How to close a Python figure by keyboard input using Matplotlib?

To close a Python figure by keyboard input, we can use plt.pause() method, an input prompt, and close() method. This approach allows interactive control over when the figure window closes.

Steps

• Set the figure size and adjust the padding between and around the subplots
• Create random data points using NumPy
• Create a new figure using figure() method
• Plot the data points using plot() method
• Set the title of the plot
• Redraw the current figure using draw() method
• Use pause() to display the figure briefly
• Take input from the user to proceed to the next statement
• Use close() method to close the figure

Example

Here's how to create a plot that waits for keyboard input before closing ?

import numpy as np
from matplotlib import pyplot as plt

# Set figure configuration
plt.rcParams["figure.figsize"] = [7.50, 3.50]
plt.rcParams["figure.autolayout"] = True

# Create data points
t = np.arange(0.0, 2.0, 0.01)
y = np.exp(-t)

# Create and plot the figure
fig = plt.figure()
plt.plot(t, y, lw=5, color='red')
plt.title("$y=e^{-t}$")

# Display the plot and wait for user input
plt.draw()
plt.pause(1)
input("Press Enter to close the figure...")
plt.close(fig)

How It Works

The plt.draw() method renders the figure, while plt.pause(1) displays it for 1 second. The input() function pauses execution until the user presses Enter, giving them control over when to close the figure window.

Alternative Approach Using Event Handling

For more advanced control, you can use matplotlib's event handling ?

import numpy as np
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

def on_key(event):
    if event.key == 'q':
        plt.close()

# Create data and plot
t = np.arange(0.0, 2.0, 0.01)
y = np.exp(-t)

fig, ax = plt.subplots()
ax.plot(t, y, lw=5, color='red')
ax.set_title("Press 'q' to quit")

# Connect the key press event
fig.canvas.mpl_connect('key_press_event', on_key)
plt.show()

Output

Conclusion

Use input() with plt.pause() for simple keyboard-controlled figure closing. For more advanced interactions, implement event handlers that respond to specific key presses like 'q' to quit.