The UUNA TEK® iDraw 2.0 - A4 Size can be used to create precise pen plotter drawings and writing with Inkscape. In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to set up an A4 document, divide the page into four A6 areas, add text, convert the text into a single-line SVG font, and use the iDraw 2.0 to write on the paper.
Follow the steps below to prepare your Inkscape file and start writing with your iDraw 2.0 A4 pen plotter.
Step 1: Install Inkscape and the iDraw Extension
First, make sure that Inkscape and the required iDraw extension are installed on your computer.
If you have not installed the extension yet, follow our installation tutorial:
How to Install the User Extension for Inkscape – iDraw Tutorials
Once the installation is complete, open Inkscape and prepare a new document.
Step 2: Set the Document Size to A4
Open Inkscape, then go to:
File → Document Properties
In the document properties, set the page size to A4.
This A4 document will be used as the working area for the UUNA TEK® iDraw 2.0.
Step 3: Create A6 Reference Guides
Next, we will create A6 reference guides to divide the A4 page into four A6-sized areas.
In Document Properties, select Grids and click New.
Set the following values:
- Spacing X: 105 mm
- Spacing Y: 148.5 mm
These dimensions correspond to the standard A6 paper size.
Step 4: Divide the A4 Page into Four A6 Areas
After applying the grid settings, the A4 page will be divided into four A6-sized sections.
These reference guides make it easier to position your text accurately within each A6 area.
Step 5: Add Your Text
Next, add the text you want the UUNA TEK® iDraw 2.0 to write.
Select the Text Tool in Inkscape and enter your desired content. Then position the text in the area where you want it to be written.
You can use Text and Font to adjust the text size if necessary.
At this stage, you do not need to change the font style. In the next step, we will replace the text with an SVG single-line font that is suitable for pen plotting.
Step 6: Replace the Text with an SVG Single-Line Font
To convert the text into a format suitable for the pen plotter, use the iDraw Hershey Text extension.
In Inkscape, go to:
Extensions → iDraw Utilities → Hershey Text
In the Font face option, select Other.
Then, under Other SVG Font, select your own SVG single-line font.
Enable Live preview to see how the text will look after the font is replaced.
Once you are satisfied with the result, click Apply.
Step 7: Check the Final Text Layout
After applying the SVG single-line font, the original text will be replaced with the selected single-line font.
Check the final layout and make sure the text is positioned correctly within the A6 reference area.
Step 8: Install the Pen and Paper and Start Writing
Now prepare the UUNA TEK® iDraw 2.0 - A4 Size.
Install the pen and paper on the machine according to your setup.
Once everything is ready, return to Inkscape and go to:
Extensions → iDraw 2.0 Control → Apply
The iDraw 2.0 will then begin writing the prepared text on the paper.
Step 9: See the iDraw 2.0 in Action
The UUNA TEK® iDraw 2.0 A4 pen plotter will write the prepared content according to the layout created in Inkscape.
Below are photos showing the machine during the writing process and the completed result.
Conclusion
With Inkscape and the UUNA TEK® iDraw 2.0 - A4 Size, you can easily prepare an A4 document, create A6 reference areas, position your text, and convert it into an SVG single-line font for pen plotting.
By using the Hershey Text function in the iDraw extension, the text can be converted into a format suitable for the pen plotter before sending the file to the machine. This workflow provides a simple way to prepare and write customized text with the iDraw 2.0.