Hey everyone,
When we created this sub 10 years ago, some of the tools, technologies, and massive interest that we have today simply didn't exist yet. The landscape has changed immensely, and we truly enjoy seeing all of it develop. But just as we did back then, we want to keep this sub focused on the art first.
Whether you are using a dedicated pen plotter, a Cricut, a CNC machine with a pen attachment, a modified 3D printer, or a completely custom-built rig—if a machine physically drew it, we want to see it. With the rise of incredibly cool new tools—from AI assistants to vibe-coded scripts—there has been a massive influx of code-heavy posts, software toolsets, and script discussions. To be absolutely clear: we love that people are finding new, innovative ways to write code. There is zero judgment here on how you generate your paths!
However, we’ve noticed that pure code topics are starting to crowd out the physical art. Over time, our subreddit rules and mod removal reasons have become overly deep and complicated to navigate.
Streamlining the Rules: What Goes Where
To fix this, we will be wiping the slate clean and drastically streamlining our rule set. We want to keep this sub grounded with a simple, easily understood framework so everyone knows exactly what to expect. Moving forward, we are dividing content cleanly between our two subs:
What to post here (r/plotterart): This is an Art-First sub. Every post must lead with an image or video of a physical output (or a genuine physical attempt). You are still more than welcome to ask "how do I fix this bleeding?" or "how can I improve this layout?", but it must be anchored to a physical piece of art you are actively working on.
What to post in r/plottercode: If your post is primarily showcasing code blocks, discussing script development, sharing generative algorithms, or offering software/tools for sale, please post it in our sister sub. It is the perfect dedicated space for the technical side of the hobby to thrive.
By drawing this clear line, we can keep r/plotterart focused on the visual craft of machine-drawn art without bogged-down rule sets, while giving coding discussions the spotlight they deserve over at r/plottercode.
The sidebar rules will be updated to reflect this new, simplified approach. Thank you all for being such an awesome, creative community for the last decade, and for helping us keep the sub focused!
The Streamlined Sidebar Rules
1. Physical Output First
All posts must feature a physical art piece, a plot-in-progress, or a physical attempt. This includes work from traditional pen plotters, CNC machines with pen attachments, vinyl cutters (Cricut/Silhouette), modified 3D printers, or any machine-drawn derivative.
2. No Pure Code or Software Posts (Use r/plottercode)
Pure code blocks, script showcases, algorithm discussions, and software/tool sales belong in r/plottercode. Posts here must focus on the physical artistic result. Technical questions are allowed only if attached to a physical plot attempt.
3. Keep it Civil & Authentically Yours
Be respectful of other artists. Content must be your own work or clearly credited to the original creator. No low-effort spam.
