Difference between revisions of "Axidraw Software Installation"

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AxiDraw is designed to work well on Mac, Windows, and Linux computers. To use it, you'll need to install certain software on your computer.  
 
AxiDraw is designed to work well on Mac, Windows, and Linux computers. To use it, you'll need to install certain software on your computer.  
Please read below for specific instructions for [[#Mac|Mac]], [[#Windows|Windows]], and [[#Linux|Linux]].  
+
Please read below for specific instructions for [[#Mac|Mac]], [[#Windows|Windows]], and [[#Linux|Linux]].
  
The current software version is v. 2.5.6, released December 13, 2019, and runs under '''Inkscape version 0.92'''. A future release will offer full support for Inkscape 1.0.
+
The current software version is v. 3.9.5, released in December 2023, and requires Inkscape 1.0 or newer. Inkscape 1.2 or newer is recommended. The AxiDraw software installers (and manual installation bundles) include the AxiDraw, EggBot, and WaterColorBot software for Inkscape.
  
 
== Mac ==
 
== Mac ==
  
=== For macOS Catalina (10.15) ===
+
=== For recent macOS, 10.15, up through macOS 13 Ventura ===
  
An early release version of the AxiDraw software is available for Inkscape 1.0, and works under macOS Catalina (10.15) .
+
Our primary release of the AxiDraw software is available for Inkscape 1.3, and works under macOS 10.15 through macOS 13 Ventura, and both
 +
Intel and Apple Silicon architectures.
  
:1. Download and install [https://inkscape.org/release/inkscape-1.0/mac-os-x/1010-1015/dl/ Inkscape 1.0 for Mac]
+
:1. Download and run [https://cdn.evilmadscientist.com/dl/ad/public/395/AxiDraw_395_Mac.app.zip the AxiDraw installer] (32 MB).
  
:2 Download and run [https://evilmadscience.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/dl/ad/public/AxiDraw_Install_257d2_MacInk1.zip the AxiDraw installer].
+
:2. Download and install [https://inkscape.org/release/1.3.2/mac-os-x/ Inkscape for Mac]. (Versions for Intel and Apple Silicon processors are available. If you have an older computer and aren't sure which you have, pick Intel.)
  
If you are using any version of macOS before 10.15 Catalina, we suggest that you use the quick install below.
 
  
 +
=== For older macOS, 10.13 - 10.14  ===
  
=== Quick install (macOS 10.7 - 10.14) ===
+
Download and run the same AxiDraw software installer as above, but install [https://inkscape.org/release/1.2.2/mac-os-x/ Inkscape 1.2 for Mac].
 +
 
 +
 
 +
=== For older macOS, 10.11 - 10.12  ===
 +
 
 +
Download and run the same AxiDraw software installer as above, but install [https://inkscape.org/release/inkscape-1.1.2/mac-os-x/dmg/ Inkscape 1.1 for Mac].
 +
 
 +
 
 +
=== Legacy install for older macOS 10.7 - 10.10 ===
 +
 
 +
An older release of the software is based on Inkscape 0.92, and works under macOS 10.7-10.10.
  
 
:1. Download and open the [https://github.com/evil-mad/axidraw/releases/download/v2.5.6/AxiDraw_v256_r1_Mac.dmg AxiDraw Mac bundle DMG]
 
:1. Download and open the [https://github.com/evil-mad/axidraw/releases/download/v2.5.6/AxiDraw_v256_r1_Mac.dmg AxiDraw Mac bundle DMG]
Line 30: Line 41:
  
  
=== Alternative (Manual) install for macOS 10.7 - 10.14 ===
 
  
:If you already have XQuartz and Inkscape 0.92 installed on your computer, or cannot run the quick installer for some reason, you can also install the AxiDraw extensions alone.
+
=== Alternative (Manual) install for Mac ===
  
::1. Prerequisites: Download and install [https://www.xquartz.org XQuartz] and [https://inkscape.org/release/0.92.2/mac-os-x/ Inkscape 0.92.2]
+
:If you already have Inkscape 1.0 or newer installed on your computer, you can also manually install the AxiDraw extensions.  
::2. Download the AxiDraw software in [https://github.com/evil-mad/axidraw/releases/download/v2.5.6/axidraw_v256.zip this ZIP archive] (0.4 MB), and unzip it.
 
::3. In the finder, open a new window (File > New Finder Window) and then select Go > Go to Folder...
 
::4. Paste the following folder location into the dialog box:
 
::: <code>/Applications/Inkscape.app/Contents/Resources/share/inkscape/extensions/</code>
 
::: and click the "Go" button to open that location. This is your "Inkscape extensions" folder.
 
::5. Copy the contents of the ZIP archive that you downloaded (22 items total; 20 files and two folders) into your Inkscape extensions folder, overwriting any files with the same names.
 
::6. Launch (or quit and re-launch) Inkscape.
 
  
:* The "AxiDraw" submenu should appear in the Extensions menu of Inkscape after you restart Inkscape.
+
::1. Download the software in [https://cdn.evilmadscientist.com/dl/ad/public/395/AxiDraw_395_Mac.zip this ZIP archive] (31 MB), and unzip it. (Your computer may unzip the archive automatically for you.)
 
+
::2. Locate and open your Inkscape user extensions directory. You can find this location as follows:
 
+
:::A. Open Inkscape
=== For Older MacOS versions (older than 10.7)  ===
+
:::B. From the menu, select '''Inkscape > Preferences'''
 
+
:::C. Select '''System''' from the list on the left panel of the preferences window.
: The instructions above are for MacOS 10.7 and newer. Please [https://shop.evilmadscientist.com/contact contact technical support] if you need to install AxiDraw software on an older Mac.
+
:::D. On the right-hand panel is a list of directory locations. Click the "Open" button to the right of the "User extensions" folder location.
 +
::3. Copy the contents of the ZIP archive that you downloaded (35 items total; 32 files and 3 subfolders) into your Inkscape extensions directory, overwriting any files and directories with the same names.
 +
::4. Launch Inkscape, or quit and re-launch it if it is open.
  
  
 
=== Troubleshooting ===
 
=== Troubleshooting ===
  
: Your software should now be set up to work correctly. 
+
:* If you are using macOS Ventura and have trouble connecting, [https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/allow-accessories-to-connect-mchlf779ae93/mac check to see if your computer has blocked access] to USB accessories.
:* Because Inkscape runs on X11's architecture, keyboard shortcuts use control (^) instead of Cmd (⌘) as modifier key.
+
:* If you encounter difficulty installing or using the software, please request assistance through [https://shop.evilmadscientist.com/contact our contact form] or through our [https://axidraw.com/chat Discord chat].
:* If copy and paste are not working correctly in Inkscape, open the X11 preferences dialog, and disable the "Update Pasteboard when CLIPBOARD changes" option.
 
:* If you encounter difficulty installing the AxiDraw extensions for Inkscape (or with plotting, in the next stage), please request assistance through [https://shop.evilmadscientist.com/contact our contact form] or through the [https://www.evilmadscientist.com/forums/forum/axidraw/ AxiDraw forum].  
 
 
:* If there is any chance that a problem you encounter is specific to AxiDraw software or hardware, it is important that you do not directly seek assistance through Inkscape's support resources. You're much more likely to get your problem solved by asking people who know about AxiDraw. And, we'd like the Inkscape team to be ready to help us when we do encounter Inkscape-specific issues.
 
:* If there is any chance that a problem you encounter is specific to AxiDraw software or hardware, it is important that you do not directly seek assistance through Inkscape's support resources. You're much more likely to get your problem solved by asking people who know about AxiDraw. And, we'd like the Inkscape team to be ready to help us when we do encounter Inkscape-specific issues.
  
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=== Installation ===
 
=== Installation ===
  
:1. Download and install Inkscape '''version 0.92''' from [https://inkscape.org/release/0.92/windows/ the download page] at Inkscape.org. (Most users will want the 64-Bit download.)
+
:1. Download and run the AxiDraw software installer for Windows: [https://cdn.evilmadscientist.com/dl/ad/public/395/AxiDraw_395_Win.exe.zip Download link] (24 MB ZIP archive)
::* Install Inkscape in the default location, the main "Program Files" folder.
+
::* The installer is an executable, named "AxiDraw Install.exe"; Unzip, open, and run it.
::* If you need additional assistance for installing Inkscape, you may be able to find good advice at the [http://wiki.inkscape.org/wiki/index.php/InstallHelp the Inkscape wiki] and/or the [http://www.inkscapeforum.com/ Inkscape Forums].  ''Please do not use Inkscape support resources for AxiDraw-specific issues-- see note below about troubleshooting.''
 
 
 
  
:2. Download and run the AxiDraw installer for Windows: [https://github.com/evil-mad/axidraw/releases/download/v2.5.6/AxiDraw_256.exe Download link] (0.6 MB)
+
:2. Download and install Inkscape from [https://inkscape.org/release/1.3/windows/ the download page] at Inkscape.org. (Most users will want the 64-bit version and the "MSI" installer.)
::* The installer is an executable, named "AxiDraw_253_r4.exe".
+
::* If you need additional assistance for installing Inkscape, you may be able to find good advice at the [http://wiki.inkscape.org/wiki/index.php/InstallHelp the Inkscape wiki] and/or the [https://inkscape.org/forums/ Inkscape Forums]. ''Please do not use Inkscape support resources for AxiDraw-specific issues-- see note below about troubleshooting.''
::* After running the installer, launch (or restart) Inkscape. The "AxiDraw" submenu should appear in the Extensions menu.
 
  
  
  
=== Alternative (Manual) install ===
+
=== Alternative (Manual) install for Windows ===
  
:If you already have Inkscape 0.92 installed on your computer, you can also install the AxiDraw extensions alone. For Windows 8 and older versions, please use the installer above for the first time that you install AxiDraw software, as the installer also includes a necessary USB driver. (You can use the manual method for subsequent installs and upgrades, and for Windows 10, which does not require the USB driver.)
+
:If you already have Inkscape 1.0 or newer installed on your computer, you also manually install the AxiDraw extensions. For Windows 8 and older versions, please use the installer above for the first time that you install AxiDraw software, as the installer also includes a necessary USB driver. (You can use the manual method for subsequent installs and upgrades, and for Windows 10, which does not require the USB driver.)
 
 
::1. Download the software in [https://github.com/evil-mad/axidraw/releases/download/v2.5.6/axidraw_v256.zip this ZIP archive] (0.4 MB), and unzip it. (Your computer may unzip the archive automatically for you.)
 
::2. Locate and open your Inkscape extensions directory. Your extensions directory is usually located at:
 
::: <code>C:\Program Files\Inkscape\share\extensions\ </code>
 
::: or possibly
 
::: <code>C:\Program Files (x86)\Inkscape\share\extensions\</code>
 
::3. Copy the contents of the ZIP archive that you downloaded (22 items total; 20 files and two subdirectories) into your Inkscape extensions directory, overwriting any files and directories with the same names.
 
::4. Launch (or quit and re-launch) Inkscape.
 
 
 
 
 
=== Alternative (Manual) install for Inkscape 1.0 ===
 
 
 
:If you already have Inkscape 1.0 installed on your computer, you will need a different version of the AxiDraw extensions. For Windows 8 and older versions, please use the installer above for the first time that you install AxiDraw software, as the installer also includes a necessary USB driver. (You can use the manual method for subsequent installs and upgrades, and for Windows 10, which does not require the USB driver.)
 
 
 
::1. Download the software in [https://evilmadscience.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/dl/ad/public/AD_257d_InkV1_Manual.zip this ZIP archive] (7 MB), and unzip it. (Your computer may unzip the archive automatically for you.)
 
::2. Locate and open your Inkscape extensions directory. Your extensions directory is usually located at:
 
::: <code>C:\Program Files\Inkscape\share\extensions\ </code>
 
::: or possibly
 
::: <code>C:\Program Files (x86)\Inkscape\share\extensions\</code>
 
::3. Copy the contents of the ZIP archive that you downloaded (36 items total; 33 files and 3 subdirectories) into your Inkscape extensions directory, overwriting any files and directories with the same names.
 
::4. Launch (or quit and re-launch) Inkscape.
 
  
 +
::1. Download the software in [https://cdn.evilmadscientist.com/dl/ad/public/395/AxiDraw_395_Win.zip this ZIP archive] (27 MB), and unzip it. (Your computer may unzip the archive automatically for you.)
 +
::2. Locate and open your Inkscape user extensions directory. You can find this location as follows:
 +
:::A. Open Inkscape
 +
:::B. From the menu, select '''Edit > Preferences'''
 +
:::C. Select '''System''' from the list on the left panel of the preferences window.
 +
:::D. On the right-hand panel is a list of directory locations. Click the "Open" button to the right of the "User extensions" folder location.
 +
::3. Copy the contents of the ZIP archive (approximately 35 items including 3 subdirectories) into your Inkscape User extensions directory. Make sure that you copy all of these files, not just some of the files, and not just a folder containing these files.
 +
::4. Launch Inkscape, or quit and re-launch it if it is open.
  
  
Line 105: Line 92:
  
 
: Your software should now be set up to work correctly.   
 
: Your software should now be set up to work correctly.   
:* If you encounter difficulty installing the AxiDraw extensions for Inkscape (or with plotting, in the next stage), please request assistance through the AxiDraw mailing list or forum, which you can find on our [[AxiDraw|front page]].
+
:* If you encounter difficulty installing or using the software, please request assistance through [https://shop.evilmadscientist.com/contact our contact form] or through our [https://axidraw.com/chat Discord chat].
 
:* If there is any chance that a problem you encounter is specific to AxiDraw software or hardware, it is important that you do not directly seek assistance through Inkscape's support resources. You're much more likely to get your problem solved by asking people who know about AxiDraw. And, we'd like the Inkscape team to be ready to help us when we do encounter Inkscape-specific issues.
 
:* If there is any chance that a problem you encounter is specific to AxiDraw software or hardware, it is important that you do not directly seek assistance through Inkscape's support resources. You're much more likely to get your problem solved by asking people who know about AxiDraw. And, we'd like the Inkscape team to be ready to help us when we do encounter Inkscape-specific issues.
  
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== Linux ==
 
== Linux ==
  
The AxiDraw extensions for Inkscape have been developed and tested extensively under Ubuntu. We expect them to work equally well in most Ubuntu derivatives and other distributions where Inkscape is known to work.  However, ''we do not have the capability to test every distribution''. If you are unsure if your distribution will work, try to install Inkscape, and see if it appears to launch and run correctly. (We do also have python-based [https://axidraw.com/doc/cli_api/ command-line tools] available to run the AxiDraw, even on systems where Inkscape is not supported.)
+
The AxiDraw extensions for Inkscape have been developed and tested extensively under Ubuntu. We expect them to work equally well in most Ubuntu derivatives and other distributions where Inkscape is known to work.  However, ''we do not have the capability to test every distribution''. If you are unsure if your distribution will work, try to install Inkscape, and see if it appears to launch and run correctly. (We do also have python-based [https://axidraw.com/doc/cli_api/ command-line tools] available to run the AxiDraw, even on systems where Inkscape is not supported.) We are currently producing separate builds for linux on x86 and ARM (e.g., Linux on Apple Silicon).
 
 
'''Working with Inkscape 0.92:'''
 
:* Install Inkscape 0.92 on your computer. The best way to do this will vary by distribution, but in most cases you can use the software installer provided with the OS. See [http://wiki.inkscape.org/wiki/index.php/Installing_Inkscape#Installing_on_Linux here] for additional information.
 
:* Launch Inkscape, and select Edit > Preferences from the menu, and then select the System entry. That should list the location of your '''User extensions''' directory.
 
::* With a "Snap" distribution of Inkscape, that location might be something like <code>~/snap/inkscape/4274/extensions/</code>
 
:* Download and unzip the software in [https://github.com/evil-mad/axidraw/releases/download/v2.5.6/axidraw_v256.zip this ZIP archive]. Copy its contents into your Inkscape User extensions directory and relaunch Inkscape.
 
  
'''Working with Inkscape 1.0:'''
+
===Working with Inkscape===
:* Install Inkscape 1.0 on your computer. The best way to do this will vary by distribution, but in most cases you can use the software installer provided with the OS. See [http://wiki.inkscape.org/wiki/index.php/Installing_Inkscape#Installing_on_Linux here] for additional information.
+
:* Install Inkscape 1.0 or newer on your computer. Where possible, we recommend to install via the appimage version [https://inkscape.org/release/1.3/gnulinux/ available here]. For some Linux  distributions, installing Inkscape may require looking up distribution-specific information. See [http://wiki.inkscape.org/wiki/index.php/Installing_Inkscape#Installing_on_Linux here] for additional information.  
:* Launch Inkscape, and select Edit > Preferences from the menu, and then select the System entry. That should list the location of your '''User extensions''' directory.
+
:* Launch Inkscape, and select Edit > Preferences from the menu, and then select the System entry. That should list the location of your '''User extensions''' directory.  
::* With a "Snap" distribution of Inkscape, that location might be something like <code>~/snap/inkscape/4274/extensions/</code>
+
:* For x86, download the software in [https://cdn.evilmadscientist.com/dl/ad/public/395/AxiDraw_395_LinX86.zip this ZIP archive] (39 MB).
:* Download and unzip the software in [https://evilmadscience.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/dl/ad/public/AD_257d_InkV1_Manual.zip this ZIP archive]. Copy its contents into your Inkscape User extensions directory and relaunch Inkscape.
+
:* For ARM, download the software in [https://cdn.evilmadscientist.com/dl/ad/public/395/AxiDraw_395_LinARM.zip this ZIP archive] (41 MB).
 +
:* Unzip the archive and copy its contents (approximately 35 items including 3 subdirectories) into your Inkscape User extensions directory and ''relaunch'' Inkscape. Make sure that you copy all of these items, not just some of them, and not just a folder containing these files.
  
  
About adding your user account to the "dialout" group:
+
===About adding your user account to the "dialout" group===
 
: In modern Linux releases, it is often necessary to change your user permissions, to explicitly grant access to the USB port where the AxiDraw is located.  This can be done by adding your user group to the "dialout" user group on your system.   
 
: In modern Linux releases, it is often necessary to change your user permissions, to explicitly grant access to the USB port where the AxiDraw is located.  This can be done by adding your user group to the "dialout" user group on your system.   
  
 
:* Open up a terminal window
 
:* Open up a terminal window
:* For most distributions (including Fedora and Ubuntu), enter the command "sudo usermod -a -G dialout <myUserName>" <return>,  replacing the <myUserName> part with the user that is running Inkscape (and without the quotation marks or angle brackets!).
+
:* For most distributions (including Fedora and Ubuntu), enter the command <code>sudo usermod -a -G dialout <myUserName></code> <return>,  replacing the <myUserName> part with the user that is running Inkscape (and without the angle brackets!).
::* If you are unsure of your user name, enter the command "whoami" <return>, and the computer will happily remind you.   
+
::* If you are unsure of your user name, enter the command "whoami" <return>, and the computer will remind you.   
::* If you are unsure whether you are already in the "dialup" group, enter the command "groups" <return>, and the computer will list the groups that you are in.
+
::* If you are unsure whether you are already in the "dialout" group, enter the command <code>groups</code> <return>, and the computer will list the groups that you are in.
:* After changing groups, you need to log out and log back in for the change to take effect.
+
:* After changing groups, you need to fully log out and log back in for the change to take effect.
  
  
sudo usermod -a -G dialout <myUserName>"
+
===Troubleshooting===
 +
: If your permissions are not correct (your user is not in the dialout group), you may get consistent "Unable to connect to AxiDraw" type error messages.
 +
: Some linux distributions use a ''different'' group name than dialout, which could possibly be one of the following: "[https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Users_and_groups#User_groups uucp]", "serial", "tty", "plugdev", or something else entirely. If dialout doesn't seem to be working, try <code>ls -l /dev/ttyACM*</code>. The result will usually look something like "crw-rw---- 1 root dialout [...]". If something other than "dialout" is listed there, that is the name of the [https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Users_and_groups#Group_management group] that has permission ownership of the serial ports.
 +
: If nothing appears under <code>ls -l /dev/ttyACM*</code>, then one of the following is likely the case:
 +
::* The USB cable is not connected
 +
::* The USB cable or adapter is not functional, or does not have the right internal wiring.
 +
::* Your linux kernel was compiled without the necessary support for USB devices, typically "CDC ACM", which is disabled by default on some distributions.
 +
: If you encounter difficulty installing or using the software,  please request assistance through [https://shop.evilmadscientist.com/contact our contact form] or through our [https://axidraw.com/chat Discord chat].
  
Debian Wheezy install instructions(command line):
+
== Firmware Update ==
:* Download the latest Inkscape extension .ZIP file from the downloads section of the [https://github.com/evil-mad/AxiDraw/releases/latest AxiDraw Releases page].
 
:* Open up a terminal window, enter the command  ,<return>, where you type your user name instead of  ''UserName''  (And, no quotation marks.):
 
"sudo apt-get install inkscape"
 
"sudo apt-get install unzip python-lxml"
 
unzip the latest Inkscape extension .ZIP file into
 
/home/'UserName'/.config/inkscape/extensions
 
Than you can use the AxiDraw extension for Inkscape by type:
 
"inkscape"  <return>
 
  
Troubleshooting
+
We encourage all AxiDraw users to update the latest firmware version, if you are not already using it. Once your AxiDraw software is up and running, you can check which version of the firmware you have by selecting the "Config" tab of AxiDraw Control and clicking Apply.
: If your permissions are not correct (your user is not in the dialout group), you may get consistent "Unable to find an AxiDraw" type error messages.
 
: If the AxiDraw menu doesn't appear in Inkscape, verify that when you've extract the zip file, all the .py files are inside .config/inkscape/extensions/ folder (you might have extracted the entire AxiDraw folder, and .py files might be misplaced)
 
  
 +
EBB Firmware versions 2.4.6 and newer contain performance improvements and bug fixes that can prevent certain types of errors.
  
 +
To update your firmware, please follow the directions [[Updating_EBB_firmware|here]].
  
  
== Firmware Update ==
+
== AxiDraw APIs ==
 
 
We encourage all AxiDraw users to update the latest firmware version, which is "EBB" firmware version 2.6.5. Once your AxiDraw software is up and running, you can check which version of the firmware you have by selecting the "Config" tab of AxiDraw Control and clicking Apply.
 
 
 
EBB Firmware versions 2.4.6 and newer contain performance improvements and bug fixes that can prevent certain types of errors.
 
  
To update your firmware, please follow the directions [[Updating_EBB_firmware|here]].
+
In addition to the Inkscape-based software discussed on this page, the AxiDraw software is also available in a full featured [https://axidraw.com/doc/cli_api/ CLI version]  (command-line interface) and [https://axidraw.com/doc/py_api/ Python library], both of which are suitable for use when you don't need a graphical interface, or for working with scripting and automation.

Latest revision as of 16:41, 29 February 2024

  This wiki page is part of our AxiDraw documentation

Please click here to return to the AxiDraw overview.

AxiDraw is designed to work well on Mac, Windows, and Linux computers. To use it, you'll need to install certain software on your computer. Please read below for specific instructions for Mac, Windows, and Linux.

The current software version is v. 3.9.5, released in December 2023, and requires Inkscape 1.0 or newer. Inkscape 1.2 or newer is recommended. The AxiDraw software installers (and manual installation bundles) include the AxiDraw, EggBot, and WaterColorBot software for Inkscape.

Mac[edit]

For recent macOS, 10.15, up through macOS 13 Ventura[edit]

Our primary release of the AxiDraw software is available for Inkscape 1.3, and works under macOS 10.15 through macOS 13 Ventura, and both Intel and Apple Silicon architectures.

1. Download and run the AxiDraw installer (32 MB).
2. Download and install Inkscape for Mac. (Versions for Intel and Apple Silicon processors are available. If you have an older computer and aren't sure which you have, pick Intel.)


For older macOS, 10.13 - 10.14[edit]

Download and run the same AxiDraw software installer as above, but install Inkscape 1.2 for Mac.


For older macOS, 10.11 - 10.12[edit]

Download and run the same AxiDraw software installer as above, but install Inkscape 1.1 for Mac.


Legacy install for older macOS 10.7 - 10.10[edit]

An older release of the software is based on Inkscape 0.92, and works under macOS 10.7-10.10.

1. Download and open the AxiDraw Mac bundle DMG
2. Run the XQuartz installer included in that DMG (disk image) file.
3. Drag the included copy of Inkscape to your "Applications" folder.
4. Eject the disk image (DMG).


Alternative (Manual) install for Mac[edit]

If you already have Inkscape 1.0 or newer installed on your computer, you can also manually install the AxiDraw extensions.
1. Download the software in this ZIP archive (31 MB), and unzip it. (Your computer may unzip the archive automatically for you.)
2. Locate and open your Inkscape user extensions directory. You can find this location as follows:
A. Open Inkscape
B. From the menu, select Inkscape > Preferences
C. Select System from the list on the left panel of the preferences window.
D. On the right-hand panel is a list of directory locations. Click the "Open" button to the right of the "User extensions" folder location.
3. Copy the contents of the ZIP archive that you downloaded (35 items total; 32 files and 3 subfolders) into your Inkscape extensions directory, overwriting any files and directories with the same names.
4. Launch Inkscape, or quit and re-launch it if it is open.


Troubleshooting[edit]

  • If you are using macOS Ventura and have trouble connecting, check to see if your computer has blocked access to USB accessories.
  • If you encounter difficulty installing or using the software, please request assistance through our contact form or through our Discord chat.
  • If there is any chance that a problem you encounter is specific to AxiDraw software or hardware, it is important that you do not directly seek assistance through Inkscape's support resources. You're much more likely to get your problem solved by asking people who know about AxiDraw. And, we'd like the Inkscape team to be ready to help us when we do encounter Inkscape-specific issues.


Windows[edit]

Installation[edit]

1. Download and run the AxiDraw software installer for Windows: Download link (24 MB ZIP archive)
  • The installer is an executable, named "AxiDraw Install.exe"; Unzip, open, and run it.
2. Download and install Inkscape from the download page at Inkscape.org. (Most users will want the 64-bit version and the "MSI" installer.)
  • If you need additional assistance for installing Inkscape, you may be able to find good advice at the the Inkscape wiki and/or the Inkscape Forums. Please do not use Inkscape support resources for AxiDraw-specific issues-- see note below about troubleshooting.


Alternative (Manual) install for Windows[edit]

If you already have Inkscape 1.0 or newer installed on your computer, you also manually install the AxiDraw extensions. For Windows 8 and older versions, please use the installer above for the first time that you install AxiDraw software, as the installer also includes a necessary USB driver. (You can use the manual method for subsequent installs and upgrades, and for Windows 10, which does not require the USB driver.)
1. Download the software in this ZIP archive (27 MB), and unzip it. (Your computer may unzip the archive automatically for you.)
2. Locate and open your Inkscape user extensions directory. You can find this location as follows:
A. Open Inkscape
B. From the menu, select Edit > Preferences
C. Select System from the list on the left panel of the preferences window.
D. On the right-hand panel is a list of directory locations. Click the "Open" button to the right of the "User extensions" folder location.
3. Copy the contents of the ZIP archive (approximately 35 items including 3 subdirectories) into your Inkscape User extensions directory. Make sure that you copy all of these files, not just some of the files, and not just a folder containing these files.
4. Launch Inkscape, or quit and re-launch it if it is open.


Troubleshooting[edit]

Your software should now be set up to work correctly.
  • If you encounter difficulty installing or using the software, please request assistance through our contact form or through our Discord chat.
  • If there is any chance that a problem you encounter is specific to AxiDraw software or hardware, it is important that you do not directly seek assistance through Inkscape's support resources. You're much more likely to get your problem solved by asking people who know about AxiDraw. And, we'd like the Inkscape team to be ready to help us when we do encounter Inkscape-specific issues.


Linux[edit]

The AxiDraw extensions for Inkscape have been developed and tested extensively under Ubuntu. We expect them to work equally well in most Ubuntu derivatives and other distributions where Inkscape is known to work. However, we do not have the capability to test every distribution. If you are unsure if your distribution will work, try to install Inkscape, and see if it appears to launch and run correctly. (We do also have python-based command-line tools available to run the AxiDraw, even on systems where Inkscape is not supported.) We are currently producing separate builds for linux on x86 and ARM (e.g., Linux on Apple Silicon).

Working with Inkscape[edit]

  • Install Inkscape 1.0 or newer on your computer. Where possible, we recommend to install via the appimage version available here. For some Linux distributions, installing Inkscape may require looking up distribution-specific information. See here for additional information.
  • Launch Inkscape, and select Edit > Preferences from the menu, and then select the System entry. That should list the location of your User extensions directory.
  • For x86, download the software in this ZIP archive (39 MB).
  • For ARM, download the software in this ZIP archive (41 MB).
  • Unzip the archive and copy its contents (approximately 35 items including 3 subdirectories) into your Inkscape User extensions directory and relaunch Inkscape. Make sure that you copy all of these items, not just some of them, and not just a folder containing these files.


About adding your user account to the "dialout" group[edit]

In modern Linux releases, it is often necessary to change your user permissions, to explicitly grant access to the USB port where the AxiDraw is located. This can be done by adding your user group to the "dialout" user group on your system.
  • Open up a terminal window
  • For most distributions (including Fedora and Ubuntu), enter the command sudo usermod -a -G dialout <myUserName> <return>, replacing the <myUserName> part with the user that is running Inkscape (and without the angle brackets!).
  • If you are unsure of your user name, enter the command "whoami" <return>, and the computer will remind you.
  • If you are unsure whether you are already in the "dialout" group, enter the command groups <return>, and the computer will list the groups that you are in.
  • After changing groups, you need to fully log out and log back in for the change to take effect.


Troubleshooting[edit]

If your permissions are not correct (your user is not in the dialout group), you may get consistent "Unable to connect to AxiDraw" type error messages.
Some linux distributions use a different group name than dialout, which could possibly be one of the following: "uucp", "serial", "tty", "plugdev", or something else entirely. If dialout doesn't seem to be working, try ls -l /dev/ttyACM*. The result will usually look something like "crw-rw---- 1 root dialout [...]". If something other than "dialout" is listed there, that is the name of the group that has permission ownership of the serial ports.
If nothing appears under ls -l /dev/ttyACM*, then one of the following is likely the case:
  • The USB cable is not connected
  • The USB cable or adapter is not functional, or does not have the right internal wiring.
  • Your linux kernel was compiled without the necessary support for USB devices, typically "CDC ACM", which is disabled by default on some distributions.
If you encounter difficulty installing or using the software, please request assistance through our contact form or through our Discord chat.

Firmware Update[edit]

We encourage all AxiDraw users to update the latest firmware version, if you are not already using it. Once your AxiDraw software is up and running, you can check which version of the firmware you have by selecting the "Config" tab of AxiDraw Control and clicking Apply.

EBB Firmware versions 2.4.6 and newer contain performance improvements and bug fixes that can prevent certain types of errors.

To update your firmware, please follow the directions here.


AxiDraw APIs[edit]

In addition to the Inkscape-based software discussed on this page, the AxiDraw software is also available in a full featured CLI version (command-line interface) and Python library, both of which are suitable for use when you don't need a graphical interface, or for working with scripting and automation.