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Create each 3D panel with projection='3d', then plot through the axes object returned by Matplotlib. Give each panel a different subplot index to place several 3D plots in one figure.
Create a row of two 3D subplots
Use Figure.add_subplot(rows, columns, index, projection='3d') for each 3D axes. The first two arguments define the grid; the last selects the panel’s position, counting from 1.
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
fig = plt.figure(figsize=(10, 5))
ax1 = fig.add_subplot(1, 2, 1, projection='3d')
ax2 = fig.add_subplot(1, 2, 2, projection='3d')
ax1.scatter([0, 1, 2], [0, 1, 0], [0, 1, 2])
ax2.plot([0, 1, 2], [0, 1, 1], [0, 1, 2])
plt.show()This creates one row and two columns: a 3D scatter plot on the left and a 3D line plot on the right. The official Matplotlib example of 3D plots as subplots uses the same pattern, with a surface and wireframe side by side.
Choose plot methods for each axes
Call plotting methods on the returned axes rather than relying on pyplot functions. Matplotlib’s mplot3d API documentation notes that pyplot functions have strictly 2D signatures and cannot handle the extra information required for 3D plots.
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ax.scatter(x, y, z)displays 3D point data.ax.plot(x, y, z)displays a line or trajectory.ax.plot_surface(X, Y, Z)is suitable for gridded height data.ax.plot_wireframe(X, Y, Z)shows the mesh structure of a surface.
For a surface, the official gallery example also demonstrates setting a z-axis limit and attaching a colorbar to the surface artist. If neighboring panels use color to represent values, choose color scales deliberately: matching scales makes colors comparable, while independent scales can emphasize each panel’s own range.
Arrange other grids and mix 2D with 3D
For a different layout, change the grid dimensions and use a distinct index for each axes. For example, a 2-by-2 grid uses fig.add_subplot(2, 2, 1, projection='3d') through fig.add_subplot(2, 2, 4, projection='3d') to fill all four positions with 3D plots.
A figure can also combine 2D and 3D panels. Add an ordinary 2D axes without a projection argument, and specify projection='3d' only for the 3D axes. Matplotlib’s mixed 2D and 3D subplot example places a 2D subplot above a 3D surface plot.
Size, labels, and interaction
Set the figure dimensions to suit the number and shape of panels. The figsize=(10, 5) value in the example makes a wide two-panel layout; it is a presentation choice, not an API requirement. Add axis labels and limits to the relevant axes, and attach a colorbar to the artist it describes.
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Some interactive Matplotlib backends support rotating and zooming a 3D scene with mouse gestures. The available interaction depends on the backend, as described in the mplot3d documentation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do you need to import mplot3d?
For current Matplotlib, you generally do not need to import mpl_toolkits.mplot3d just to make the '3d' projection available to add_subplot. The stable 3D plotting tutorial says that explicit import stopped being necessary in Matplotlib 3.2.0. Older examples may include it for that reason.
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