Plotters

Plotters

Plotters are computer output devices that are used to produce high-quality, large-format prints of digital images. Unlike printers, which are designed primarily for printing text and small graphics, plotters are optimized for printing large, detailed images such as engineering drawings, architectural plans, and maps. Plotters typically use pens, pencils, or other marking tools to draw the image onto the paper, rather than spraying ink or toner onto the page like a printer. Plotters come in a variety of sizes and types, ranging from small desktop models to large-format machines that can produce prints several feet wide. Some plotters use a flatbed design, while others use a drum or a roll of paper to feed the image through the machine. Many plotters are equipped with multiple pens or pencils, allowing them to produce images with different line weights or colors. One of the key advantages of plotters is their ability to produce high-quality prints with precise, accurate lines and colors. Because plotters use physical pens or pencils to draw the image onto the paper, they can produce much finer lines and more precise details than a printer. Additionally, plotters are often able to print on a wider variety of media than printers, including heavy-weight paper, vellum, and even some types of film. Despite their advantages, plotters are generally more expensive and slower than printers, making them less suitable for general-purpose printing tasks. However, for professionals who need to produce large, high-quality prints on a regular basis, a plotter can be an invaluable tool.

computer output devices, large-format prints, engineering drawings, architectural plans, maps

— Thomas Davis