What is a backend?

Backends are used forout-putting Matplotlib figures (see:ref:`figure-intro`),

to the screen or for writing to files. A lot of documentation on the website

Backends are used fordisplaying Matplotlib figures (see:ref:`figure-intro`),

on the screen, or for writing to files. A lot of documentation on the website

and in the mailing lists refers to the "backend" and many new users are

confused by this term. Matplotlib targets many different use cases and output

formats. Some people use Matplotlib interactively from the Python shell and

Try a simple plot, as see if the GUI opens:

Try a simple plot to see if the GUI opens:

..code-block::python3

If it does not, you perhaps have an installation problem. A good step at this

point is to ensure that your GUI toolkit is installed properly, taking

Matplotlibour of the testing. Almost all GUI toolkits have a small test

Matplotlibout of the testing. Almost all GUI toolkits have a small test

program that can be run to test basic functionality. If this test fails, try re-installing.

PyQt(5,6) and PySide

QtAgg

Test ``PyQt5``:

..code-block::bash

If you have ``PySide`` or ``PyQt6`` installedinstead, just change the import

If you have ``PySide`` or ``PyQt6`` installedrather than ``PyQt5``, just change the import

accordingly.

tkinter

TkAgg

Test ``tkinter``:

..code-block::bash

GTK

GTK3Agg, GTK4Agg, GTK3Cairo, GTK4Cairo

Test ``Gtk``:

..code-block::bash

wxAgg

Test ``wx``:

..code-block::python3

If the test works for your desired backendbut you still cannot get Matplotlib to display a figure,then contact us (see

:ref:`getting-help`).