The Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners & Artists
Transforming ordinary photos into stunning hand-drawn vector artwork is one of the most exciting applications of modern pen plotter technology. With the right tools and workflow, you can convert images into clean SVG files and reproduce them as beautiful, line-based drawings using a professional plotting machine like the UUNA TEK 3.0 Pen Plotter.
This comprehensive tutorial walks you through the entire process from start to finish — even if you are completely new to SVG files or pen plotters. By the end of this guide, you’ll understand how to:
- Remove backgrounds from photos
- Convert raster images into SVG vector files
- Prepare SVG files for pen plotting using Inkscape (Download windows version here, Download Mac version here)
- Apply line-based shading and fills
- Connect your file to the UUNA TEK 3.0 and generate live drawings
This workflow is widely used by:
- Generative artists
- Graphic designers
- Educators and STEM programs
- DIY creators and hobbyists
- Custom art businesses
What Is a Pen Plotter & Why SVG Matters
Unlike inkjet printers that spray ink over solid areas, pen plotters draw only with real pens by following paths defined in SVG vector files.
This means:
✅ Every line drawn is deliberate
✅ Shading must be simulated with strokes instead of solid fills
✅ SVG preparation is critical to produce clean artwork
That’s why understanding how to convert photos into line-based SVG files is essential for anyone using a pen plotter — including the UUNA TEK 3.0, which is designed specifically for smooth, fast, and ultra-precise vector drawing.
Tools & Software You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following:
Hardware
- ✅ UUNA TEK 3.0 Pen Plotter
- ✅ Standard ballpoint, gel pen, or fine liner
- ✅ A4 paper (or larger depending on your plotter size)
Software
- ✅ Inkscape (Free SVG editor)
- ✅ Online background removal tool or Adobe Photoshop
- ✅ SVG conversion website or Adobe Illustrator
- ✅ UUNA TEK 3.0 control extension (included)
Step 1: Choose a Photo & Remove the Background
Select a photo or image with:
- Clear subject focus
- Distinct edge contrast
- Reasonable brightness
For this demonstration, we searched Google Images and selected a Sun Wukong (Monkey King) illustration.
Why Remove Backgrounds?
SVG conversion tools trace visible edges. Background clutter creates noise:
❌ Ugly outlines
❌ Unwanted shapes
❌ Messy line intersections
Removing the background ensures clean vector paths.
Recommended Background Removal Tools
Professional:
- Adobe Photoshop (Select Subject + Mask Edge)
Online Tools:
- remove.bg
- Photopea.com
- Fotor.com
Once cleaned, export your image as a PNG or JPG.
Step 2: Download the Image
Save your background-free image to your computer at medium resolution:
Recommended Size: 800–2000px wide
Avoid ultra-large images — they create heavy SVG files with too many nodes that slow down plotting.
Step 3: Convert the Image to SVG
To make the photo compatible with your pen plotter, you must convert it into the SVG vector format.
Conversion Options
✅ Best Professional Method:
Adobe Illustrator → Image Trace → Expand → Save as SVG
✅ Simplest Method (Beginner-Friendly):
Use the free converter website:
👉 https://image.online-convert.com/convert-to-svg
Conversion Steps
- Upload your PNG/JPG file
- Adjust detail & trace options if necessary
- Click Start
- Download the resulting SVG
This is the converted svg file we got from image:
Step 4: Open SVG in Inkscape
Launch Inkscape, a powerful open-source SVG editor that integrates directly with UUNA TEK 3.0.
Open your SVG file.
Step 5: Set Page Size & Scale Artwork
Because plotters physically draw on paper, SVG page size must match your real sheet size or drawing will go off bounds.
Set Page to A4
Navigate to:
- File → Document Properties
Set:
- Width → ✅ A4 (210mm)
- Height → ✅ A4 (297mm)
- Orientation → Portrait or Landscape
Resize Your Artwork
To scale properly:
- Go to Object → Transform → Scale
- Enable Lock Aspect Ratio
- Resize proportionally
- Move artwork to center of the page
This ensures:
✅ No cropped edges
✅ Clean margins
✅ Proper position for pen plotting
Step 6: Convert Solid Fills to Line Art
Pen plotters cannot draw filled areas like printers. All shading must be recreated with stroke lines.
Remove Solid Rendering
Go to:
- Object → Fill and Stroke
Under Fill:
- Select No Paint
This removes black solid shading.
Now you’ll see:
✅ Only outlines remain
✅ Artwork becomes 100% stroke-based
Step 7: Add Line Shading Using iDraw Utilities
To simulate depth and texture, use line filling (hatching).
Apply Stroke Fills:
Navigate to:
- Extensions → iDraw Utilities
Here you can control:
- Pen Width: 0.3mm
- Hatch Angle: 45°
- Line Spacing: Adjustable based on darkness
After applying the fill tool:
- Any previously solid areas become angled line textures
- Shadows appear realistic
- All fills remain pen-drawable
✅ This step is critical — it transforms regular SVG art into true pen-plotter-ready drawings.
Step 8: Prepare to Draw on UUNA TEK 3.0
Physically prepare your setup:
- Insert pen into pen holder
- Secure A4 paper on machine bed
- Check rails and cable routing
Generate Preview & G-Code
Open:
- Extensions → UUNA TEK 3.0 PLOTTER
Select:
Generate Preview Image and Prepare to Print
- Click Apply
This launches the control panel where:
✅ SVG is transformed into machine G-code
✅ Live movement preview is shown
Step 9: Connect to the Plotter
In the control panel:
- Select your USB port
- Look for CH340 (UUNA TEK driver)
- Add COM port to active device list
Once connected:
✅ Software sends automatic G-code
✅ Machine becomes ready to operate
Begin Drawing
Click:
Your UUNA TEK 3.0 Pen Plotter now starts drawing your converted photo in precise pen strokes — reproducing line shading and detail layer by layer.
Step 10: Watch the Plotter at Work
Observe as:
- Outlines appear first
- Shading fills develop gradually
- Fine details finalize the image
Your drawing becomes a hand-sketched masterpiece, but with robotic precision and consistency.
Step 11: Final Result
Your finished artwork includes:
✅ Clean outlines
✅ Smooth angled shading
✅ Perfect pen stroke consistency
✅ No solid fills — all true plotter-style drawing
These creations are ideal for:
- Framed art prints
- Greeting cards
- Educational wall charts
- Creative installations
- Commercial illustration products
Why Use UUNA TEK 3.0 Pen Plotter
This process shines because the UUNA TEK 3.0 delivers:
✅ ±0.02mm ultra precision for clean lines
✅ Industrial silent rails for smooth shading
✅ Easy integration with Inkscape workflows
✅ Fast G-code generation & preview
✅ Custom sizes up to 4m x 2m
It’s built for:
- Professional generative art production
- Continuous operation reliability
- Classroom and workshop use
Best Practices for Perfect SVG Plotting with UUNA TEK 3.0 Pen Plotters
✅ Keep SVG files light (avoid over-detail)
✅ Use 0.3–0.5mm pens for shading
✅ Use angled hatch fills (30°–45°)
✅ Maintain proper paper alignment
✅ Test on A4 before large-format batches
Final Thoughts
Converting photos into SVG drawings for pen plotters unlocks a whole new creative universe:
- Traditional art meets robotics
- Digital design becomes physical artwork
- Photos become elegant line compositions
With the UUNA TEK 3.0 Pen Plotter, this entire process becomes smooth, reliable, and accessible — from beginners exploring SVG art to professionals producing commercial art runs at scale.