EDGE Ploting Plugin Installation

Created by Sunny Hart, Modified on Mon, 13 Apr at 5:59 PM by Sunny Hart

STEKEDGE • Plotting Plugin

Plotting Plugin: Install, Connect, and Start Plotting from STEKEDGE

Download the plotting plugin, install it on your computer, connect it to the same STEKEDGE account and workspace, and prepare your plotter for plotting.

Purpose: Download, install, connect, and prepare the plotting plugin so STEKEDGE can communicate with your plotter.

Applies to: STEKEDGE — Settings → Plotter

Time to complete: ~5–10 minutes

Audience: Installer / Shop staff / Plotter setup user

Important: The plugin and STEK EDGE must be logged into with the same account and the same workspace for the connection to work correctly.

Why this matters

Problem: STEKEDGE needs a local connection layer to send jobs from the browser to a plotter.
What STEKEDGE improves: The Plotting Plugin creates the bridge between your STEKEDGE workspace and the plotter connected to your computer.
Result: A working path from STEKEDGE to the plotter so you can start plotting.

What this feature does

What it is: A desktop plugin that links your STEKEDGE session and your connected plotter.
What it helps you do: Download, install, sign in, connect, and send plot jobs.
What it does not do (optional): It does not replace correct plotter drivers, firmware, or command-language setup.

Videos

Video

Video — Plotting Plugin (Download, Install, Connect, Start Plotting)

Covers: Where to find the plugin, how to install it, how to log in correctly, and what to check before plotting.

When to use: Before your first plot, or whenever you set up plotting on a new computer.

Before you start

You need: Access to STEKEDGE, a supported computer, and a supported plotter connection.
Required: Install the plugin on the same computer connected to the plotter, or keep the plotter on the same network if LAN/Wi‑Fi is supported.
Terms used (optional): Plugin = desktop bridge; Workspace = STEKEDGE account environment; HPGL = plotter command language.

Supported plotter connections

Graphtec via USB, LAN, or Wi‑Fi
STEK via USB
GCC via USB
Gunner via USB
Roland via USB

Requirements

At least 350 MB of free disk space
Official plotter driver installed
Same network for LAN connections
USB connected to the same computer where the plugin is installed and STEKEDGE is accessed
Plotter command language set to HPGL when available

How to use it

Workflow

Workflow A — Download the plotting plugin from STEKEDGE

Open Plotter Settings (app.stekedge.com/settings/plotter)
Where: STEKEDGE → left-side panel → Settings → Plotter
Do: Open Settings.
Expected result: Plugin download options for Windows and Mac appear.
Download Plotting Plugin
Where: Plotter Settings
Do: Choose the correct installer and click Download Plugin.
Expected result: Installer package is downloaded.

Workflow

Workflow B — Install the plotting plugin

Extract the file
Where: Downloads folder
Do: Extract the .zip if needed.
Expected result: Installer files are available.
Run the installer
Where: Extracted files
Do: Launch the installer and complete setup.
Expected result: Plugin is installed.
Open the plugin
Where: Installed applications/programs
Do: Launch the plugin.
Expected result: Plugin window opens and is ready for login.

Workflow

Workflow C — Log in and connect correctly

Open STEKEDGE in your browser (app.stekedge.com)
Where: Web browser
Do: Sign in to STEKEDGE.
Expected result: Your workspace is open.
Log in to the plugin
Where: Plotting Plugin
Do: Sign in with the same credentials as for STEKEDGE.
Expected result: Plugin authenticates successfully.
Match the workspace
Where: Plugin + STEKEDGE session
Do: Select the same workspace in the plugin as in STEKEDGE.
Expected result: Browser and plugin are connected correctly.

Workflow

Workflow D — Prepare the plotter

Install the official plotter driver
Confirm the physical or network connection between the plotter and the computer.

Expected result: The computer and plugin can communicate correctly with the plotter.

Workflow

Workflow E — Add plotter to the plugin

In the plotting plugin, click the “Add Plotter” button and fill out all fields in the pop-up window.

Expected result: The plotter is added to the plugin.

Workflow

Workflow F — Start plotting

Confirm the plugin is connected and keep the plugin open
Return to STEKEDGE and prepare the plotting job
Start plotting

Expected result: The plotting job is sent from STEKEDGE through the plugin to the plotter.

Tips and Recommended Precautions

Keep the plugin open while plotting.
Always use the same account and workspace in both the browser and plugin.
Run a blade-free test plot before a final cut, especially on new setups.
Do not install the blade during the first test plot so you can verify connection, scale, and alignment safely.
Keep plotter firmware and drivers up to date before testing with STEKEDGE.

Common mistakes

Mistake: Installing the plugin on a different computer than the one connected to the plotter → Fix: Install the plugin on the same computer.
Mistake: Logging into a different account or workspace → Fix: Match account and workspace exactly.

Troubleshooting

Issue: Plugin installed, but the plotter does not respond
Cause: Missing driver, wrong connection, or wrong command language
Fix: Install the official driver, verify USB/LAN/Wi‑Fi, and confirm HPGL or AUTO plotter command language.

Issue: STEKEDGE does not connect to the plugin correctly
Cause: The plugin and STEKEDGE are not using the same account/workspace
Fix: Sign in again in both places using the same credentials and workspace.

Wrap-up

You downloaded the plotting plugin, installed it on your computer, connected it using the same account and workspace, and prepared your plotter for communication. Once the connection is correct, you can begin to plot.