How to make hollow square marks with Matplotlib in Python?

To make hollow square marks with Matplotlib, we can use marker 'ks', markerfacecolor='none', markersize=15, and markeredgecolor='red'.

Steps

  • Create x and y data points using NumPy.

  • Create a figure and add an axes to the figure as part of a subplot arrangement.

  • Plot x and y data points using plot() method. To make hollow square marks, use marker "ks", markerfacecolor="none", markersize=15, and markeredgecolor="red".

  • Display the figure using show() method.

Example

Here's how to create hollow square markers ?

import numpy as np
from matplotlib import pyplot as plt

plt.rcParams["figure.figsize"] = [7.00, 3.50]
plt.rcParams["figure.autolayout"] = True

x = np.linspace(-2, 2, 10)
y = np.sin(x)

fig = plt.figure()
ax1 = fig.add_subplot(111)
ax1.plot(x, y, 'ks', markerfacecolor='none', ms=15, markeredgecolor='red')
plt.show()

Marker Parameters

The key parameters for creating hollow squares are ?

Parameter Value Purpose
'ks' Square marker Defines the marker shape and color
markerfacecolor 'none' Makes the marker hollow
markersize or ms 15 Controls the size of the marker
markeredgecolor 'red' Sets the edge/border color

Customization Options

You can customize the hollow squares further ?

import numpy as np
from matplotlib import pyplot as plt

x = np.linspace(0, 10, 8)
y = x**0.5

plt.figure(figsize=(8, 4))
plt.plot(x, y, 'ks', markerfacecolor='none', ms=20, 
         markeredgecolor='blue', markeredgewidth=2)
plt.title('Customized Hollow Square Markers')
plt.xlabel('X-axis')
plt.ylabel('Y-axis')
plt.grid(True, alpha=0.3)
plt.show()

Conclusion

Use marker 'ks' with markerfacecolor='none' to create hollow square markers. Adjust markersize and markeredgecolor to customize appearance and visibility.

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Updated on: 2026-03-25T19:49:14+05:30

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