October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix NowOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
World desk4 min

How to Save Matplotlib Figures as PNG or PDF in Termux

Use Matplotlib’s savefig with a .png or .pdf filename, then choose a Termux-private or Android shared-storage destination.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Call Matplotlib’s savefig method with a filename ending in .png or .pdf. Save in Termux’s private home directory for a working file, or enable Android shared-storage access with termux-setup-storage if you want the result in Downloads.

Save a figure as PNG or PDF

Once your script has created a figure, save it with the extension for the format you want:

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

fig, ax = plt.subplots()
ax.plot([1, 2, 3], [2, 1, 4])
ax.set_title("Example")

fig.savefig("plot.png", dpi=200, bbox_inches="tight")
fig.savefig("plot.pdf", bbox_inches="tight")

This uses Matplotlib’s documented Figure.savefig API; the example is not a claim that the code was run on a Termux device. When you omit format, Matplotlib infers the format from the filename extension. If you omit both the extension and format, the documented default is PNG. See Matplotlib’s savefig documentation.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

If you pass an explicit format, Matplotlib uses that format and does not reconcile it with the filename. For example, fig.savefig("plot.png", format="pdf") writes PDF content to a file named plot.png. Keep the format and suffix aligned: use plot.pdf for PDF or plot.png for PNG.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Lexar D40E 128GB Dual USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C Jump Drive, Champagne Silver
  • USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
  • Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
  • Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
  • Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
  • Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty

Choose PNG or PDF for the job

Format Useful when Resolution and output
PNG You need a raster image, such as a screen graphic, or a downstream system asks for PNG. Pixel dimensions depend on the figure dimensions and the selected DPI.
PDF You want a document-oriented figure, intend to print or resize it, or need several figures in one file. Matplotlib’s PDF backend supports multi-page output. Check the result in the viewer or workflow where it will be used; font rendering can vary.

Neither format is universally best: choose according to the destination’s requirements, whether fixed pixel dimensions matter, and whether you need multiple figures in one document. Matplotlib documents both formats and its PDF backend’s multi-page support, but does not prescribe one choice for every publishing workflow.

Set PNG resolution and adjust margins

The dpi argument sets raster resolution in dots per inch. For example, fig.savefig("plot.png", dpi=200) requests 200 DPI for that output. PNG’s resulting pixel dimensions depend on both DPI and the figure’s dimensions; changing DPI alone does not define the whole image size.

Rank #2
SANDISK 128GB Ultra Flair, USB-A Flash Drive, Up to 150MB/s Read Speeds | USB Flash Drive, Up to 15x Faster than standard 2.0, Password Protection, Durable, Sleek Metal Casing, USB 3.0, Silver/Black
  • High-speed USB 3.0 performance of up to 150MB/s(1) [(1) Write to drive up to 15x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives (4MB/s); varies by drive capacity. Up to 150MB/s read speed. USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, usage conditions, and other factors; 1MB=1,000,000 bytes]
  • Transfer a full-length movie in less than 30 seconds(2) [(2) Based on 1.2GB MPEG-4 video transfer with USB 3.0 host device. Results may vary based on host device, file attributes and other factors]
  • Transfer to drive up to 15 times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives(1)
  • Sleek, durable metal casing
  • Easy-to-use password protection for your private files(3) [(3)Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Mac OS X v10.9 plus; Software download required for Mac, visit the SanDisk SecureAccess support page]

bbox_inches="tight" asks Matplotlib to save a tight bounding box around the figure content. It can help when titles, labels, or legends sit near the edges, but it is not a guarantee that every layout will have ideal margins. Preview the saved image and adjust the layout if anything is clipped. The DPI and bounding-box options are described in the savefig API documentation.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Save several figures into one PDF

Use PdfPages when each figure should become a page in the same PDF. Call savefig on the PDF object once for each figure:

Rank #3
2 Pack 64GB USB Flash Drive USB 2.0 Thumb Drives Jump Drive Fold Storage Memory Stick Swivel Design - Black
  • What You Get - 2 pack 64GB genuine USB 2.0 flash drives, 12-month warranty and lifetime friendly customer service
  • Great for All Ages and Purposes – the thumb drives are suitable for storing digital data for school, business or daily usage. Apply to data storage of music, photos, movies and other files
  • Easy to Use - Plug and play USB memory stick, no need to install any software. Support Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports
  • Convenient Design - 360°metal swivel cap with matt surface and ring designed zip drive can protect USB connector, avoid to leave your fingerprint and easily attach to your key chain to avoid from losing and for easy carrying
  • Brand Yourself - Brand the flash drive with your company's name and provide company's overview, policies, etc. to the newly joined employees or your customers
from matplotlib.backends.backend_pdf import PdfPages

with PdfPages("plots.pdf") as pdf:
    pdf.savefig(fig1, bbox_inches="tight")
    pdf.savefig(fig2, bbox_inches="tight")

The Matplotlib PDF backend documentation describes PdfPages as a wrapper for multi-page PDF output. The example assumes fig1 and fig2 have already been created.

Save directly to Android Downloads

Termux does not provide access to Android shared storage by default. In the Termux shell, run termux-setup-storage and approve the requested permission. Termux creates links under ~/storage; the documented ~/storage/downloads link points to the standard Downloads location. See the Termux tools manual.

Rank #4
Sale
SIMMAX 32GB Memory Stick USB 2.0 Flash Drives Swivel Thumb Drive Pen Drive (32GB Purple)
  • GOOD VALUE PACKAGE - 1 Pack 32GB Memory Stick USB 2.0 Flash Drives with great cost performance and high quality.
  • BIG CAPACITY - The available capacity: 29.10GB-29.8GB, You can save the data of movies, music, photos, designs, programs, manuals, handouts in a high speed.Good performance in digital data storing, transferring and sharing with families, friends, workmates, clients and machines.
  • EASY TO USE & PLUG AND WORK - Support windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, Compatible with USB2.0 and below.
  • TWISTTURN DESIGN & EASY CARRY - The metal clip rotates 360° round the ABS plastic body which with rubber oil skin feeling finish. The capless design can avoid lossing of cap, and providing efficient protection to the USB port.
  • WARRANTY & SUPPORT - SIMMAX logo is laser printed on the USB connector surface, our products are of good quality and we promise that any problem about the product within one year since you buy.

In Python, construct the destination with pathlib rather than relying on every string-based API to expand ~:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
from pathlib import Path

out = Path.home() / "storage" / "downloads" / "plot.png"
fig.savefig(out, dpi=200, bbox_inches="tight")

Use "plot.pdf" instead of "plot.png" if the output should be PDF. If you do not need the file in a shared Android folder immediately, save it in the current directory or elsewhere under Path.home(), then move or copy it after enabling storage access.

Best Value
IMEASON Swivel Design 16GB USB Flash Drive with Keychain, USB 2.0 Portable Thumb Drive Memory Stick, FAT32 Format Flashdrive for Data Storage, Photos, Music, Files (Black, 16 GB)
  • 【16GB Flash Drive】USB flash drives with 16GB capacity, meet your needs of daily use on work, school, home and travelling for photos, music, videos, files storage and transfer. IMEASON thumb drives can be used to store different files, easy to data backup.
  • 【Metal Swivel Cap Design】USB thumb drive is metal swivel cover provides extra protection for the usb thumbdrive connector, no usb drive cap to lose; keychain design makes it easier to carry without worrying lose it.
  • 【Wide Compatibility】USB drive supports Windows 7/8/10/11 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, also Supports USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports. USB Stick support TV, desktop, notebook computer, car, audio and other device. The USB Memory Stick is your great data storage and transfer companion with traveling and working.
  • 【Easy to use】usb memory stick is plug and play without any software installation. Just simply plug the Flashdrive into the port of your USB-compatible devices such as computer, laptop to start data storage or transmission.
  • 【What You Get】16 GB USB Flash Drive Thumb Drive, The default format of the usb storage flash drive is FAT32.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Keep working files in Termux’s private filesystem

Termux recommends keeping Termux files under its private home or prefix directories. Android shared external storage has filesystem limitations, so it is useful as an export destination but should not be treated as a general-purpose Linux working filesystem. The details are in the Termux execution-environment documentation.

Troubleshoot common save problems

  • The file is missing from Downloads or a gallery: check the destination path. A file in Termux’s private home is not automatically in shared storage. Run termux-setup-storage, grant permission, and write to a link such as ~/storage/downloads.
  • A file named .png behaves like a PDF: look for a conflicting explicit format= argument. Matplotlib follows that argument and does not rename the file to match it.
  • Labels or legends are cut off: try bbox_inches="tight", then inspect the saved output. The tight bounding box can change margins, so check the appearance rather than assuming it fixes every layout.
  • You need multiple pages: open a PdfPages context and call its savefig method for each figure.

If Matplotlib itself will not install, do not assume a package name or installation command applies to every Termux setup. Check the active Termux package repository and the current project instructions for your environment; the Termux storage and savefig documentation cited above do not establish a universal installation command.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.