Working with different chart types

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An introduction to using matplotlib in Python to create charts Part four of a six-part series of blogs
If you want to create charts in Python, the chances are that you'll do it using the matplotlib module. This blog will get you started and explain some of its foibles! Getting started with matplotlib Subplots, figures and axes (explicit references) An introduction to formatting matplotlib charts Working with different chart types (this blog) Saving charts Using style sheets to format charts consistently

An introduction to using matplotlib in Python to create charts

Part four of a six-part series of blogs

If you want to create charts in Python, the chances are that you'll do it using the matplotlib module. This blog will get you started and explain some of its foibles!

Getting started with matplotlib
Subplots, figures and axes (explicit references)
An introduction to formatting matplotlib charts
Working with different chart types (this blog)
Saving charts
Using style sheets to format charts consistently

Posted by Andy Brown on 02 June 2025

In this blog

The matplotlib examples page
Getting example code

There are a bewildering number of chart types in matplotlib: far more than in Excel or Power BI Desktop, for example. This page shows the easiest way to learn how to use them.

The matplotlib examples page

The easiest way to reach the main matplotlib examples page is with a simple search:

This is the page you want!

You can then see examples of all of the chart types that you can create in matplotlib:

The first few line charts - you have a lot of scrolling to go!

Getting example code

The easiest way to see how to work with any chart is to hover your mouse over it:

First find the chart you want (I've gone for the Barcode chart, because it sounds so intriguing!).

Now hover over your chart:

You'll see a description of this chart.

Click on the image to see a fuller explanation, with an example:

Many charts including self-standing programs, which yoiu can run in isolation.

I tried copying this example code, having never created (or seen) a barcode chart in my life before, and the code worked immediatley, producing this:

Now I've established the principle I can look into customising this chart.

This page of examples is the best thing about matplotlib!

Parts of this blog
Getting started with matplotlib Subplots, figures and axes (explicit references) An introduction to formatting matplotlib charts Working with different chart types (this blog) Saving charts Using style sheets to format charts consistently