Setting Up Pathhaus Fonts for AxiDraw
The AxiDraw is the gold standard for pen plotting with single-line fonts. Its precise servo system and wide material compatibility make it ideal for everything from greeting cards to large-format prints. This guide covers the complete Pathhaus-to-AxiDraw workflow.
The software stack
The standard workflow is: Pathhaus Studio → SVG export → Inkscape → AxiDraw extension → AxiDraw. You need: Pathhaus Pro for SVG/HPGL export and Travel Optimizer; Inkscape 1.x with the AxiDraw software extension installed; and a USB connection between your computer and the AxiDraw. The AxiDraw extension communicates directly with the AxiDraw over USB and sends paths in real time.
Exporting from Pathhaus
Set the Plotter optimization preset in Pathhaus Studio (epsilon=5). Enable Travel Optimizer — this is especially important for AxiDraw because pen lifts are slow (the servo motor raises/lowers the pen at each lift). Export as SVG. For the best compatibility, set your design size in millimeters matching your intended paper size (A4: 210×297mm, US Letter: 215.9×279.4mm).
Inkscape and AxiDraw extension setup
Open your SVG in Inkscape. Go to Extensions → AxiDraw Utilities → AxiDraw Setup to verify your pen-down height. Then go to Extensions → AxiDraw → Plot. In the plot dialog: set speed to 40–70% for most pens (lower for brush pens, higher for fine-tip pens). Enable "Optimize Path Order" in the AxiDraw extension — this adds a second layer of travel optimization on top of Pathhaus's. Set your pen-up speed to maximum (100%) since speed during pen-up moves doesn't affect output quality.
Pen recommendations
For precision: Staedtler Triplus Fineliner 0.3mm (burgundy cap). For general writing: Micron 0.5mm, Pentel Sign pen 1.0mm. For brush effects: Tombow ABT brush pen (requires slower speed, 20–30%). For metallic effects: Molotow 1.0mm paint marker. Set pen-down pressure by adjusting the AxiDraw pen height until the pen touches the paper with light, consistent pressure — too much pressure causes ink bleed, too little causes skipped segments.
Try it in Pathhaus Studio
Free to start — optimize and export your first font file in under 5 minutes.