Putting a newline in Matplotlib label with TeX in Python

When creating plots with Matplotlib, you may need to add newlines to axis labels for better formatting. This is easily achieved using the \n escape character in your label strings.

Basic Example with Newlines in Labels

Here's how to add newlines to both X and Y axis labels ?

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

# Create simple data
x = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
y = [2, 4, 6, 8, 10]

# Plot with newlines in labels
plt.plot(x, y, 'b-', linewidth=2)
plt.ylabel("Y-axis \n with newline")
plt.xlabel("X-axis \n with newline")
plt.title("Plot with Newlines in Labels")

plt.show()

Advanced Example with Multiple Lines and Colors

You can combine newlines with color cycling for more complex visualizations ?

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
from cycler import cycler

# Set up labels with newlines
plt.ylabel("Y-axis \n with newline")
plt.xlabel("X-axis \n with newline")

# Configure color cycling
plt.rc('axes', prop_cycle=(cycler('color', ['r', 'g', 'b', 'y'])))

# Plot multiple lines with different colors
plt.plot([0, 5], label='Line 1')
plt.plot([2, 6], label='Line 2')
plt.plot([3, 8], label='Line 3')
plt.plot([4, 9], label='Line 4')

plt.legend()
plt.grid(True, alpha=0.3)
plt.show()

Using TeX Formatting with Newlines

When using TeX formatting, you can combine mathematical expressions with newlines ?

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
import numpy as np

# Enable TeX rendering
plt.rcParams['text.usetex'] = True

x = np.linspace(0, 2*np.pi, 100)
y = np.sin(x)

plt.plot(x, y)
plt.xlabel(r'$\theta$ \n (radians)')
plt.ylabel(r'$\sin(\theta)$ \n amplitude')
plt.title(r'Sine Wave \n with TeX labels')

plt.show()

Key Points

• Use \n to insert newlines in any Matplotlib label string

• The cycler class allows automatic color rotation for multiple plots

• TeX formatting can be combined with newlines using plt.rcParams['text.usetex'] = True

• Newlines work in titles, axis labels, and legend entries

Conclusion

Adding newlines to Matplotlib labels improves readability and formatting. Use \n in any label string, and combine with TeX formatting or color cycling for professional-looking plots.