bqplot
The bqplot project provides plotting tools for IPython and Jupyter notebook environments.
About bqplot
bqplot is an open source 2-D visualization system for Project Jupyter, based on the constructs of the Grammar of Graphics. It is described as a plotting library for IPython and Jupyter notebooks, with source code and documentation hosted on GitHub.
In bqplot, every component of a plot is an interactive widget. You can create plots using the pyplot API or the Object Model API, and combine visualizations with other Jupyter interactive widgets to build integrated interfaces with Python code. Installation is via pip or conda, and dependencies include ipywidgets, traitlets, traittypes, numpy, and pandas. Documentation is available at bqplot.github.io/bqplot, with examples included in the repository.
It suits Python users who work in Jupyter notebooks and need interactive 2-D charts. It is relevant for data exploration and for building notebook-based interfaces that link plots to other widgets.
Key features
- 2-D plotting library for Jupyter notebooks
- Plot components work as interactive Jupyter widgets
- Supports pyplot API and Object Model API
- Combines with other Jupyter interactive widgets
- Installs via pip or conda from conda-forge
Best for: People creating interactive 2-D plots in IPython and Jupyter notebooks with Python.
Good for
- Open source under Apache 2.0 license
- Widget-based components support interactivity
- Provides pyplot and Object Model APIs
- Installs with pip or conda
Watch out for
- Requires IPython or Jupyter notebook environment
- JupyterLab 2 and earlier need separate labextension step
bqplot at a glance
- Website
- github.com/bloomberg/bqplot
- Category
- Design & Creative › Charts & Data Visualization
- Type
- Open-source project
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Open source
- Yes · Source code
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 5, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
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bqplot FAQ
What is bqplot used for?
bqplot is a 2-D visualization system for Jupyter for creating interactive plots in IPython and Jupyter notebooks.
How do I install bqplot?
You can install it with pip install bqplot or with conda install -c conda-forge bqplot.
Does bqplot work with other Jupyter widgets?
Yes. Every plot component is an interactive widget that can be integrated with other Jupyter interactive widgets.
Where is bqplot documentation?
Documentation is available at https://bqplot.github.io/bqplot, with examples included in the repository.
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