CustomTkinter is a modern Python library that enhances the default Tkinter GUI toolkit with customizable widgets and a native appearance. This guide covers installation steps and best practices for structuring applications.

How to Install CustomTkinter?

Installation Steps

  1. Install via pip
    Run the following command in your terminal or command prompt:

    pip install customtkinter

  2. Upgrade to the Latest Version
    Since the library is under active development, regularly update it:

    pip install customtkinter --upgrade

  3. Verify Installation
    Test the installation with this minimal example:

    import customtkinter

app = customtkinter.CTk()
app.title("Test Installation")
app.geometry("300x200")
app.mainloop()

    If a window appears, the installation is successful.

Application Structure and Layout

1. Use Classes for Structure

Avoid writing UI code procedurally with global variables. Instead, structure your app using classes:

  • Inherit from customtkinter.CTk for the main window.

  • Use CTkFrame or CTkToplevel for sub-windows or components.

2. Avoid .place() for Layouts

While .place() offers pixel-perfect positioning, it makes applications rigid and hard to maintain. Use:

  • .pack(): Suitable for simple, small apps.

  • .grid(): Ideal for complex layouts with responsive behavior.

 

Example Applications

Minimal App Using .pack()

import customtkinter

class App(customtkinter.CTk):
    def __init__(self):
        super().__init__()
        
        # Configure window
        self.title("Minimal Example App")
        self.minsize(400, 300)
        
        # Create and pack a button
        self.button = customtkinter.CTkButton(
            master=self, 
            text="Click Me", 
            command=self.button_callback
        )
        self.button.pack(padx=20, pady=20)
    
    def button_callback(self):
        print("Button pressed!")

if __name__ == "__main__":
    app = App()
    app.mainloop()

 

Grid-Based Layout Example

This app uses a 2x2 grid system with responsive widgets:

import customtkinter

class App(customtkinter.CTk):
    def __init__(self):
        super().__init__()
        
        # Window configuration
        self.geometry("500x300")
        self.title("Grid Layout Example")
        self.minsize(300, 200)
        
        # Configure grid (2 rows, 2 columns)
        self.grid_rowconfigure(0, weight=1)  # Row 0 expands vertically
        self.grid_columnconfigure((0, 1), weight=1)  # Both columns expand equally
        
        # Textbox spanning two columns
        self.textbox = customtkinter.CTkTextbox(self)
        self.textbox.grid(
            row=0, column=0, 
            columnspan=2, 
            padx=20, pady=(20, 0), 
            sticky="nsew"
        )
        
        # Combobox in row 1, column 0
        self.combobox = customtkinter.CTkComboBox(
            self, 
            values=["Option 1", "Option 2"]
        )
        self.combobox.grid(
            row=1, column=0, 
            padx=20, pady=20, 
            sticky="ew"
        )
        
        # Button in row 1, column 1
        self.button = customtkinter.CTkButton(
            self, 
            text="Insert Text", 
            command=self.button_callback
        )
        self.button.grid(
            row=1, column=1, 
            padx=20, pady=20, 
            sticky="ew"
        )
    
    def button_callback(self):
        selected_text = self.combobox.get()
        self.textbox.insert("end", f"{selected_text}\n")

if __name__ == "__main__":
    app = App()
    app.mainloop()

 

Key Takeaways

  1. Use Classes: Makes code modular and scalable.

  2. Prefer .grid() or .pack(): Ensures responsive layouts.

  3. Avoid Global Variables: Encapsulate UI logic within class methods.

  4. Configure Grid Weights: Use rowconfigure and columnconfigure with weight to control widget expansion.

By following these practices, you'll build maintainable, modern GUI applications with CustomTkinter.

 

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