Seaborn plots not showing up

python

matplotlib

seaborn

plotting

byAlex Kataev·Mar 5, 2025

To display Seaborn plots, you need to utilize the plt.show() function immediately following your plot code, like so:

import seaborn as sns
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

# Redirecting flight to a galaxy far, far away...
sns.lineplot(x=[0, 1, 2], y=[0, 1, 3])
plt.show()  # Displaying Seaborn's intergalactic awesomeness

Ensure that matplotlib is imported. If you are executing this in a Notebook, use %matplotlib inline at the beginning of your code.

The mechanics behind Seaborn's plot display

When you're not working in a Jupyter Notebook or IPython environment, you should include plt.show() to render the plot visible. As Yoda would say, "plot or plot not, there is no try".

In a Jupyter Notebook, place %matplotlib inline at the start of your notebook to insert your plots inline with the rest of your content. This is another step towards becoming a Jedi visualizer!

It's a good practice to keep your Seaborn and Matplotlib libraries updated. Use pip install -U seaborn matplotlib to update these packages for optimal compatibility.

Troubleshooting the usual suspects

Back-end configurations – Is your droid defective?

Sometimes, the problem creeps in through Matplotlib's back-end which Seaborn sits upon. Matplotlib supports different back-ends — while Luke Skywalker relied on R2-D2, you might find BB-8 (or in our case, 'Qt5Agg') more reliable on your system. Check your matplotlibrc for the back-end parameter.

Code legacy – following the old Jedi scripts

In some cases, you might encounter legacy code in the form of sns.plt.show(), especially when dealing with Python's previous iterations such as Python 2. If this is the case, you're welcome, because plt.show() is now sns.plt.show().

Make the force be with you, by configuring %matplotlib inline to run automatically in your IPython Notebook configuration file. Keeping %matplotlib inline with your imports ensures inline display remains as consistent as Leia's leadership.

Switching to a new Jedi weapon

Experiencing issues using a Seaborn plotting function? Bro, do you even sns.relplot? Switch to an alternative function when one might be disfunctioning like a stuck-up, half-witted, scruffy-looking Nerf herder.

The final frontier – deploying the IPython console

Still missing Seaborn's sci-fi sight? Running your plotting code in an IPython console using ipython --pylab mode can help you nail the issue.

Additional advice from the Jedi Code

Astrometric data check

Before funneling your data into the Death Star’s main reactor (in this case, Seaborn plot functions), make sure the data is intact and well-structured. Functions like sns.pairplot can fail more dramatically than Anakin’s promise to the Jedi Council if fed with non-numeric or NaN data.

Compatibility is vital, young Padawan

Make sure your Seaborn and Matplotlib versions get along better than Han and Leia in the beginning. Version incompatibilities can lead to unexpected issues, including rebel plots refusing to appear.

Harness the Force of matplotlib.pyplot

You wouldn't use the Force without a lightsaber, right? Use Seaborn and Matplotlib's pyplot together for superior visualization prowess. It's the prophecy!

explain-codes / Python / Seaborn plots not showing up

Linked

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How to Save a Seaborn Plot into a File

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Purpose of "%matplotlib inline"

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