PlotDevice

A Python-based graphics language for
designers, developers, and tinkerers

A Scriptable Graphics Factory

PlotDevice is a Macintosh application that lets you write Python scripts to generate 2D graphics using simple drawing commands.
   Under the hood, your code drives the system's Quartz imaging engine, giving your scripts the same graphical power as a full-fledged Cocoa app.

Your code can combine basic geometric shapes, typography, freeform Bézier curves, and a panoply of image formats. This omnivorousness makes PlotDevice ideal for both workaday tasks like image-processing as well as more exotic
uses ranging from procedural texture generation to data visualization.

Write once, export everywhere

PlotDevice is more than just an updated version of Logo. The graphics you create in the app can be exported to a variety of popular file-types.
   In fact, without changing a single line of code, a script can generate bitmaps (PNG, JPEG, HEIC, or TIFF) or scalable vector images (PDF or EPS). Whether you're designing for print or screen, PlotDevice speaks your language.

In addition to static images, your scripts can easily generate multi-frame animations. Movies can be exported as H.265-encoded QuickTimes, animated GIFs, and even PDF ‘flipbooks’.
   PlotDevice lets you focus on the design first and only worry about the production details as necessary.

Draw with code

The application gives you everything you need to start writing programs that draw to a virtual canvas. It features a text editor with syntax highlighting and tab completion plus a zoomable graphics viewer and a variety of export options.
   PlotDevice's simple but com­pre­hen­sive set of graphics commands will be familiar to users of similar graphics tools like NodeBox or Processing. And if you're new to programming, you'll find there's nothing better than being able to see the results of your code as you learn to think like a computer.

Iterate and Automate

The scripts you write in PlotDevice are useful even outside of the app. You can use the included command line tool to run scripts and export images from the Terminal. The graphics routines can be imported from your own external Python scripts using the PlotDevice module, leaving your code in the driver's seat.

PlotDevice also provides a form of graphics sneakernet using the clipboard. Within the app you can copy the graphical output as a PDF and paste it into the illustration program of your choice. This allows for semi-automated designs combining code-driven structure and handmade detailing.

Fully Documented

The PlotDevice Reference describes the ins and outs of the drawing commands and datatypes available to your scripts. The entries discuss each command's syntax and demonstrate their use.

Those looking for a more narrative walk through the API will want to dive into
the Tutorial – a short book describing the PlotDevice drawing model and how to use it efficiently and expressively.

Perhaps the best way to learn a new language is to look at sample code. The app comes with a slew of terrific scripts written by Tom De Smedt which are accessible from the “Examples” menu.

Examples