SWONOS DesignWorks Pro
In active development
Design and layout
SWONOS DesignWorks Pro is an independently developed design application for sophisticated layouts, vector graphics and complex creative projects. Documents, text, images and geometric objects are edited in one workspace.
Vector-based design
Geometrically defined shapes and paths are a key focus. They remain precise when scaled and provide the basis for cutting contours. Raster images can also be incorporated.
FontStyle text design
FontStyle extends conventional text formatting with geometric text placement, distortions and visual effects. The resulting lettering can be reused as scalable vector objects.
Integrated plotter support
Direct control of compatible cutting plotters is a development objective. A device-independent cutting-job model is designed to pass geometric paths to manufacturer-specific adapters. Cutting previews and contour preparation are being developed; broad model compatibility has not been confirmed. The Graphtec CE LITE-50 is the first physical reference device.
Graphtec: first reference manufacturer. Graphtec is the first contacted plotter manufacturer to provide an SDK with device-specific development information. This enables targeted evaluation of integration into SWONOS DesignWorks Pro. Working plotter output, supported models and an official partnership have not yet been confirmed.
Graphtec plotter models integrated in software
Based on technical protocols and command sets provided by Graphtec, the following 33 model profiles are integrated into the SWONOS DesignWorks Pro plotter interface at software level.
- CE LITE: CE LITE-50
- CE5000: CE5000-40-CRP, CE5000-60, CE5000-120
- CE6000: CE6000-40, CE6000-60, CE6000-120, CE6000-40Plus, CE6000-60Plus, CE6000-120Plus
- CE7000: CE7000-40, CE7000-60, CE7000-130, CE7000-160, CE7000AP
- CE8000: CE8000-40, CE8000-60, CE8000-130, CE8000AP
- Series profiles: FC2250 series, FC4500 series, FC4510 series, FC8000 series, FC8600 series
- FC9000: FC9000-75, FC9000-100, FC9000-140, FC9000-160
- FCX2000: FCX2000-60, FCX2000-120, FCX2000-180
- FCX4000: FCX4000-50, FCX4000-60
28 individual model profiles and five series profiles. Integration has been checked with HP-GL/GP-GL simulations; this does not constitute a physical test of every listed device.
The SWDW document format
The independently developed .swdw format is a structured binary container for pages, text, vector objects and associated design data. Integrity checks help detect damaged or unintentionally changed document data.
Development screenshots
Original screenshots show the workspace, FontStyle, vector tools, and path and contour editing. The interface is still evolving.
Information for device manufacturers
Technical interface specifications, SDKs and device protocols have been requested for manufacturer-specific plotter adapters. These enquiries do not imply confirmed partnerships, certifications or general model approvals. Manufacturers and technical contacts can reach the project at
Development outlook
Development focuses on mature layout and vector tools, reliable document processing and gradual integration of direct plotter output. A release date will be announced only after sufficient testing.