First download and install Purple Pen. Unfortunately, this is only available for Windows, so if you use BSD, Linux or macOS you will probably need to run it under emulation (it may be possible to run it under WINE).

N.B. this is not an exhaustive guide to using Purple Pen. If you have questions, please liaise with an experienced planner.

1. Create a folder named after your event and make sure the map files (PDF and KMZ if from OpenOrienteeringMap) are saved there
2. Run Purple Pen and choose to Create a new event...
3. Enter your event title when prompted
4. When asked for a map file, click on Choose a map file... and browse for your .pdf file (from OpenOrienteeringMap), .ocd file (from OCAD) or .xmap/.omap (from OpenOrienteeringMapper)
5. When using a PDF, you must specify the map scale you picked in OpenOrienteeringMap
6. The print scale should be the same as the map scale
7. Ensure your paper size matches the map file (generally A4, but specify portrait/landscape)
8. When asked for Event File Location, pick In the same folder as the map file
9. It is likely that you will want to use the latest IOF Descriptions Standard. The map standard is of less importance, pick either ISOM 2017 or ISSprOM 2019
10. The starting control code can be altered as desired, but it will not allow you to use a single-digit code. You can renumber later
11. After confirming the location of your .ppen file, the course planning window will open