A plotter is a computer hardware device much like a printer that is used for printing vector graphics. Instead of toner, plotters use a pen, pencil, marker, or another writing tool to draw multiple, continuous lines on paper rather than multiple dots, like a traditional printer. Plotters produce a hard copy of schematics and other similar applications. Though once widely used for computer-aided design, these devices were more or less phased out by wide-format printers.

Advantages of plotters

  • Plotters can work on very large sheets of paper while maintaining high resolution.
  • They can print on a wide variety of flat materials including plywood, aluminum, sheet steel, cardboard, and plastic.
  • Plotters allow the same pattern to be drawn thousands of times without any image degradation.

Disadvantages of plotters

  • Plotters are quite large compared to a traditional printer.
  • Plotters are also more expensive than a traditional printer.

When was the first plotter invented?

The first plotter was invented in 1953 by Remington-Rand. It was used in conjunction with the UNIVAC computer to created technical drawings.

  • Advantages of plotters.
  • Disadvantages of plotters.
  • When was the first plotter invented?
  • Related information.

Flatbed plotter, HPGL, Plot, Printer, Printer terms, Resolution

  • Printer help and support.