Minitab Statistical Software integrates with Python, a general-purpose programming language with applications in data science. To accomplish Python integration, Minitab, LLC provides the mtbpy module. With this custom module, you can create tables, graphs, messages, and notes in Python and display them in Minitab. Python integration offers the flexibility of custom Python code within Minitab's easy-to-use interface, and the results can be saved, stored, and shared in Minitab Project Files. After you install the mtbpy package, you're ready to run Python code from Minitab. If you have Python code that you want to access routinely, you can customize Minitab's interface to make the analysis more accessible through custom buttons or menus.
For more information on Minitab's Python module, including Python code examples, go to Python API Reference.
For more information on Python, consult the guidance available at www.python.org.
All the files referenced in this guide are available in this .ZIP file: python_guide_files.zip.
- Requirements
-
- Minitab Desktop 20.3 (64-bit) or later. To check your version of Minitab, choose .
- Python 3.7 or later (64-bit).
Step 1: Install Python
Note
Install and run Python before you attempt to integrate Python with Minitab Statistical Software. For assistance with the installation of Python, please consult with your organization's technical support department. Minitab Technical Support cannot assist with the installation of Python.
- Microsoft® Windows
-
On Python's website, click . On the page, Python Releases for Windows, scroll to the version of Python that you want to install. Download and run the version linked as either "Windows x86-64 executable installer" or "Windows x86-64 web-based installer".
In the installer, select the option to add Python to your PATH during installation. If Python is not in your PATH, add Python to your system environment variables. Otherwise, Minitab will not be able to find Python.Note
If you are using Python through an Anaconda environment, go to Additional instructions for Anaconda environments.
Note
If you have already installed Python and running
pythonin the Microsoft® Windows Command Prompt opens the Microsoft® Store, go to Frequently Asked Questions about using Python on Windows.
Step 2: Install mtbpy
- Microsoft® Windows
-
python -m pip install mtbpyNote
If you have already installed Python and running
pythonin the Microsoft® Windows Command Prompt opens the Microsoft® Store, go to Frequently Asked Questions about using Python on Windows.
After Python and the mtbpy package are installed, you can use the PYSC command to run Python from Minitab.
Step 3: Verify the installation with Minitab
Use the following steps to verify that Minitab can find Python and mtbpy.
Open Minitab
- In the Microsoft® Windows operating system, open Minitab normally.
- In an Anaconda environment, follow the instructions for opening Minitab in Additional instructions for Anaconda environments.
Run a test file
| File | Description |
|---|---|
| test.py | A sample Python script used throughout this guide. For this section, you run the script without arguments. When the script runs successfully, the result is the message "Minitab successfully located your Python installation." |
- Put test.py in Minitab's folder for Python scripts. The default folder location depends on your operating system. For more information, go to Default folders for Python files for Minitab.
- After you save the file, run
the following command in the
Command
Line
pane in Minitab:
PYSC "test.py"Important
If the Minitab Command Line is not visible, choose .
Python Script
These results are from external software.Default folders for Python files for Minitab
Typically, Python integration with Minitab works best when the files that you use are in the default folder location for Minitab files. If you do not specify a file path when you run Python from within Minitab, Minitab looks for your Python files in the default folder.
- Microsoft® Windows
-
The default location is the "My Documents" folder.
In the Microsoft® Windows operating system, if your Python file is in the default folder and you receive the error "File not found:", check the default file location in your Minitab settings. To view or change the default file location in Minitab, choose .
