Vinyl & application
What is plotter?
Also called: Vinyl cutter, cutting plotter
A plotter is the machine that cuts shapes and lettering into vinyl with a small drag blade, following vector paths from the design file.
It only understands vectors — paths, not pixels — which is why cut jobs demand vector artwork and why a JPEG logo has to be redrawn before it can become cut lettering. Blade depth, downforce and speed are set per material.
Print-and-cut shops pair the plotter with a printer via registration marks; dedicated cut work runs straight from the design. The consumables that actually matter are blades and the cutting strip they drag across — both worn out quietly, both blamed on the vinyl first.
Related terms
Software that speaks the trade
PrinterFlo runs print & sign shops on one board — quotes that price by size and material, proofs approved from one link, and a production checklist the quote writes for you.