Installation

Install the progressbar2 package, then import it as progressbar. You need Python 3.10 or later.

1. Install the package

Choose the command that matches how you manage your Python environment:

Install with pip

Use the Python environment where you will run your script:

$ python -m pip install progressbar2

Add to a uv project

From an existing uv project, add the package as a dependency:

$ uv add progressbar2

2. Check the import

Print the installed version from the same Python environment:

$ python -c "import progressbar; print(progressbar.__version__)"

In a uv project, run the check through uv:

$ uv run python -c "import progressbar; print(progressbar.__version__)"

A version number confirms that Python can import the installed package.

3. Run your first bar

Wrap a loop to track its progress:

"""Wrap an iterable to show its progress."""

import time

import progressbar


def main() -> None:
    for _ in progressbar.progressbar(range(100), fast=False):
        time.sleep(0.01)


if __name__ == '__main__':
    main()

The loop processes 100 steps. progressbar.progressbar() starts the bar, advances it as the loop runs and finishes it when the loop ends. The short sleep makes the movement visible. Replace it with your own work.

Optional native iterator

The standard installation includes the update gate and automatic fast renderer. The optional fast extra adds a native iterator for counting items in large loops:

$ python -m pip install 'progressbar2[fast]'

For a uv project:

$ uv add 'progressbar2[fast]'

The examples work without this extra. The fast-path explanation describes when the native iterator is used.

Keep building

Build a bar in five steps

Start with the loop above, then control updates, set a total, choose widgets and print messages above the display.

Find a guide for your task

Track file transfers, show several jobs together or add live values and colour to your progress display.