Embodiments described herein provide methods and apparatus for forming graphitic carbon such as graphene on a substrate. The method includes providing a precursor comprising a linear conjugated hydrocarbon, depositing a hydrocarbon layer from the precursor on the substrate, and forming graphene from the hydrocarbon layer by applying energy to the substrate. The precursor may include template molecules such as polynuclear aromatics, and may be deposited on the substrate by spinning on, by spraying, by flowing, by dipping, or by condensing. The energy may be applied as radiant energy, thermal energy, or plasma energy.