How to Save a Plotly Graph as an Image in Python

by

What will you learn?

In this guide, you’ll discover how to save Plotly graphs as images. You will master a simple method to preserve your visualizations outside the interactive environment.

Introduction to the Problem and Solution

Plotly is a robust library for crafting interactive plots. However, there are instances where we need to export these visuals as static images for reports or presentations. Whether it’s for sharing with individuals who lack access to the interactive version or embedding in documents that require static images, knowing how to save your Plotly charts as PNGs or JPEGs can be extremely valuable.

To address this challenge, we will leverage Plotly’s built-in functionalities alongside Orca�a command-line utility facilitating figure exports. We’ll guide you through installing essential components and writing a basic script that takes your plot and saves it directly in your desired format. This not only equips you with the ability to save graphs but also offers insights into how Plotly interacts with external tools for broader functionalities.

Code

import plotly.graph_objects as go
from plotly.io import write_image

# Create a simple figure
fig = go.Figure(data=go.Bar(y=[2, 3, 1]))
# Save it as an image file (e.g., PNG)
fig.write_image("figure.png")

# Copyright PHD

Explanation

This solution involves two fundamental steps:

  1. Creating a Figure: Initially, we create a figure object using plotly.graph_objects. In the provided example, a basic bar chart is created.
  2. Saving the Figure: To save this figure as an image file (e.g., .png), we utilize write_image from plotly.io. The first argument specifies the path and filename where you want your image saved.

It’s crucial to note that saving figures directly necessitates additional dependencies�particularly Orca�for rendering outside web browsers. Prior to executing write_image, ensure Orca is installed and added to your system’s PATH variable if required.

  1. How do I install Orca?

  2. You can install Orca on most systems using Conda (conda install -c plotly plotly-orca) or follow specific instructions based on your operating system available in Plotly�s documentation.

  3. Can I save plots in formats other than PNG?

  4. Yes! Replace “figure.png” with extensions like “figure.jpeg”, “figure.svg”, or “figure.pdf” based on your requirements.

  5. Do I need internet access when saving plots as images?

  6. No, once all necessary software is locally installed (including Orca), no internet connection is necessary.

  7. What if my graph isn’t displaying correctly in the generated image?

  8. Ensure all fig elements are defined before calling write_image. Complex layouts might require explicit dimension adjustments via fig.update_layout() methods.

  9. Can I automate saving multiple figures at once?

  10. Certainly! Iterate over your graph creation logic and call write_image within each iteration while adjusting filenames accordingly.

  11. Is it possible to adjust resolution or DPI of saved images?

  12. Yes, by passing arguments into write_image such as width & height which control size thereby indirectly affecting resolution/DPI based on final output size vs actual viewing size ratios.

Conclusion

Saving Plotly graphs as images enhances data visualization sharing capabilities across various platforms requiring static content. By following the steps outlined above including setting up necessary dependencies like Orca and understanding usage patterns around ‘write_image’, users gain flexibility transforming their interactive plots into various static formats suitable across diverse presentation/document environments ensuring valuable insights captured via visualizations remain accessible beyond immediate interactive contexts.

Leave a Comment