ModuleNotFoundError: No module named 'cv2' in Python [Fixed] | bobbyhadz (2024)

# "ModuleNotFoundError: No module named 'cv2' in Python"

The Python "ModuleNotFoundError: No module named 'cv2'" occurs when we forgetto install the opencv-python module before importing it or install it in anincorrect environment.

To solve the error, install the module by running thepip install opencv-python command.

Open your terminal in your project's root directory and install theopencv-python module.

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# 👇️ in a virtual environment or using Python 2pip install opencv-python# 👇️ for python 3 (could also be pip3.10 depending on your version)pip3 install opencv-python# 👇️ if you get permissions errorsudo pip3 install opencv-pythonpip install opencv-python --user# 👇️ if you don't have pip in your PATH environment variablepython -m pip install opencv-python# 👇️ for python 3 (could also be pip3.10 depending on your version)python3 -m pip install opencv-python# 👇️ using py alias (Windows)py -m pip install opencv-python# 👇️ for Anacondaconda install -c conda-forge opencv# 👇️ for Jupyter Notebook!pip install opencv-python

After you install the opencv-pythonpackage, try importing it like:

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import cv2print(cv2.__version__)

# Common causes of the error

The error occurs for multiple reasons:

1. Not having the opencv-python package installed by runningpip install opencv-python.
2. Installing the package in a different Python version than the one you'reusing.
3. Installing the package globally and not in your virtual environment.
4. Your IDE running an incorrect version of Python.
5. Naming your module cv2.py which would shadow the official module.
6. Declaring a variable named cv2 which would shadow the imported variable.

If the error persists, get your Python version and make sure you are installingthe package using the correct Python version.

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python --version

For example, my Python version is 3.10.4, so I would install the opencv-pythonpackage with pip3.10 install opencv-python.

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pip3.10 install opencv-python# 👇️ if you get permissions error use pip3 (NOT pip3.X)sudo pip3 install opencv-python

Notice that the version number corresponds to the version of pip I'm using.

If the PATH for pip is not set up on your machine, replace pip withpython3 -m pip:

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# 👇️ make sure to use your version of Python, e.g. 3.10python3 -m pip install opencv-python

If the error persists,try restarting your IDE and developmentserver/script.

# Check if the package is installed

You cancheck if you have the opencv-python package installedby running the pip show opencv-python command.

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# 👇️ check if you have opencv-python installedpip show opencv-python# 👇️ if you don't have pip set up in PATHpython -m pip show opencv-python

The pip show opencv-python command will either state that the package is notinstalled or show a bunch of information about the package, including thelocation where the package is installed.

# Make sure your IDE is using the correct Python version

If the package is not installed, make sure your IDE isusing the correct version of Python.

For example, In VSCode, you can press CTRL + Shift + P or (⌘ + Shift + Pon Mac) to open the command palette.

Then type "Python select interpreter" in the field.

Then select the correct python version from the dropdown menu.

# Install the package in a Virtual Environment

If you are using a virtual environment, make sure you are installingopencv-python in your virtual environment and not globally.

You can try creating a virtual environment if you don't already have one.

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# 👇️ use correct version of Python when creating VENVpython3 -m venv venv# 👇️ activate on Unix or MacOSsource venv/bin/activate# 👇️ activate on Windows (cmd.exe)venv\Scripts\activate.bat# 👇️ activate on Windows (PowerShell)venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1# 👇️ install opencv-python in virtual environmentpip install opencv-python

If the python3 -m venv venv command doesn't work, try the following 2commands:

• python -m venv venv
• py -m venv venv

Your virtual environment will use the version of Python that was used to createit.

You also shouldn't be declaring a variable named opencv-python as that wouldalso shadow the original module.

# Try reinstalling the package

If the error is not resolved, try to uninstall the opencv-python package andthen install it.

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# 👇️ check if you have opencv-python installedpip show opencv-python# 👇️ if you don't have pip set up in PATHpython -m pip show opencv-python# 👇️ uninstall opencv-pythonpip uninstall opencv-python# 👇️ if you don't have pip set up in PATHpython -m pip uninstall opencv-python# 👇️ install opencv-pythonpip install opencv-python# 👇️ if you don't have pip set up in PATHpython -m pip install opencv-python

Try restarting your IDE and development server/script.

You can also try to upgrade the version of the opencv-python package.

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pip install opencv-python --upgrade# 👇️ if you don't have pip set up in PATHpython -m pip install opencv-python --upgrade

# Import "cv2" could not be resolved from source Pylance

The errorImport "cv2" could not be resolved from source Pylanceoccurs when the opencv-python module is not installed or you have selected theincorrect Python interpreter in your IDE (e.g. Visual Studio Code).

To solve the error, install opencv-python and select the correct Pythoninterpreter in your IDE.

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Import "cv2" could not be resolved from source Pylance(reportMissingModuleSource) [Ln 1, Col 8]

# Make sure the correct Python interpreter is selected in your IDE

If you have multiple Python versions installed on your machine, you might haveinstalled the opencv-python package using the incorrect version or your IDEmight be set up to use a different version.

For example, In Visual Studio Code you can:

1. Press CTRL + Shift + P or (⌘ + Shift + P on macOS) to open thecommand palette.

Then type "Python select interpreter" in the search field.

2. Select the correct python version from the dropdown menu.

If the error persists, try restarting your IDE and development server/script.VSCode often glitches and a reboot resolves the issue.

If the error is not resolved, try to use the Visual Studio Code terminal toinstall the opencv-python module.

You can press CTRL + ` (Backtick) on your keyboard to open the Visual Studiocode terminal.

Once you open the terminal, Visual Studio Code will automatically activate yourvirtual environment (if you have one).

Run the pip install opencv-python command.

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pip install opencv-python

If the error persists, try to select the Python interpreter by specifying thepath:

1. Press CTRL + Shift + P or (⌘ + Shift + P on Mac) to open the commandpalette.
2. Type "Python select interpreter" in the field.

3. Select "Enter interpreter path...".

4. Click on "Find".

5. In the window that opens, navigate to your Python executable:

• If you have a virtual environment on Windows, click on your venv folder,then double-click on the Scripts folder, select the python.exe file andthen Select interpreter.

• If you have a virtual environment on macOS or Linux, click on your venvfolder, then double-click on the bin folder, select the python file andthen Select interpreter.

• If you don't have a virtual environment, use one of the following commands toget your path to your python.exe or python executable, specify the path tothe file and select the executable.

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where pythonpython -c "import sys; print(sys.executable)"

If the error persists, try restarting your IDE and development server/script.

# Alternatively, use a comment to disable the warning

If none of the suggestions helped, you can use a comment to disable the Pylancewarning in your IDE.

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import cv2 # type: ignoreprint(cv2)

You simply have to add the # type: ignore command on the same line as theimport statement to disable the check for the specific import.

# Table of Contents

1. Install opencv-python (cv2) on Windows
2. Install opencv-python (cv2) on macOS or Linux
3. Install opencv-python (cv2) in Visual Studio Code
4. Install opencv-python (cv2) in PyCharm
5. Install opencv-python (cv2) in Anaconda
6. Install opencv-python (cv2) in Jupyter Notebook

# Install opencv-python (cv2) on Windows

To install the opencv-python module on Windows:

1. Type CMD in the search bar and open the Command Prompt application.
2. Type pip install opencv-python and press Enter.

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pip install opencv-python# 👇️ for Python 3pip3 install opencv-python# 👇️ if you don't have pip in your PATH environment variablepython -m pip install opencv-python# 👇️ for Python 3python3 -m pip install opencv-python# 👇️ using py aliaspy -m pip install opencv-python# 👇️ if you get permissions errorpip install opencv-python --user# 👇️ for Anacondaconda install -c conda-forge opencv

If the command doesn't succeed, try running CMD as an administrator.

If you get the error'pip' is not recognized as an internal or external command,use the python -m command when installing opencv-python.

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python -m pip install opencv-pythonpython3 -m pip install opencv-pythonpy -m pip install opencv-python

Alternatively, you can install the opencv-python module in a virtualenvironment:

1. Open the root directory of your project.
2. Press Shift and right-click in Explorer.

3. Click on "Open PowerShell window here".
4. Run the following commands.

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# 👇️ might also be: "python3 -m venv venv"python -m venv venv# 👇️ activate on Windows (PowerShell)venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1# 👇️ activate on Windows (cmd.exe)venv\Scripts\activate.bat# 👇️ install opencv-python in virtual environmentpip install opencv-python

If the python -m venv venv command doesn't work, try the following 2 commands:

• python3 -m venv venv
• py -m venv venv.

If you see an error message thatps1 cannot be loaded because running scripts is disabled on this system,run the following command, type "yes" when prompted and rerun the activationcommand.

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Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser

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pip show opencv-pythonpip3 show opencv-pythonpython -m pip show opencv-pythonpython3 -m pip show opencv-python

The pip show opencv-python command will either state that the package is notinstalled or show a bunch of information about the package, including thelocation where the package is installed.

# Install opencv-python (cv2) on macOS or Linux

To install opencv-python on macOS or Linux:

1. Search for "terminal" and start the application.
2. Type pip install opencv-python and press Enter.

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pip install opencv-python# 👇️ for Python 3pip3 install opencv-python# 👇️ if you get permissions errorsudo pip3 install opencv-python# 👇️ if you don't have pip in your PATH environment variablepython -m pip install opencv-python# 👇️ for python 3python3 -m pip install opencv-python# 👇️ alternative if you get permissions errorpip install opencv-python --user# 👇️ for Anacondaconda install -c conda-forge opencv

If you get an error that pip isn't found, use the python -m command.

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python -m pip install opencv-pythonpython3 -m pip install opencv-python

If you get a permissions error, prefix the command with sudo.

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sudo pip install opencv-pythonsudo pip3 install opencv-python

Alternatively, you can install the opencv-python package in a virtualenvironment:

1. Open your terminal in the root directory of your project.
2. Run the following commands.

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# 👇️ could also be "python -m venv venv"python3 -m venv venv# 👇️ activate virtual env on macOS or Linuxsource venv/bin/activate# 👇️ install opencv-python in virtual environmentpip install opencv-python

Your virtual environment will use the version of Python that was used to createit.

You can use the pip show command to verifyopencv-python has been installedsuccessfully.

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pip show opencv-pythonpip3 show opencv-pythonpython -m pip show opencv-pythonpython3 -m pip show opencv-python

The pip show opencv-python command will either state that the package is notinstalled or show a bunch of information about the package.

# Install opencv-python (cv2) in Visual Studio Code

To install opencv-python in Visual Studio Code:

1. Press CTRL + ` (Backtick) on your keyboard to open the terminal.
2. Run the pip install opencv-python command to install the opencv-pythonmodule.

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pip install opencv-python# 👇️ for Python 3pip3 install opencv-python# 👇️ if you get permissions errorsudo pip3 install opencv-python# 👇️ if you don't have pip in your PATH environment variablepython -m pip install opencv-python# 👇️ for python 3python3 -m pip install opencv-python# 👇️ using py aliaspy -m pip install opencv-python# 👇️ alternative if you get permissions errorpip install opencv-python --user

When installing Python modules in Visual Studio code, make sure that your IDE isconfigured touse the correct version of Python.

Press CTRL+Shift+P or (⌘ + Shift + P on Mac) to open the commandpalette.

Then type "Python select interpreter" in the field.

Then select the correct Python version from the dropdown menu.

You can use the python --version command if you need to get your version ofPython.

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python --versionpython3 --version

You can also try creating a virtual environment if you don't already have one.

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# 👇️ could also be "python -m venv venv" or "py -m venv venv"python3 -m venv venv# 👇️ activate on Unix or MacOSsource venv/bin/activate# 👇️ activate on Windows (cmd.exe)venv\Scripts\activate.bat# 👇️ activate on Windows (PowerShell)venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1# 👇️ install opencv-python in virtual environmentpip install opencv-python

Your virtual environment will use the version of Python that was used to createit.

# Install opencv-python (cv2) in PyCharm

To install opencv-python in PyCharm:

1. Press Alt+F12 on your keyboard to open the terminal.
2. Run the pip install opencv-python command to install the opencv-pythonmodule.

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pip install opencv-python# 👇️ for Python 3pip3 install opencv-python# 👇️ if you get permissions errorsudo pip3 install opencv-python# 👇️ if you don't have pip in your PATH environment variablepython -m pip install opencv-python# 👇️ for python 3python3 -m pip install opencv-python# 👇️ using py aliaspy -m pip install opencv-python# 👇️ alternative if you get permissions errorpip install opencv-python --user

Alternatively, you can use the IDE itself to install the module.

1. Click on "File" > "Settings" > "Project" > "Python Interpreter".
2. Click on the + icon and type opencv-python.
3. Click on "Install Package".

Click on "File" > "Settings" > "Project" > "Python Interpreter".

Then select the correct Python version from the dropdown menu.

You can use the python --version command if you need to get your version ofPython.

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python --versionpython3 --version

# Install opencv-python (cv2) in Anaconda

To install opencv-python in Anaconda:

1. Open your Anaconda Navigator.
2. Click on "Environments" and select your project.
3. Type opencv in the search bar to the right.
4. Tick the opencv package and click on "Apply".

Alternatively, you can install the opencv-python package with a command.

If you are on Windows, search for "Anaconda Prompt" and open theapplication.

If you are on macOS or Linux, open your terminal.

Run the following command to install the opencv-python package.

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# 👇️ using condaconda install -c conda-forge opencv# 👇️ Alternatively use `pip`pip install opencv-python# 👇️ for Python 3pip3 install opencv-python# 👇️ if you get permissions errorsudo pip3 install opencv-python# 👇️ if you don't have pip in your PATH environment variablepython -m pip install opencv-python# 👇️ for python 3python3 -m pip install opencv-python# 👇️ using py aliaspy -m pip install opencv-python# 👇️ alternative if you get permissions errorpip install opencv-python --user

Click on thefollowing articleif you need to install a specific version of the package using Anaconda.

# Install opencv-python (cv2) in Jupyter Notebook

To install opencv-python in Jupyter Notebook:

1. Open your terminal and type "jupyter notebook".

2. Click on "New" and then "Terminal" in the browser tab.

3. Type pip install opencv-python and press Enter.

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# 👇️ using pippip install opencv-python# 👇️ for Python 3pip3 install opencv-python# 👇️ if you get permissions errorsudo pip3 install opencv-python# 👇️ if you don't have pip in your PATH environment variablepython -m pip install opencv-python# 👇️ for python 3python3 -m pip install opencv-python# 👇️ using py aliaspy -m pip install opencv-python# 👇️ using condaconda install -c conda-forge opencv# 👇️ alternative if you get permissions errorpip install opencv-python --user

Alternatively, you can use the Python ipykernel.

1. Open your terminal and type "jupyter notebook".

2. Click on "New" and then click on "Python 3 (ipykernel)".

3. Type !pip install opencv-python and click on "Run".

Note that the pip install command must be prefixed with an exclamation mark ifyou use this approach.

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!pip install opencv-python

Once you type the command, click "Run" to install the opencv-python module.

If you get a permissions error, e.g. "[WinError: 5] Access is denied", add the--user option to the installation command.

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!pip install opencv-python --user

If the error persists, try torestart the Jupyter Kerneland rerun the command.