Named colors in matplotlib

Expanding your color toolbox in matplotlib

XKCD and Tableau color palettes

Beyond CSS colors, matplotlib opens doors to a wider color spectrum via the xkcd palette, accessible with the xkcd: prefix:

plt.plot([1, 2, 3], [4, 5, 6], color='xkcd:sky blue')  # Feels like we're in the cloud... computing.
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Similarly, Tableau's vibrant palette is also available using the 'tab:' prefix, giving your plots that jazz they need:

plt.plot([1, 2, 3], [4, 5, 6], color='tab:orange')  # Honestly, fruit names should be a universal color standard.
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Precision coloring with HTML hex codes

Use HTML hex codes while plotting if you're eyeing that exact shade or replicating design/brand colors:

plt.plot([1, 2, 3], [4, 5, 6], color='#FFA07A')  # Also tastes great with sushi. (Only joking.)
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Contributing to the rainbow: list and visualize all named colors

Generate a visual grid of all available colors with this code snippet. Great for choosing the perfect color for your plot:

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
import matplotlib.colors as mcolors

fig, ax = plt.subplots(figsize=(8, 5))
colormap = list(mcolors.CSS4_COLORS)
for i, color in enumerate(colormap):
    ax.add_patch(plt.Rectangle((i, 0), 1, 1, color=color))
ax.set_xlim(0, len(colormap))
ax.set_ylim(0, 1)
ax.set_xticks([])
ax.set_yticks([])
plt.show()
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Replace mcolors.CSS4_COLORS with matplotlib.colors.XKCD_COLORS or matplotlib.colors.TABLEAU_COLORS to explore xkcd and Tableau palettes.

The buried treasure of matplotlib: _color_data.py

Get a step ahead with matplotlib's undisclosed color names found in _color_data.py on GitHub.

Context-aware color choice for data plots

Context matters while coloring your plots. A scatter plot requires colors that stand out from the rest:

plt.scatter(x, y, color='xkcd:bright purple')  # Commands the plot like a pixel queen!
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Remember, different displays or plot contexts may affect the appearance of your colors, hence always cross-verify during testing.

The deep well of matplotlib named colors

Matplotlib houses a wealth of colors hidden from plain view. Use matplotlib.colors._colors_full_map.values() to explore these.

Test and learn: the color game

Learning the art of coloring your plots is an iterative process. Try different named colors and observe how they pan out in your plots.