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
Rotrics G-code Extension for Inkscape V0.92.5
Rotrics Drawing Extension for Inkscape.zip - 32KB
​🧠 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
Rotrics G-code extension for Adobe Illustrator
Rotrics_Laser.zip - 222B
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.
9. Set G-code file save directory and filename:
*add .gcode as suffix
10. Click Generate G-code. 
Send G-code with Rotrics Studio
1. Open Rotrics Studio and connect with Dexarm.
2. Switch to Basic panel, click HOME to initialize DexArm.
3. Go to G-code on the right side. 
4. Import the G-code and select the Pen Holder module. 
5. ClickStart Sendbutton, start writing/drawing. 
Send G-code with touchscreen
1. Copy the G-code file into theg-codefolder of touchscreen SD card.
2. Connect the DexArm to touchscreen with a dual type-c cable.
3. Click Basic->HOME to initialize robot arm.
4. Click SD Card, choose your G-code, and click Start to start writing/drawing. 
​