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Chris Greening’s Web Serial Plotter is a browser-based tool for viewing live serial data from Arduino, ESP32, and other microcontroller projects. It accepts comma-separated readings, can plot multiple series, and includes a signal generator for trying the charts without a connected board. Greening describes it as a more capable alternative for people who find the Arduino IDE’s built-in Serial Plotter limiting, though the available sources do not establish a systematic comparison between them.
What Web Serial Plotter does
Web Serial Plotter turns text arriving over a serial connection into visual plots in a browser. Greening announced the project on 3 September 2025, describing it as a way to inspect data from Arduino, ESP32, and other microcontroller projects without relying on a dedicated desktop plotter. Read Greening’s project announcement.
The tool is intended for people already sending measurements or other values from a device over serial. Instead of reading a stream of numbers line by line, they can view changing values as plotted series and inspect their relationships over time.
What data format should you send?
Send comma-separated values, with one reading per line. A first line containing column names is optional; those names identify the plotted series. Greening’s example uses time(ms), ax, ay, az as the header, followed by comma-separated readings.
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- Use a consistent number and order of values in each row.
- Include a header if labels will make the series easier to identify.
- Keep the device’s serial output in this text format so the plotter can interpret the readings.
Can you try it without an Arduino or ESP32?
Yes. Greening says the tool includes a signal generator that produces sample data, so a development board is not required just to explore the plotting experience. A connected device is needed only when you want to view your own live serial output. Greening’s description is: “I’ve added a simple signal generator to the plotter, so you can test it without any hardware.”
What features does it offer?
Hackster.io’s coverage describes real-time plotting of multiple series, pan and zoom controls, histograms, summary statistics, color customization, a bidirectional serial console, and a responsive interface. The feature list comes from that coverage, not from a systematic hands-on evaluation. Read Hackster.io’s feature coverage.
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That mix may suit users who want to do more than watch a single value change: multiple plotted signals can make it easier to examine sensor readings together, while pan and zoom help inspect parts of a series. The console and statistics extend the tool beyond a basic scrolling graph, according to Hackster.io.
Which browsers does Greening list?
Greening says the tool should work in Chrome, Edge, and Opera, while noting browser limitations. That is the project author’s compatibility claim; the cited sources do not provide an independently verified matrix of browsers, operating systems, or boards. Check the project’s current guidance for your setup rather than assuming every browser-device combination will work.
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Greening’s tagline is “No drivers, no installations – just open your browser and start plotting!” Treat that as the author’s product description, not a guarantee for every platform or connection. The project is open source under GPL v3.0, according to Greening’s announcement, which links to its source code.
How does it compare with the Arduino IDE Serial Plotter?
The Arduino Forum discussion that frames this need describes the IDE’s built-in plotter as “a bit limited” and asks for an option suitable for users above beginner level. Web Serial Plotter is one alternative to consider, particularly if the browser-based workflow and its reported chart and console features match what you need. See the Arduino Forum discussion.
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The available sources do not provide a head-to-head test of Web Serial Plotter, the Arduino IDE’s plotter, and desktop alternatives. They also do not establish that one option works better across boards or operating systems. The practical distinction supported here is that Web Serial Plotter runs in a browser according to its author, accepts CSV-style serial output, and can be explored with a built-in signal generator.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who is it for?
It is a plausible option for Arduino, ESP32, and other microcontroller users who already print comma-separated readings and want a browser-based way to visualize them. Beginners can explore the signal generator without hardware; users with an existing project can adapt their serial output to the expected row-and-column format. People who need confirmed compatibility for a particular operating system, board, or browser should verify it against the live project, since the published material does not establish a complete compatibility list.
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