Matplotlib

---
name: matplotlib
description: Low-level plotting library for full customization. Use when you need fine-grained control over every plot element, creating novel plot types, or integrating with specific scientific workflows. Export to PNG/PDF/SVG for publication. For quick statistical plots use seaborn; for interactive plots use plotly; for publication-ready multi-panel figures with journal styling, use scientific-visualization.
allowed-tools:
  - Read
  - Write
  - Bash
license: https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/tree/main/LICENSE
compatibility: Requires Python 3.10+ and Matplotlib 3.10.x. Use `uv add matplotlib` in projects; interactive Jupyter widgets require `ipympl`.
metadata: {"version": "1.1", "skill-author": "K-Dense Inc."}
---

# Matplotlib

## Overview

Matplotlib is Python's foundational visualization library for creating static, animated, and interactive plots. This skill provides guidance on using matplotlib effectively, covering both the pyplot interface (MATLAB-style) and the object-oriented API (Figure/Axes), along with best practices for creating publication-quality visualizations.

## When to Use This Skill

This skill should be used when:
- Creating any type of plot or chart (line, scatter, bar, histogram, heatmap, contour, etc.)
- Generating scientific or statistical visualizations
- Customizing plot appearance (colors, styles, labels, legends)
- Creating multi-panel figures with subplots… load the full skill through Skill Me