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Documentation Index

Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/howtodo1/printer-web/llms.txt

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PenPrint gives you three fields to configure before generating a GCODE file: the command that raises the pen, the command that lowers it onto the paper, and the movement speed. These fields appear directly above the canvas. Getting them right is essential — an incorrect Z value can result in the pen missing the paper entirely or crashing the nozzle into the bed.

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The three fields

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GCODE UP

GCODE UP is the GCODE command that lifts the pen off the paper. The printer executes this command whenever it needs to travel between strokes without drawing. Default value: G0 Z10 Set this to the Z height you identified during hardware calibration — the height at which the pen tip fully clears the paper. Any valid GCODE movement command works here.

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GCODE DOWN

GCODE DOWN is the GCODE command that lowers the pen onto the paper. The printer executes this at the start of each drawn stroke. Default value: G0 Z5 Set this to the Z height at which the pen tip makes clean, consistent contact with the paper.
If your GCODE DOWN value is too low, the pen will press too hard against the paper or bed. This can tear the paper, deflect the pen mount, or — in the worst case — crash the nozzle. Always verify Z levels carefully before running a full print. See hardware setup for calibration instructions.

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SPEED

SPEED is the movement speed in millimeters per second (mm/s). PenPrint converts this value to GCODE feedrate units (mm/min) by multiplying by 60. Default value: 22 mm/s → feedrate F1320 Lower speeds produce more consistent pen contact and sharper lines. Higher speeds shorten print time but can cause the pen to skip or smear on fast direction changes.

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How the values appear in the output file

PenPrint generates GCODE by substituting your values into a template. The substitutions work as follows:
Placeholder in templateReplaced with
{UP}Your GCODE UP command (e.g., G0 Z10)
{DOWN}Your GCODE DOWN command (e.g., G0 Z5)
{SPEED}F followed by your speed × 60 (e.g., F1320 for 22 mm/s)

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Automatic preamble

Every downloaded GCODE file begins with an automatically generated preamble: 
G21
G90
G0 Z10
G28 X Y
The lines mean:
  • G21 — set units to millimeters
  • G90 — use absolute positioning
  • Your GCODE UP command (pen raised before homing)
  • G28 X Y — home the X and Y axes
The pen is raised before homing so it does not drag across the paper during the homing move.

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Example output

With the default settings (GCODE UP = G0 Z10, GCODE DOWN = G0 Z5, SPEED = 22 mm/s), a typical output file looks like this: 
G21
G90
G0 Z10
G28 X Y
G0 Z10
G0 X10 Y10 F1320
G0 Z5
G0 X30 Y10 F1320
G0 Z10
G0 X30 Y30 F1320
G0 Z5
G0 X10 Y30 F1320
G0 Z10
The printer raises the pen (G0 Z10) to travel between strokes, lowers it (G0 Z5) to draw, and moves at feedrate F1320 (22 mm/s × 60).

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Next steps

Once your settings are configured, you are ready to generate and run your first GCODE file.

Generate and run GCODE

Preview pen strokes, download the GCODE file, and run your print.

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