Tutorial Using matplotlib

If you are new to python, I recommend reading the python tutorial and numpy tutorial before working with matplotlib. Otherwise you may get frustrated. When you feel comfortable with both, you'll find matplotlib easy.

There are a lot of features under the hood in matplotlib. This tutorial just scratches the surface. When you are finished with it, the next step (other than getting to work on your own figures, of course) is to download the source distribution (*.tar.gz or *.zip)and take a look at the matplotlib examples subdirectory. If you are working with date plots you'll find several date demos with obvious filenames like examples/date_demo1.py. Likewise, you'll find examples for images examples/image_demo.py, contouring examples/contour_demo.py, using matplotlib with a graphical user interface examples/embedding_in_wx.py and many more. Because these are not included with the standard windows installer, they are often overlooked, which is why I emphasize them here.

The next place to turn to find the hidden gems is the what's new page. Every feature ever introduced into matplotlib is listed on that page with the version it was introduced, usually with links to examples and functions. Scrolling through that page is one of the best ways to find out what capabilities and customizations are supported.