How to Change Legend Font Size with Matplotlib.pyplot

Summary: Learn how to customize the legend font size in your Matplotlib plots using the pyplot module. This guide provides simple steps to adjust legend text for better readability and presentation.
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Matplotlib is a powerful plotting library for Python, widely used for creating static, animated, and interactive visualizations. One common customization requirement is adjusting the font size of the legend in a plot. A well-sized legend can enhance the readability and aesthetics of your chart, making it easier for viewers to interpret the data.

Changing Legend Font Size in Matplotlib

To change the legend font size in a Matplotlib plot, you can use the fontsize parameter of the legend() method. This can be done in several ways, depending on your specific needs and preferences.

Method 1: Using the fontsize Parameter

The simplest way to change the legend font size is by directly passing the fontsize parameter when calling the legend() method. Here is an example:

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In this example, the fontsize parameter is set to 'large'. You can use predefined string values such as 'small', 'medium', 'large', 'x-large', and 'xx-large', or you can specify an exact font size in points (e.g., fontsize=12).

Method 2: Using prop Dictionary

Another way to set the legend font size is by using the prop parameter with a dictionary. This method provides more control over the legend's font properties:

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In this example, the prop dictionary is used to set the font size to 14 points. You can include other font properties in the dictionary if needed, such as family, weight, and style.

Method 3: Using rcParams

If you want to set the default legend font size for all your plots, you can modify the rcParams dictionary before creating your plots:

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This method sets the legend font size for all subsequent plots, ensuring consistency throughout your visualizations.

Conclusion

Changing the legend font size in Matplotlib is a simple yet effective way to improve the readability of your plots. Whether you prefer to set the font size directly, use a dictionary for more control, or adjust the default settings for all plots, Matplotlib provides flexible options to meet your needs. By customizing the legend font size, you can create clearer and more professional visualizations that effectively communicate your data.