A plotter is very similar to a printer, except that a plotter works by plotting vectors. Where a printer can only draw a representation of a line with a series of closely spaced dots, a plotter can actually draw a continuous line, making the images produced by a plotter more accurate and crisp. This technology is primarily used in technical fields, such as computer-aided drafting and engineering.

There are a few different types of plotters: pen plotters and electrostatic plotters. On a pen plotter, the paper is fixed to a flat surface, and pens are moved across the paper to produce the image. The user may use different colors to represent different lines.

The electrostatic plotter uses positively charged toner that is attracted to negatively charged paper. These electrostatic plotters print in black and white or color and are usually wide format, meaning they can accommodate very large pieces of paper. The largest wide format plotter can print images 60 inches wide and up to 300 feet long. Many of the newer electrostatic plotters work similarly to laser printers.

A vinyl cutter can be used with a plotter when creating signage. Many companies who make large vinyl signs regularly invest in these large-format plotters because they can create ready-to-use signs with professional edges. Some of these high-quality plotters and cutters can print signs up to 65 inches wide and even come with a laminating feature.