Abstract: A recording or plotting apparatus has a writing device which comprises a pen holder carrying a plurality of pens. A penholder assembly is movable from end to end of a gantry which is itself movable across a record surface such as a record sheet or card along an axis perpendicular to the axis of movement of the pen holder. Thus, for example, the gantry can move in an X-axis and the penholder can move in a Y-axis. The pen holder is provided with a plurality of writing tips supported in a rotatable turret. The turret is rotated by rotation of a ratchet provided with a plurality of ratchet teeth. The ratchet and therefore the turret is rotated when, in response to movement of the gantry or pen holder, a pawl is engaged with one of the ratchet teeth. When the gantry or pen holder is moved to disengage the pawl from the ratchet tooth the ratchet, and therefore the turret, is rotated, for example, by a defined angle of about 60.degree., to place a desired one of the pen tips in contact with the record surfaces.