# Matplotlib > comprehensive library for creating static, animated, and interactive visualizations in Python **Wikidata**: [Q2985668](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2985668) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matplotlib) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/matplotlib Here’s the structured knowledge entry for Matplotlib: --- ## Summary Matplotlib is a comprehensive Python library for creating static, animated, and interactive visualizations. It is widely used for data visualization and supports a variety of output formats, including PNG, PDF, and EPS. Developed by John D. Hunter in 2003, it is a foundational tool in scientific computing and data analysis. ## Key Facts - **Creator**: John D. Hunter - **Inception**: 2003 - **License**: Matplotlib license (free and open-source) - **Platform**: Python - **Latest Stable Version**: 1.5.3 (as of 2016-09-09) - **Supported Output Formats**: PNG, PDF, Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) - **Funder**: Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (Essential Open Source Software for Science program grant) - **Operating System**: Cross-platform - **GUI Toolkits**: GTK, Qt ## FAQs ### Q: What is Matplotlib used for? A: Matplotlib is primarily used for creating static, animated, and interactive visualizations in Python, making it essential for data analysis, scientific plotting, and research. ### Q: Is Matplotlib free to use? A: Yes, Matplotlib is free and open-source software released under the Matplotlib license, allowing unrestricted use and modification. ### Q: What programming languages does Matplotlib support? A: Matplotlib is written in Python and is designed specifically for Python, though it can integrate with other tools via Python bindings. ## Why It Matters Matplotlib revolutionized data visualization in Python by providing a flexible and powerful tool for creating publication-quality plots. It is foundational in scientific computing, enabling researchers and developers to visualize complex data with minimal code. Its integration with other Python libraries (e.g., NumPy, Pandas) makes it indispensable for data science workflows. Matplotlib's ability to generate interactive and static plots supports everything from exploratory data analysis to academic publishing, bridging the gap between raw data and actionable insights. ## Notable For - **First major plotting library for Python** - **Supports multiple GUI toolkits (GTK, Qt)** - **Used in scientific research and industry** ## Schema Markup ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "SoftwareApplication", "name": "Matplotlib", "description": "A comprehensive Python library for creating static, animated, and interactive visualizations.", "url": "https://matplotlib.org/", "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q17278583"], "additionalType": "PlottingLibrary" } ``` --- Stick to the facts and structure provided. Avoid adding unsupported claims. ## References 1. [Source](https://matplotlib.org/stable/users/license.html?highlight=free%20open%20source) 2. [Source](https://matplotlib.org/stable/users/installing.html#installing-an-official-release) 3. [Source](https://openpublishingawards.org/index.php/matplotlib) 4. Matplotlib: A 2D Graphics Environment 5. [Source](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/tree/master/LICENSE) 6. [Matplotlib 1.2.0 released](http://lwn.net/Articles/525076/) 7. [Matplotlib 1.3.0 released](http://matplotlib.1069221.n5.nabble.com/ANN-matplotlib-1-3-0-released-td41670.html) 8. [Source](https://zenodo.org/record/11451#.U_2MiNb3cc1) 9. [Release 1.4.0. 2014](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v1.4.0) 10. [Source](http://matplotlib.1069221.n5.nabble.com/matplotlib-v1-4-1-released-td44157.html) 11. [Release 1.4.1. 2014](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v1.4.1) 12. [Source](http://sourceforge.net/p/matplotlib/mailman/message/32971257/) 13. [Release 1.4.2. 2014](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v1.4.2) 14. [Source](http://sourceforge.net/p/matplotlib/mailman/message/33445392/) 15. [Release 1.4.3. 2015](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v1.4.3) 16. [Release 1.5.3. 2016](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v1.5.3) 17. [Release 1.5.2. 2016](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v1.5.2) 18. [Release 1.5.1. 2016](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v1.5.1) 19. [Release 1.5.0. 2015](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v1.5.0) 20. [Release 2.0.0. 2017](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v2.0.0) 21. [Release 2.0.1. 2017](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v2.0.1) 22. [Release 2.0.2. 2017](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v2.0.2) 23. [Release 2.1.0. 2017](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v2.1.0) 24. [Release 2.1.1. 2017](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v2.1.1) 25. [Release 2.1.2. 2018](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v2.1.2) 26. [Release 2.2.0. 2018](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v2.2.0) 27. [Release 2.2.1. 2018](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v2.2.1) 28. [Release 2.2.2. 2018](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v2.2.2) 29. [Release 2.2.3. 2018](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v2.2.3) 30. [Release 3.0.0. 2018](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v3.0.0) 31. [Release 3.0.1. 2018](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v3.0.1) 32. [Release 3.0.2. 2018](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v3.0.2) 33. [Release 3.0.3. 2019](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v3.0.3) 34. [Release 2.2.4. 2019](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v2.2.4) 35. [Release 3.1.0. 2019](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v3.1.0) 36. [Release 3.1.1. 2019](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v3.1.1) 37. [Release 3.1.2. 2019](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v3.1.2) 38. [Release 2.2.5. 2020](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v2.2.5) 39. [Release 3.1.3. 2020](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v3.1.3) 40. [Release 3.2.0. 2020](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v3.2.0) 41. [Release 3.2.1. 2020](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v3.2.1) 42. [Release 3.2.2. 2020](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v3.2.2) 43. [Release 3.3.0. 2020](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v3.3.0) 44. [Release 3.3.1. 2020](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v3.3.1) 45. [Release 3.3.2. 2020](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v3.3.2) 46. [Release 3.3.3. 2020](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v3.3.3) 47. [Release 3.3.4. 2021](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v3.3.4) 48. [Release 3.4.0. 2021](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v3.4.0) 49. [Release 3.4.1. 2021](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v3.4.1) 50. [Release 3.4.2. 2021](https://github.com/matplotlib/matplotlib/releases/tag/v3.4.2)