CNC Pen Plotter Guide: Software Setup and Operation

Welcome to the complete guide on operating your 2D CNC Pen Plotter! If you have already assembled your machine, you are in the right place. (If you haven’t assembled yours yet, be sure to check out Part 1 of our video series on the YouTube channel for the full assembly guide).

In this tutorial, we are diving deep into the software installation, machine connection, and operational workflows you need to start creating incredible drawings and engravings.

(Note: If you don’t have a machine yet, you can order a CNC machine online in India via shopmakerkq.com, with delivery typically taking 5-6 days).

📥 Required Software & Libraries for the CNC Pen Plotter

Get everything you need for the project in a single, high-speed download click.

To save you from compatibility issues, I have bundled all 7 required files into one direct download folder. Using mismatched versions of these tools is the most common reason for errors when building and running a CNC machine.

What you will receive in this bundle (7 Items):

• 1 Universal GCode_Sender.zip: Use this specific version of the GRBL controller and library, otherwise, you will get errors while running the CNC.
• 2 4xi Draw _ Laser Inkscape Extension.zip & 6 Drawbot_image_to_GCode_v2_2.zip: Essential extensions configured to work flawlessly with the included Inkscape and Processing versions.
• 3 Processing: The specific Processing software version required to properly run the Drawbot extensions.
• 4 More software like : arduino ide, inkscape etc: Pre-tested software. These are the exact same versions I have used in the video.
• 7 Sample_Gcodes.zip: Pre-tested files to run your first plot and test your machine instantly.
• (Plus all other required project files and tool integrations…)

Download the Complete Bundle (Software, Libraries, & G-Codes) – ₹99

Why is there a minimal fee?

While the core software applications are open-source and available independently online, this minimal fee is strictly to extract the ElectroCSE website domain and server hosting costs for providing this content, details, and combined files in a single, high-speed download.

These things took my time and money to keep everything ready for you anytime. This small token fee goes 100% toward covering server hosting costs and supporting the creation of more free, useful tutorials for you. Your support keeps the website running and helps me create more for free. Thank you for keeping this project online!

Note:-

📬 How you will receive your files: Immediately after a successful payment, our automated system will send an email from ElectroCSE containing your secure download link for all folders.

If you experience any issues accessing the files, simply send an email to contact2ckv@gmail.com with a screenshot of your payment, and you will get a response within 24 hours.

Thank you so much.

1. Software Installation & Setup

Once you have downloaded the bundle above, you will need to set up the core software:

• Universal G-Code Sender (UGS): Locate the executable file named ags Platform 64.exe inside the “bin” folder.

• Inkscape Extensions: To ensure proper CNC code execution, install the provided Inkscape extension (version 0.92).

• Laser Tools: If you are using laser tool integrations (for_laser_tool), copy these into the CNC extension folder inside your UGS directory. You can verify the installation was successful by checking if the laser tool option appears in your CNC software extension menu.

2. Connecting & Initializing Your CNC

1. Connect your CNC to power and plug the USB cable into your PC.

2. Open your Device Manager to identify the correct COM port.

3. In your CNC software, refresh the port list and select the active CNC port.

4. Pen Calibration: It is crucial to calibrate your pen height. You can control the pen lift and lower actions using specific commands (e.g., sending M03 S18 to lower the pen).

3. Basic Commands & UGS Controls

Universal G-Code Sender is where the magic happens. Here are the basic controls you need to know:

• F1: Select your path.

• F2: View all G-code paths.

• M03 S10 / M03 S18: Controls the pen up/down movement.

• Reset Zero (Home): Sets your current origin point.

• Return to Zero: Moves the CNC head back to your defined home.

Pro Tip: Always verify your commands by moving the pen incrementally (e.g., 10 mm or 20 mm) and checking that the physical movement matches the software input.

4. G-Code Management & Live Preview

1. Create a dedicated “G-codes” folder on your Desktop to save your generated files (like spiral.g).

2. Load the G-code into UGS using the file open option.

3. Always use the live preview! This allows you to check the outlines and ensure your drawing will stay within the physical boundaries of your page before the machine starts moving.

5. Drawing, Text, & Image Handling

Your CNC can handle everything from simple text to complex images:

• Images: Import your SVG or PNG files. Resize them using Control + Drag to prevent distortion. Ensure your images have a pure white background (use basic software like Paint to remove backgrounds if necessary).

• Text: You can type or paste text directly. By adjusting the “fill parameters” (like fill angle and intensity), you can choose between hollow outlines or solid, filled text.

• Shading: Use the Fill (heavier drawing) and Hatch (angled line patterns) options within the laser tool extensions to simulate shading and depth.

6. Advanced Settings for Perfect Prints

To get the best quality without damaging your machine, pay attention to these settings:

• Travel Speed: The default is usually around 10000 mm/min, but you should adjust this based on the quality you need.

• Axis Synchronization: Ensure your speed and steps per axis (X, Y, A) are configured together to avoid mechanical errors.

• Passes: The PASS setting controls how many times the pen traces the same line (up to 4 passes). This is great for darker lines or deeper cuts.

• Reversing Direction: If you change your print direction or page side, you must update the direction values (1 or 2) in the software, recalibrate your Zero position, and restart the job.

7. Monitor Your CNC from Your Phone

One of the best features of Universal G-Code Sender is its mobile support. The software can generate a URL that you can open on your smartphone, allowing you to monitor the CNC’s real-time position remotely—perfect for long drawing operations!

Conclusion

Operating a 2D CNC Pen Plotter is incredibly rewarding once your software is perfectly synced with your hardware. By following these steps, utilizing the exact software bundle, and always using the live preview feature, you will be plotting flawless designs in no time.

If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to check out the full video tutorial on YouTube to see these steps in action!