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How to save a plot to a file using matplotlib python

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by shivanisanju03 dot icon Updated: May 9, 2023

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Solution Kit Solution Kit  

Matplotlib is a useful visualization library, especially for plotting purposes. The Matplotlib savefig function helps save the figure after plotting the data. Finally, it saves the figure in the local memory of our system. We can access the saved image in our local memory.  

There are six used plots under Matplotlib. They are:  

  • line plot  
  • bar plot  
  • scatter plot  
  • pie plot  
  • area plot  
  • histogram plot 

 

Saving a figure:  

We can save the produced figure after data plotting using the savefig()method. Matplotlib is a useful visualization library in Python, especially for plotting purposes.  

Matplotlib recognizes the following formats in the table below for specifying color. RGB or RGBA (red, green, blue, alpha) tuple of floats in the closed interval [0, 1]. A case-insensitive RGB or RGBA hexadecimal string. A case-insensitive hexadecimal abbreviation of duplicate characters in an RGB or RGBA string.  


Vector graphics represent images with shapes like points, lines, and curves. It can be points, lines, and curves, making vector graphics the ideal format. We can do it by raster graphics representing images with pixels. In contrast, raster images are excellent for "real world" photos, as we make up most drawings. Vector graphics have infinite resolution and meaning you can zoom in. The image will still look clear, while raster images will be blurry/pixelated.  


Follow the below to save the file as pdf, svg, and png:  

  • For pdf: example - plt.savefig(‘fig.pdf’)  
  • For png: example - plt.savefig(‘fig.png’)  
  • For svg: example - plt.savefig(‘fig.svg’)  


In this kit, we will see how to save a plot to a file. The code in the following example works fine as long as we install the numpy and matplotlib.  

Fig: Preview of the output that you will get on running this code from your IDE


Code

In this solution we're using matplotlib and numpy libraries

Matplotlib: how to save a plot in a pdf file

PythondotLines of Code : 18dotLicense : Strong Copyleft (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Dependent Libraries : 
import matplotlib as mpl
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
import numpy as np

def getdata():
    return np.random.uniform(0,1,10)

fig, axe = plt.subplots(5, 2)
row=[0,0,1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4]
col=[0,1,0,1,0,1,0,1,0,1]
for im in range(10):
    r=row[im]
    c=col[im]
    axe[r][c].scatter(getdata(), getdata())

# trial 1 -> tried and it works, no need for trial 2
plt.savefig('figure1.pdf')

Instructions


Follow the steps carefully to get the output easily.

  1. Install NumPy and matplotlib on your IDE(Any of your favorite IDE).
  2. Copy the snippet using the 'copy' and paste it in your IDE.
  3. Add plt.show() at end of the code(refer preview of the output).
  4. Run the file to generate the output.


I hope you found this useful. I have added the link to dependent library, version information in the following sections.


I found this code snippet by searching for ' How to save a plot to a file Using matplotlib python 'in kandi. You can try any such use case!

Environment tested


I tested this solution in the following versions. Be mindful of changes when working with other versions.

  1. The solution is created in PyCharm 2022.3.3 (Community Edition)
  2. The solution is tested on Python 3.11.1.
  3. NumPy version-1.24.1


Using this solution, we are able to understand how to save a plot to a file Using matplotlib python with simple steps. This process also facilities an easy way to use, hassle-free method to create a hands-on working version of code which would help us how to save a plot to a file Using matplotlib python.

Dependent Libraries

numpyby numpy

Python doticonstar image 23755 doticonVersion:v1.25.0rc1doticon
License: Permissive (BSD-3-Clause)

The fundamental package for scientific computing with Python.

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            numpyby numpy

            Python doticon star image 23755 doticonVersion:v1.25.0rc1doticon License: Permissive (BSD-3-Clause)

            The fundamental package for scientific computing with Python.
            Support
              Quality
                Security
                  License
                    Reuse

                      matplotlibby matplotlib

                      Python doticonstar image 17559 doticonVersion:v3.7.1doticon
                      no licences License: No License (null)

                      matplotlib: plotting with Python

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                                matplotlibby matplotlib

                                Python doticon star image 17559 doticonVersion:v3.7.1doticonno licences License: No License

                                matplotlib: plotting with Python
                                Support
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                                    Security
                                      License
                                        Reuse

                                          You can also search for any dependent libraries on kandi like 'numpy' and 'matplotlib'

                                          FAQ:  

                                          1. What is Matplotlib, and how does it help save figures?  

                                          Matplotlib for creating static, animated, and interactive visualizations. Matplotlib makes all things possible. We must create the image after we save the data plotting using the savefig() method, as the name suggests. We can save the generated character using this technique to our local computers.  


                                          2. Can we create PDF files from plots created in Matplotlib?  

                                          Yes, we can save the Graphs generated as PDFs in the savefig() method. To save many drawings in a single PDF file, we use the PdfPages class.

                                            

                                          3. How do you create an SVG file from a figure plotted in Matplotlib?  

                                          Pass the address where you want to save the file and save it as a .svg file because we wanted it in that format. We can use any format like .pdf, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, EPS. We can use the dpi parameter to improve image quality.

                                            

                                          4. What is the use of the savefig method in Matplotlib?  

                                          Matplotlib.pyplot.savefig () method saves the figure created after plotting the data. Using this method, we can create the figure and save it to our local computers.

                                            

                                          5. What image format should I use when saving figures using Matplotlib?  

                                          We can use the JPG or PNG file as the plot image if saved as a JPG or PNG file using the matplotlib savefig() function. 

                                           

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