This Linux setup guide is tested with a Redsail RS720C on Ubuntu and Linux Mint.
Note on Inkscape extensions (Inkcut / others)
No additional Inkscape extensions were required for this setup. Some guides recommend installing tools like Inkcut for sending jobs to vinyl cutters or plotters. However, in this setup with the Redsail RS720C, this was not necessary.
The cutter works directly using the built-in Inkscape plot/export functionality.
1. Remove Snap version of Inkscape (important if installed via Snap, e.g. Ubuntu)
sudo snap remove inkscape
Ensures Inkscape is not sandboxed. Snap can block USB/serial access and cause: “Could not open serial port”
2. Install required software
sudo apt update
sudo apt install inkscape python3-serial
Installs:
- Inkscape (vector design tool used to create and send cut files)
- Python serial support (required for USB communication with the cutter)
3. Fix USB permissions
sudo usermod -a -G dialout $USER
Allows your user account to access serial devices like /dev/ttyUSB0.
IMPORTANT: You must log out and log in again (or reboot) after this step.
4. Find the cutter connection
dmesg | grep ttyUSB
Shows which USB serial port the cutter is using.
Typical result:
/dev/ttyUSB0→ cutter connection (most common)
5. Configure Inkscape plotter settings
Open Inkscape →
Extensions → Export → Plot…
Use these settings:
- Serial Port:
/dev/ttyUSB0
USB connection to the cutter - Baud Rate:
9600
Communication speed (must match cutter firmware) - Flow Control:
RTS/CTS (Hardware)
Prevents data loss during long cuts - Command Language: HPGL
Standard vector language used by vinyl cutters - Rotate:
90°
Aligns output with screen orientation
6. Done
Your vinyl cutter is now ready to cut reliably on Linux.
Enjoy!