Python matplotlib: figure can not update after show

Question

The following code works fine:

Python 3.8.2 (default, Apr  8 2020, 14:31:25) 
[GCC 9.3.0] on linux
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
>>> import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
>>> fig = plt.figure()
>>> fig.suptitle("Empty figure")
Text(0.5, 0.98, 'Empty figure')
>>> fig.show()

But if I set subtitle (or do any other thing) after show, it will not work, even I run show() again.

Python 3.8.2 (default, Apr  8 2020, 14:31:25) 
[GCC 9.3.0] on linux
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
>>> import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
>>> fig = plt.figure()
>>> fig.show()
>>> fig.suptitle("Empty figure")
Text(0.5, 0.98, 'Empty figure')
>>> fig.show()

I am new to python. Could anyone please help me?

@enricw Yes, it will work after remove fig.show(). But I wonder how to update a shown figure. — 陈浩南
– 陈浩南, Commented Apr 12, 2020 at 9:25

hiew1 · Accepted Answer · 2020-04-12 09:33:45Z

1

In matplotlib, the .show() method by nature is designed to block any further execution of code after it is called until the shown figure is closed. Unless you turn on an interactive mode by calling .ion() before calling .show(), or there is an optional boolean parameter to be passed in to turn the blocking feature off as well:

plt.show(block=False)

Check out the documentation here: https://matplotlib.org/3.2.1/api/_as_gen/matplotlib.pyplot.show.html

edited Apr 12, 2020 at 9:33

answered Apr 12, 2020 at 9:27

hiew1

1,4442 gold badges16 silver badges26 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

1 Comment

陈浩南 Over a year ago

Thanks. Just run plt.ion() before show, everything works fine.

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Python matplotlib: figure can not update after show

1 Answer 1

1 Comment

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

1 Answer 1

1 Comment

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related