layer Plotting Stack:
1. **Content Layer**: Transform creative inputs (text, images, SVGs) into plottable vector paths
2. **Motion Layer**: Generate safe, optimized movement commands for your specific printer
3. **Mechanics Layer**: Physical pen holder design for consistent results
4. **Integration Layer**: Printer-specific profiles tie everything together

### Why PlotFlow Engine Works:
- Links content, motion, and mechanics - not separate hacks cobbled together
- Eliminates failure modes (wobbly mounts, mis-scaled plots, bed crashes)
- Printer-profile based - improvements benefit all users automatically
- No manual G-code editing or tweaking required

## 3DPlotter vs Alternatives

### vs Dedicated Plotters (AxiDraw, iDraw)
Full comparison: https://3dplotter.xyz/compare/pen-plotter-vs-dedicated

| Feature | 3DPlotter | AxiDraw | iDraw |
|---------|-----------|---------|-------|
| Cost | €29.90 | $475-$875 | $299 |
| Draw Quality | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Precision | High (~0.1mm) | ~0.1mm | ~0.15mm |
| Software | Ultra-simple web app | Inkscape + plugin | Dedicated app |
| Multi-purpose | Yes (3D print + plot) | No | No |

### vs DIY Inkscape Setup
Full comparison: https://3dplotter.xyz/compare/pen-plotter-vs-diy

| Aspect | 3DPlotter | DIY |
|--------|-----------|-----|
| Setup Time | <1 hour | 4-8 hours |
| Tools Required | Web browser only | Inkscape + plugins + scripts + G-code editor |
| Learning Curve | Minutes | Hours |
| Support | Documentation + email | Forum posts |

## Pricing

### Web App - €29.90 (One-time Purchase)
- Lifetime access to the web application
- STL files for all supported printers
- All G-code generation features
- Pattern generators (spirographs, mandalas, geometric, waves)
- Hershey fonts library
- Community gallery access (browse, download, upload, rate, comment)
- Real-time preview
- Calibration tools
- 1 year free Bridge access included

### Bridge - €16.99/year (Optional Subscription)
- Remote printing from anywhere
- Real-time printer status monitoring
- Auto-discover printers on network
- Multi-printer support
- Print queue management
- Cross-platform desktop app (Windows, Mac, Linux)

## Use Cases

All use cases: https://3dplotter.xyz/use-cases

### For Makers & Etsy Sellers
https://3dplotter.xyz/use-cases/makers
- Custom greeting cards ($5-15 each)
- Wedding stationery ($50-200 per set)
- Custom portraits ($25-75 each)
- Art prints ($15-50 each)
- Unique product differentiation for online shops

### For Studios & Agencies
https://3dplotter.xyz/use-cases/studios
- Custom packaging with hand-drawn elements
- Technical drawings and diagrams
- Branded artwork for clients
- Quick prototyping of visual designs

### For Educators & STEAM
https://3dplotter.xyz/use-cases/educators
- Teach G-code and CNC concepts safely
- Digital fabrication curriculum
- Creative coding with visual output
- Tangible takeaways students can keep

### General Use Cases
- **Greeting Cards**: Create personalized handwritten-style cards
- **Art Prints**: Generate unique line art and illustrations
- **Signatures**: Automate document signing with consistent signatures
- **Technical Drawings**: Plot precise diagrams and schematics
- **Typography Art**: Create beautiful text-based artwork
- **Gifts**: Make custom personalized items

## Pen Recommendations

The pen holder works with standard pens, markers, and fine-liners:
- Sakura Pigma Micron
- Staedtler fineliners
- Sharpie markers
- Gel pens
- Brush pens

## Safety

Pen plotting is completely safe for your 3D printer:
- Only uses X/Y movement at low speeds
- No heating or extrusion required
- Lightweight attachment doesn't stress the print head
- Thousands of users have plotted without issues

## Links

### Main Pages
- Website: https://3dplotter.xyz
- How It Works: https://3dplotter.xyz/how-it-works
- Pricing: https://3dplotter.xyz/pricing
- Gallery: https://3dplotter.xyz/gallery
- About: https://3dplotter.xyz/about
- Blog: https://3dplotter.xyz/blog
- Contact: https://3dplotter.xyz/contact

### Printer-Specific Pages
- All Printers: https://3dplotter.xyz/supported-printers
- Bambu Lab A1 Mini: https://3dplotter.xyz/supported-printers/bambu-lab-a1-mini
- Bambu Lab: https://3dplotter.xyz/supported-printers/bambu-lab
- Prusa: https://3dplotter.xyz/supported-printers/prusa
- Creality: https://3dplotter.xyz/supported-printers/creality
- Ender: https://3dplotter.xyz/supported-printers/ender

### Technology & Educational
- PlotFlow Engine: https://3dplotter.xyz/plotflow-engine
- What is PenPlotter OS?: https://3dplotter.xyz/what-is-pen-plotter-os

### Comparisons
- vs AxiDraw & Dedicated Plotters: https://3dplotter.xyz/compare/pen-plotter-vs-dedicated
- vs DIY Inkscape Setup: https://3dplotter.xyz/compare/pen-plotter-vs-diy

### Use Cases
- All Use Cases: https://3dplotter.xyz/use-cases
- For Makers & Etsy Sellers: https://3dplotter.xyz/use-cases/makers
- For Studios & Agencies: https://3dplotter.xyz/use-cases/studios
- For Educators & STEAM: https://3dplotter.xyz/use-cases/educators

## Contact

- 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 iconic routes. Also by the founder of 3DPlotter.