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Quick start guide

To get started with Arduino on Inkplate 6, follow a few simple steps to install the required software.

1. Install Arduino IDE​

If you haven’t installed it yet, download and install the Arduino IDE from the official website.

⚠️
Arduino IDE 2.0 or newer is required for Inkplate 6.

Install Arduino IDE
Arduino IDE 2.0

2. Install Inkplate board definitions​

Copy the following URL:

https://github.com/SolderedElectronics/Dasduino-Board-Definitions-for-Arduino-IDE/raw/master/package_Dasduino_Boards_index.json

Then add it to the Additional boards manager URLs in the Arduino settings:

Add Inkplate to Arduino boards Manager
Adding the Inkplate boards link to Arduino IDE

Now you can open the Boards Manager, search for Inkplate Boards, and install the Inkplate Boards board definitions.
Click Install here:

Install Inkplate boards
Adding Inkplate boards to Arduino IDE

3. Install Inkplate library​

In the Arduino Library Manager, search for the Inkplate library and click Install:

Install Inkplate library
Installing Inkplate library
ℹ️
It's also possible to install the library manually by downloading it from the GitHub repository.

4. Install CH340 driver​

ℹ️
Mac and Linux users can skip this step because the CH340 driver is already installed.

The CH340 is an onboard chip that enables serial communication over USB. If the driver is not installed, download it from this link. Start the installation and follow the instructions:

Install CH340 Driver
Installing the CH340 Driver on Windows

Done!​

Inkplate 6 setup is complete. Now try out some examples from the Arduino library—upload them and see the results for yourself!

Uploading code​

To upload your own sketch or an Arduino example to Inkplate 6, follow this brief guide.

1. Connect Inkplate via USB and power it on​

Use the provided USB-C cable to connect Inkplate 6 to your computer. Ensure that the board is powered on by pressing the POWER ON button. The blue power LED will light up when it is properly connected.

Inkplate 6 onboard USB-C connector
Inkplate 6 onboard USB-C connector
Inkplate 6 onboard POWER button
Inkplate 6 onboard POWER button

2. Create a sketch​

For this documentation, we will use a pre-made example. Go to File->Examples->InkplateLibrary->Inkplate6->Basic->Inkplate6_Hello_World.

Selecting a basic example for Inkplate 6
Selecting a basic example for Inkplate 6

3. Upload the code​

Click Upload in the Arduino IDE.

Arduino IDE Upload Button
Arduino IDE Upload Button

Once the process completes, Inkplate will restart automatically and run the newly uploaded code. Arduino's upload log should read:

Leaving...
Hard resetting via RTS pin...

Troubleshooting​

Having problems uploading your first code? Check out our troubleshooting page