A method for depositing graphene is provided. The method includes depositing a layer of non-conducting amorphous carbon over a surface of a substrate and depositing a transition metal in a pattern over the amorphous carbon. The substrate is annealed at a temperature below 500° C., where the annealing converts the non-conducting amorphous carbon disposed under the transition metal to conducting amorphous carbon. A portion of the pattern of the transition metal is removed from the surface of the substrate to expose the conducting amorphous carbon.