XDRAW Pen Plotter FAQ

1. What software can I use with an XDRAW pen plotter?

XDRAW pen plotters support two main software options:

  • XDRAW Extension for Inkscape – Control your plotter directly from within Inkscape.

  • XDRAW Software – Dedicated software for setting up and running plotting tasks.

The best option depends on your computer, operating system, and the type of project you want to create.

2. What should I do if the XDRAW extension does not work with the latest version of Inkscape?

If the XDRAW extension is not compatible with the latest Inkscape release, install and use an older supported version of Inkscape.

You can also contact XDRAW Support to request the latest available extension. We work to update the extension as soon as possible after major Inkscape updates.

3. How do I use the XDRAW offline plotting function?

The offline function lets you record a plotting task and replay it later without connecting the plotter to a computer.

Step 1: Prepare the plotting task

Connect the plotter to your computer and load or generate the G-code using your plotting software. Configure the required settings, including speed, scale, pen position, and pen offsets.

Step 2: Enter Record mode

Before starting the plot:

  1. Press and hold the RECORD button on the control panel.

  2. Wait until you hear three beeps.

  3. Confirm that the blue RECORD indicator is illuminated.

The illuminated blue light confirms that the plotter has entered Record mode.

Important: Enter Record mode before the machine begins moving. Starting Record mode will erase any task previously stored in the plotter’s memory.

Step 3: Run and record the task

Start the plot from your software. The plotter will perform the job while simultaneously saving the G-code to its internal flash memory.

Step 4: Wait for recording to finish

After the plot is complete and the computer has stopped sending commands, allow the plotter to finish saving the task.

The blue RECORD indicator should turn off after approximately five seconds. This confirms that recording is complete and the plotter has exited Record mode.

Step 5: Replay the task offline

  1. Prepare the paper, pen, and starting position.

  2. Turn on the plotter.

  3. Press the RUN button on the control panel.

  4. Confirm that the green RUN indicator is illuminated.

The plotter will execute the stored task without a computer connection. The green indicator will turn off when plotting is complete.

4. When should I use Hershey Advanced?

Hershey Advanced converts text into single-stroke font paths. It prepares the text in your document but does not control or send the completed design directly to the XDRAW plotter.

Use Hershey Advanced when you want to prepare your text as a separate step before plotting. This is especially useful when you want to create several identical copies of the same document.

After preparing the document with Hershey Advanced, use XDRAW Control to send it to the plotter as many times as required.

5. When should I use Merge?

Merge combines the functions of Hershey Advanced and XDRAW Control. It converts text into single-stroke paths and sends the completed document to the plotter in one workflow.

Use Merge when:

  • You do not want to convert the text separately before plotting.

  • Each plotted copy should be generated individually.

  • You are using handwriting-style variations and want each copy to look slightly different.

  • You are working with spreadsheet data.

  • You want to use mail merge to insert different names, addresses, or other information before plotting each document.

For repeated identical documents, Hershey Advanced followed by XDRAW Control may be more suitable. For personalized or variable documents, Merge is usually the better choice.

6. How can I create single-stroke English handwriting?

There are two main methods.

Method 1: Use a Hershey single-stroke font

Use Hershey Advanced to convert text into single-stroke paths. For detailed instructions, refer to the PDF guide named HersheyText_v30r5-iDrawHome.

If you would like a custom single-stroke font created from your own handwriting, you can consider a third-party service such as Quantum Enterprises.

Method 2: Write with a stylus

You can create your own handwritten SVG file using a stylus:

  1. Open a browser-based SVG drawing application.

  2. Write or draw using your stylus.

  3. Save the completed work as an SVG file.

  4. Open the SVG file in Inkscape.

  5. Use the XDRAW extension to plot it with your XDRAW pen plotter.

Browser-based SVG editors include:

You can also watch this short video guide.