How to Install CustomTkinter in Python: A Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

In this tutorial, you will learn how to install the CustomTkinter library in Python, which is essential for creating modern graphical user interfaces (GUIs) with a sleek and customizable look. CustomTkinter is a popular extension of the standard Tkinter library, providing enhanced aesthetics and additional features. This guide will walk you through the installation process, troubleshoot common issues, and ensure you can start using CustomTkinter in your Python projects.

Prerequisites

• Python 3.8 or later installed on your system
• Pip package manager
• Basic understanding of Python programming
• PyCharm IDE (optional but recommended for this tutorial)

Step 1: Verify Python and Pip Installation

Before installing CustomTkinter, ensure that Python and Pip are correctly installed on your system. You can check this by running the following commands in your terminal or command prompt:

python --version
pip --version

Both commands should return the version numbers of Python and Pip, respectively. If not, you need to install Python from the official Python website.

Step 2: Installing CustomTkinter

With Python and Pip set up, install CustomTkinter by executing the following command:

pip install customtkinter

This command should download and install the CustomTkinter package. To confirm the installation, use:

pip list

Look for customtkinter in the list of installed packages.

Step 3: Setting Up Your Project in PyCharm

While using an IDE like PyCharm is not mandatory, it offers a robust environment for managing Python projects. Follow these steps to set up your project:

1. Open PyCharm and create a new project.
2. Navigate to File > Settings > Project: [Your Project Name] > Python Interpreter.
3. Ensure your interpreter points to the environment where CustomTkinter is installed.

If you encounter issues, ensure the project's interpreter matches the Python environment used to install CustomTkinter.

Step 4: Importing CustomTkinter in Your Python Script

With everything set up, it's time to import CustomTkinter in your script. Open your main.py or create a new Python file and add the following import statement:

import customtkinter as ctk

This alias (ctk) makes your code cleaner and easier to read.

Step 5: Creating a Simple CustomTkinter GUI

Let's create a simple GUI to verify the installation. Here's a basic example:

import customtkinter as ctk

# Create the main window
def main():
    root = ctk.CTk()
    root.title("CustomTkinter Example")
    root.geometry("400x300")

    # Create a label
    label = ctk.CTkLabel(master=root, text="Hello, CustomTkinter!")
    label.pack(pady=20)

    # Start the application
    root.mainloop()

if __name__ == "__main__":
    main()

Run this script. If everything is set up correctly, a window displaying "Hello, CustomTkinter!" should appear.

Common Errors and Troubleshooting

Encountering issues? Below are some common errors and their solutions:

• ModuleNotFoundError: Ensure the interpreter in your IDE matches the environment where CustomTkinter is installed. Double-check your project's interpreter settings.
• Installation Errors: If you face installation issues, try upgrading Pip using pip install --upgrade pip and retry installing CustomTkinter.
• Compatibility Issues: Make sure your Python version is compatible (3.8 or later).

Conclusion

By following this guide, you have successfully installed CustomTkinter and created a basic GUI application. CustomTkinter offers a variety of widgets and customization options, making it an excellent choice for modern GUI development. Experiment with different widgets and styles to create engaging applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I getting a ModuleNotFoundError?

Ensure that your project's interpreter matches the environment where CustomTkinter is installed. Check PyCharm settings.

Can I use CustomTkinter with Python 3.7?

CustomTkinter supports Python 3.8 and later. Consider upgrading your Python version for compatibility.

How can I troubleshoot installation errors?

Try upgrading Pip with pip install --upgrade pip and reattempt the installation.