Pen plotters are drafting machines that use a mechanical arm to guide a pen across a surface. Invented in the 1960s, they gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s.

Pen plotters were essential for architects and engineers, allowing for the creation of detailed drawings with remarkable speed and precision. Their ability to produce large prints made them vital in various fields, such as CAD, circuit board design, and cartography.

The rise of the digital age led to a decline in pen plotters as large-format inkjet and laser printers became more accessible. By the late 1990s, they had largely disappeared from the market. Recently, pen plotting has made a comeback among artists and hobbyists.

While no longer predominant, the legacy of pen plotters continues to influence design and technology and watching the arm trace a drawing remains captivating and even magical at times. With the use of pens and real ink, one can genuinely see where a line begins and ends, similar to a hand-drawn line. The quality of the paper, along with the drying time of the ink, creates a subtle effect that printers cannot replicate.

At Pen Plot Studio, we use legacy pen plotters daily to create meaningful draft work/art and stunning graphic designs.
If you’re interested, perhaps we’ll create something for you soon?