Matplotlib vs Veusz
A data-driven comparison of two Python plotting libraries: popularity, development activity, licensing and installation. Updated .
Matplotlib2D plotting library.
VeuszPython multiplatform GUI plotting tool and graphing library
Key differences
- Matplotlib has 22× as many GitHub stars as Veusz (23.4K vs 1.1K).
- Matplotlib had more development activity over the last 12 months: 2,119 commits vs 19.
- Matplotlib is downloaded 188347× as often on PyPI (44.6M vs 237 per week).
- Matplotlib is licensed under PSF-2.0; Veusz under GPL-2.0.
By the numbers
- Matplotlib
- Veusz
Show data as a table
| Metric | Matplotlib | Veusz |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub stars | 23,407 | 1,057 |
| PyPI downloads / week | 44,638,335 | 237 |
| Commits, last 12 months | 2,119 | 19 |
| Contributors | 438 | 40 |
| Forks | 8,539 | 142 |
Development activity
Commits per month to each default branch, last 12 complete months.
- Matplotlib
- Veusz
Show data as a table
| Month | Matplotlib | Veusz |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 2025 | 72 | 0 |
| Dec 2025 | 97 | 0 |
| Jan 2026 | 153 | 0 |
| Feb 2026 | 144 | 2 |
| Mar 2026 | 244 | 0 |
| Apr 2026 | 197 | 6 |
| May 2026 | 257 | 1 |
| Jun 2026 | 260 | 2 |
| Jul 2026 | 202 | 0 |
| Aug 2026 | 142 | 8 |
| Sep 2026 | 179 | 0 |
| Oct 2026 | 172 | 0 |
Side by side
| Attribute | Matplotlib | Veusz |
|---|---|---|
| Description | 2D plotting library. | Python multiplatform GUI plotting tool and graphing library |
| Category | Python plotting libraries | Python plotting libraries |
| License | PSF-2.0 | GPL-2.0 |
| Language | Python | Python |
| Status | Active | Active |
| Latest release | v3.11.2 () | veusz-4.2.1 () |
| Last commit | ||
| Repository created | ||
| Open issues | 1,050 | 401 |
| Install | pip install matplotlib | pip install veusz |
Which should you choose?
Popularity and activity are only part of the story. Consider which ecosystem you work in, the chart types and interactions you need, how much data you render, and whether the license fits your project. Both tool pages list alternatives if neither is quite right.
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Matplotlib
2D plotting library.
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Veusz
Python multiplatform GUI plotting tool and graphing library