How to Use the xTool M1 Ultra Pen Tool: A Step-by-Step Guide

The xTool M1 Ultra is a versatile and powerful crafting machine that can handle a variety of creative projects – one of it’s unique tools is the pen tool. This new M1 feature allows you to draw intricate designs on different materials with precision and ease.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to use the Pen Tool on the xTool M1 Ultra to create a variety of projects. The projects you’ll see in the video demonstration include a draw and cut gift tag, addressed envelope, drawing on a chipboard gift tag, bookmark, card with multiple colors and gold foil, and print and cut birthday party favor.

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Getting Started with the xTool M1 Ultra Pen Tool

Before we dive into the projects, let’s ensure you have everything set up correctly in your xTool M1 Ultra.

1. Unbox and set up: Make sure your xTool M1 Ultra is properly set up and connected to your computer. Follow the instructions in their user manual or how to website to complete the setup.
2. Remove the cap from your pen. This is an important step because you cannot install the pen with the cap on.
3. Place the pen in the pen holder: Insert the pen with the writing end through the end that is not fully solid (see image below).

4. Install the pen holder in the machine. Remove the cover from the left carriage, called the basic carriage. Open the small lever to open up to the tool holder. Place the pen, drawing side down, into the tool holder. Push gently on the lever to close it and lock it securely in place.

5. Choose your correct process in the xTool Creative Space software. On the right-hand side panel, you’ll need to select pen drawing process. If you’re using more than one module, select multi-module. Then select the pen tool for the portion of your project you want to use the pen tool with.
6. Change your settings for your specific project. Select your material you’re using or use custom settings. Make sure to select your pen color if you’ll be using more than one color.

How to use the Pen Tool on the xTool M1 Ultra

Watch the video for how I use the pen tool to create multiple projects with my M1 Ultra. If you prefer written directions, I have included basic directions below the video.

Design Files Used in the Projects Above

• Happy Birthday print and cut font: Worry Lines
• Happy Birthday Cursive (chipboard)
• Flower (bookmark)
• Envelope fonts: Astutely Cursive Font & Norfleet Sketch Print Font
• Crayon holder party favor or Valentine card SVG base
• Crayon holder Peace Van image
• Christmas tree design

Basic Steps for a Draw-Only Project

This is the basic process for drawing using the pen tool on the M1 Ultra.

1. Load Your material: Place your sticky mat into the machine if you’re using a thin material like paper, gift bag, chipboard, etc. Make sure it is secure on the mat because you don’t want it to move while drawing.
2. Use the snapshot preview or marking. This will give you a canvas for your design.
3. Design your project: In the xTool Creative Space, design your project. Choose the shape and size, and add any text or single line designs you want to draw.
4. Select the pen tool process option: On the right-hand side panel, select the Pen Tool.
5. Select the material. In the same panel, select the material you’ll be drawing on.
6. Select the settings for each layer of the design. Click on each layer or grouping of layers of your design and select it’s settings which include the pen color, drawing speed, and pressure. You can use the pre-loaded xTool settings for your material or use your own custom settings. If using multiple colors, it’s extremely important to select the pen color.
7. Process the design: Click the process button in the bottom right corner.
8. If using more than one color, install your correct pen color for each step. If you are using more than one color, the software will tell you which pen color to install for each step. Make sure to follow the directions on the screen to ensure the correct colors get used for each portion of the design.
9. Finish Up: Remove your design from the mat. Make sure to remove your pen and replace its cap.

Basic Steps for a Multi-Tool Process

This is the basic process for drawing using the pen tool on the M1 Ultra and using a secondary tool such as cutting, gold foil, lasering, etc.

The following options are available to use with the multi module design:

• cutting blade
• rotary blade
• fine-point blade
• foil transfer tip
• laser module

1. Load your material. For cutting, rotary, fine-point blade, or foil transfer tip, place your sticky mat into the machine if you’re using a thin material like paper, gift bag, chipboard, etc. Make sure it is secure on the mat because you don’t want it to move while drawing. For lasering, place your object onto the baseplate or honeycomb. Make sure it is secure because you don’t want your design to move while drawing. When lasering, remove the pen after the drawing process but BEFORE the lasering.
2. Use the snapshot preview or marking. This will give you a canvas for your design.
3. Design your project: In the xTool Creative Space, design your project. Choose the shape and size, and add any text or single line designs you want to draw.
4. Select the multi-module process option: On the right-hand side panel, select the multi module process.
5. Select the material. In the same panel, select the material.
6. Select the settings for each layer of the design. Click on each layer or grouping of layers of your design and select which tool you’ll be using for that layer and it’s settings. You can use the pre-loaded xTool settings for your material or use your own custom settings. If using multiple colors, it’s extremely important to select the pen color.
7. Process the design: Click the process button in the bottom right corner.
8. Follow the on-screen directions. The screen will tell you which pen color to use or which tools will be getting used. If you’re only using one color pen, it will process both the left and right carriage at the same time. If you’re using more than one pen color, it will pause between each color and ask you to install the correct pen color for each step.
9. Finish Up: Remove your design from the mat. Make sure to remove your pen and replace its cap.

**Important Note for Lasering: make sure to remove the pen tool before the lasering occurs. The high heat could damage the pen.

Design with the Pen Tool in Mind

When working with the pen tool, remember that the pen tool capabilities are similar to that of someone drawing with a pen by hand. It’s not like a printer – you won’t be getting a full printed image.

Instead, it’s more like a doodle. It will be outlining and drawing single line strokes. This includes for your fonts so you’ll want to use single-line fonts for the best result.

Create or Use Single Line Designs

Single line vector designs, also known as single line drawings, are graphics that consist of continuous, unbroken lines to form images or text.

Unlike traditional vector designs that use filled shapes and multiple lines to create detailed graphics, single line vectors rely on a single path to outline an image or text, creating a minimalist and clean look.

This means they are not filled in like a traditional jpg or png image.

Not interested in creating your own designs?

xTool has a great library of designs ready to use. Click the home button in your xTool Creative Space to browse the projects.

Creative Fabrica has some great single line options you can download. I have their inexpensive monthly subscription (so worth it) and use it to download single-line designs.

ETSY is another great option to find single line designs.

To find these type of designs, here are some keywords to use in your search:

• single line design or single line SVG
• foil quill design or foil quill SVG
• score design or score svg
• emboss design or emboss svg

What are Some Good Fonts for the Pen Tool?

xTool Creative Space comes with a few single line fonts installed. If you are looking for some additional fonts, again, I would suggest using Creative Fabrica or ETSY.

If you purchase their inexpensive monthly subscription, you’ll easily be able to get your moneys-worth in single line fonts.

Some of my favorite font options are:

• Astutely
• Norfleet Sketch
• Partly Notes
• Pinsetter Line
• Boisterous Sketch
• ETSY bundle #1 (33 fonts)
• ETSY bundle #2 (only 6 fonts but they’re stunning, high-quality fonts)

xTool M1 Ultra Pen Tool FAQs

Q1. Can you use a brand other than xTool?

A1. Yes! xTool currently pen tool can be used with the included fine liner pens or any compatible third-party pens.

Q2. What other brands fit the pen tool?

A2. The xTool is compatible with Cricut size pens. Thankfully they have a variety of pen options including off-brand pen options and Cricuts infusable ink line that works with sublimation blanks.

Q3. What fonts are best to use for the pen tool?

A4. Single line fonts are your best option for the pen tool if you don’t want to have an outline of your words. Single line fonts are only one single line so they will draw the font exactly as you see it on the screen and like handwriting.

Q4. What speed is best to use for the pen?

A4. I have found that the pen tool works best at faster speeds (speed 300 and up). But, it will depend on how much ink you want to transfer to your project.

If you are using paper or an absorbent material, the slower the pen tool is, the more the material will be saturated. Think of it when you push a marker to a piece of paper – the longer you hold it there, the more ink is absorbed into the paper.

If you are use a smooth surface (such as tile or a ceramic plate), I would suggest also using a faster speed so that you don’t have too much ink (which could cause smearing).

Q5. Can you use more than one pen color in a design?

A5. Yes! For each color, select the pen color in the right-hand panel. When you process the design, the program will prompt you to install the correct color for each step.

Q6. Can you draw on items other than paper?
A6. Yes, but you need to watch for the thickness. The pen tool can only draw on objects up to 3 mm thick on the baseplate. If you are using a riser base, you may be able to write on thicker items by lowering the baseplate BUT I have not attempted this yet.

Conclusion

The xTool M1 Ultra Pen Tool opens up a world of possibilities for creating personalized and intricate, single-line designs on various materials. From gift tags and bookmarks to gift bags and cards, the Pen Tool makes it easy to add a unique touch to your projects. With its user-friendly setup and versatile capabilities, the M1 Ultra is an essential tool for any DIY enthusiast.