How to Convert a Photo/Image into a Drawable SVG File and Print It with iDraw Pen Plotters

This guide explains how to convert image into SVG files and prepare them for plotting using all iDraw pen plotters. You will also learn how to convert photo into SVG files, process it for drawing, and finally draw image with pen plotter for real-world output.

This workflow is ideal for users who want to:

• convert photo into SVG files for plotting
• turn portraits or images into vector line art
• print and draw image with pen plotter systems

Step 1 - Pick a Favorite Photo

Start by selecting any image you want to convert.

• Download or take a photo you like
• Remove background using Photoshop or mobile apps

Example workflow:

1. Search for transparent PNG images (example: “Messi PNG”)

1. Download a high-resolution image directly to your PC

This ensures better quality when converting into SVG format.

Step 2 - Convert Image / Photo to SVG Format

Use an online conversion tool to convert your image into vector format:

https://image.online-convert.com/convert-to-svg

Steps:

• Click “Choose File” to upload your image
• Or drag and drop into the upload area
• You may also upload from Dropbox or Google Drive
• Use default settings or adjust parameters if needed

After conversion:

• Download the SVG file to your computer
• You will get a black-and-white vector image

Step 3 - Make SVG Drawable in Inkscape

1. Open SVG File

Open the converted SVG file in Inkscape.

2. Adjust Page Size

• Go to File → Document Properties
• Change page size from A4 to A3 if needed
• If using A4 iDraw machine, keep default size

3. Center the Image

Drag the image into the center of the canvas.

4. Apply Hatch Fill

• Select the image
• Go to Extensions → Axidraw Utilities → Hatch Fill

5. Enable Live Preview

• Check “Live Preview”
• Set Hatch Spacing to 0.800
• Click Apply

6. Adjust Fill & Stroke

• Select image again
• Go to Object → Fill and Stroke

7. Set Stroke Width

• Open Stroke Style panel
• Set width to 0.5 pt

At this stage, the image is fully prepared as a drawable vector file.

Step 4 - Print Image with iDraw Pen Plotter

Now you can directly output the SVG artwork using all iDraw pen plotters.

• Go to Extensions → iDraw 2.0 Control
• Click Apply
• Start drawing your artwork automatically

This step enables real-world plotting and allows you to draw image with pen plotter directly from SVG files.

Final Result

After completing all steps, you will get:

• Converted vector SVG artwork
• Processed drawable line art
• Physical plotted image using iDraw machine

👉 This workflow is one of the easiest ways to convert photo into SVG files and bring digital images into real pen plotting output.