Generate G-code with third-party software

This section introduces how to generate writing/drawing G-code with a 3rd party software, like Inkscape or Adobe Illustrator.

Inkscape

Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor. With abundant plugins, you can easily edit vector images, apply greyscale processing and etc.

Before starting, make sure you have installed Inkscape V0.92.5.

Inkscape download link: https://inkscape.org/release/inkscape-0.92.5/

1. Download the following Rotrics G-code extension for Inkscape V0.92.5

🧠 Note: the extension only supports the older version such as V0.92.5, if you use the latest version, you may encounter the output error.

2. Install Rotrics G-code extension.

*For Windows, copy this extension to the "extensions" folder under Inscape installation directory, normally it should be:

\Program Files\Inkscape\share\extensions

*For Mac OS, copy this extension to the "extensions" folder under Inscape installation directory, normally it should be:

/Applications/Inkscape.app/Contents/Resources/extensions

If couldn't find the extension folder, you can find it by clicking Edit > Preferences > System > Inkscape extension

🧠 Note: Reboot the Inkscape software after installation.

3. Open Inkscape, and create a new A4 page.

4. Import your SVG file.

5. Adjust image size, ensure it's within the A4 page.

6. Adjust image position, and make sure image center position is X0 Y0,

7. Click `Extensions->Export to G-code`

8. Set DexArm write/draw configuration parameters.

Pen Height Down - writing/drawing start height, fill in the start height value
- G0 Z-
Pen Height Up - pen rising height, 5-10mm higher than the start height value
- G0 Z-

9. Set G-code save directory and filename.

10. Click Apply to generate G-code.

*Reference: https://jtechphotonics.com/?page_id=2012

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator is a vector graphics editor developed and marketed by Adobe Inc. It can generate writing/drawing G-code for drawing.

Before start, make sure you have installed Adobe Illustrator software.

1. Download the following Rotrics G-code Extension for Adobe Illustrator

2. Install Rotrics G-code extension.

3. Open Adobe Illustrator and create a new A4 page.

4. Import your SVG file.

5. Adjust image size, ensure it's within the A4 page.

6. Adjust image position, and make sure the image center position is X0 Y0.

7. Click File -> Scripts ->Export to G-code 1.1

8. Set write/draw configuration parameters:

ON Command - Pendown height, enter Rotrics Studio drawing height
- G0 Z-
OFF Command - Penup height, 5-10mm higher than the pen down height
- G0 Z-

❗Waring: Pen up height must be higher than pen down height, otherwise, it might damage the robot arm. If there is any problem, please power off DexArm immediately.

*Don't set the other parameters.