Last modified: Jun 01, 2025 By Alexander Williams

How to Install Pygal in Python Easily

Pygal is a Python library for creating SVG charts. It is simple and powerful. You can make beautiful charts with minimal code.

In this guide, you will learn how to install Pygal in Python. We will cover different installation methods and a quick example.

Prerequisites

Before installing Pygal, ensure you have Python installed. You can check by running:


python --version

If Python is not installed, download it from the official website. Pygal works with Python 3.6 and above.

Install Pygal Using pip

The easiest way to install Pygal is using pip. Open your terminal or command prompt and run:


pip install pygal

This will download and install Pygal and its dependencies. Wait for the process to complete.

Verify the Installation

To ensure Pygal is installed correctly, run the following command:


python -c "import pygal; print(pygal.__version__)"

If installed correctly, it will display the Pygal version. For example:


3.0.0

Install Pygal in a Virtual Environment

Using a virtual environment is a good practice. It keeps your projects isolated. First, create a virtual environment:


python -m venv myenv

Activate the virtual environment:


# On Windows
myenv\Scripts\activate

# On macOS/Linux
source myenv/bin/activate

Now, install Pygal inside the virtual environment:


pip install pygal

Basic Pygal Example

Let's create a simple bar chart using Pygal. This will help you understand how it works.


import pygal

# Create a bar chart
bar_chart = pygal.Bar()

# Add data
bar_chart.title = "Fruits Consumption"
bar_chart.add("Apples", 15)
bar_chart.add("Oranges", 12)
bar_chart.add("Bananas", 8)

# Save the chart
bar_chart.render_to_file("fruits_chart.svg")

This code creates a bar chart and saves it as an SVG file. Open the file in a browser to see the chart.

Common Issues and Fixes

Sometimes, you may face issues while installing Pygal. Here are some common problems and solutions.

1. Permission Denied Error: If you get a permission error, try using:


pip install --user pygal

2. Outdated pip: Ensure pip is up to date. Run:


pip install --upgrade pip

3. Missing Dependencies: Pygal may need additional libraries. Install them if needed.

Conclusion

Installing Pygal in Python is simple. Use pip install pygal to get started. Pygal is great for creating charts and graphs.

For more Python libraries, check out our guides on Install MoviePy in Python Easily and Install pySerialTransfer in Python Easily.

Now you can start creating beautiful charts with Pygal. Happy coding!