How to Create Matplotlib Trends in Python

In 10 short steps create useful trends in Matplotlib.

‘It’s easier than you think …’

This short step by step guide is to allow anyone to create useful trends in Matplotlib

Note: This guide can be used as a reference or learning tool. Installation is not the topic so external links are posted.

We are going to create a beautiful chart, like the one below:

Matplotlib trend with three series — Final product of this guide

Step 0:
Installing Matplotlib and Jupyter.
It is not so scary, just get Anaconda or start editor online, below are the options:

Explained in installation guide:

• From real Python, few options: https://realpython.com/pandas-plot-python/#set-up-your-environment
• From Matplotlib, one option: https://matplotlib.org/stable/users/installing/index.html

Step 1:
Importing necessary packages and apply formatting.

• Matplotlib

Step 2:
Getting the data:

• Creating own data

Notes:

• It is possible to use the pandas Dataframe to get data to trend.
• It is possible to use the NumPy library to create data automatically.

Step 3:
Making a plot:

Simple default Matplotlib plot

Step 4:
Making trend bigger:

Enlarged simple default Matplotlib trend

Step 5:
Adding title:

Matplotlib trend with Title added

Step 6:
Adding axis titles:

Matplotlib trend with axis titles added

Step 7:
Adjusting trend scales:

Matplotlib trend with adjusted scales.

Step 8:
Adding more trend types and trend formatting:

Matplotlib trend with additional series added.

Step 9:
Adding trend labels and legend:

Matplotlib trend with legend.

Step 10:
Adding grids:

Matplotlib trend with grids added.

Putting It All Together
Feel free to modify any of the parameters below to see what happens, add your own data, adjust formatting, add more trends, etc.

Use linked Jupyter notebook:

Matplotlib-charts/Matplotlib guide.ipynb at main · kusmat/Matplotlib-charts · GitHub

Final result!

Get handout here: https://github.com/kusmat/Matplotlib-charts/blob/5caf5f3f80585d1ce8aea378942114ac3fa7b568/Matplotlib%20charts%20-%20Handout.pdf

Like what you see? Want more? Visit my webpage: www.kusmat.com

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