Starting with PsychoPy

Setup

Python

Keywords

PsychoPy, Python, experimental psychology, tutorial, installation, DevStart, developmental science, Spyder ide, Spyder

PsychoPy is an open-source software package written in the Python programming language primarily for use in neuroscience and experimental psychology research. It’s one of our favorite ways to create experiments and we will use it through our tutorials.

So, let’s start and install PsychoPy!!!

Install PsychoPy

As reported on the PsychoPy website, there are multiple ways to install PsychoPy. Our favorite way to install it is using conda/mamba (refer to the Getting started with python).

This installation method offers several advantages: you are not restricted to using the PsychoPy GUI, and you can easily add libraries to enhance PsychoPy’s functionality. However, this process can sometimes be challenging, as compatibility issues with certain packages may require troubleshooting. Here, we provide some tips to help you make it work. If you find this method too complex or encounter persistent issues, remember that you can always follow the tutorials on this site using the PsychoPy standalone installer, which provides a secure and reliable way to use PsychoPy.

Miniconda/Miniforge

We recommend installing PsychoPy in a dedicated virtual environment where you can create and run your studies. To ensure optimal performance and avoid compatibility issues, keep this environment as clean as possible. Ideally, install PsychoPy and only the additional libraries required for your study. For any other libraries, for example for analysis, consider creating separate environments to prevent conflicts with PsychoPy

Windows
Mac

On windows python 3.8 seems to be a safe bet. Create a new environment:

conda create -n psychopy python=3.8

Note

Remember if you have installed minforge instead of miniconda you can use mamba and conda interchangeably for these steps.

once done we actually need to install psychopy in this new environment. Let’s do that, activate the environment and just type pip install psychopy :

conda activate psychpy
pip install psychopy

On Mac Python 3.10 seems to work better. Thus create a new environment:

conda create -n psychopy python=3.10

Note

Remember if you have installed minforge instead of miniconda you can use mamba and conda interchangeably for these steps.

once done we actually need to install psychopy in this new environment. Let’s do that, activate the environment and just type pip install psychopy :

conda activate psychpy
pip install psychopy

It may take some time and require your confirmation during the process, but eventually, the setup will complete. Once finished, your psychopy environment will include the PsychoPy library, allowing you to import it easily using import psychopy

Caution

If you are planning to use Spyder as your Ide to interact with PsychoPy you require an additional library to interact with Spyder

You can install it by:
conda install spyder-kernels
or
pip install spyder-kernels

In case you need more information please check our python installation guide

Psychopy Standalone

If you’re unable to install PsychoPy using conda/mamba or simply prefer a reliable setup with access to the intuitive PsychoPy GUI, the standalone installer is a great option.

However, it’s important to note that PsychoPy offers two main ways to create experiments:

The Builder: Ideal for those who prefer a graphical, point-and-click interface.
The Coder: Designed for users who prefer to program their experiments from scratch.

In our tutorials, we will focus on coding experiments directly. If you’re using the PsychoPy standalone installer, you’ll need to follow along using the Coder interface.

--- title: "Starting with PsychoPy" execute: eval: false author-meta: Tommaso Ghilardi, Franesco Poli description-meta: "Learn how to install psychpy and spyder in a new econda environment" keywords: "PsychoPy, Python, experimental psychology, tutorial, installation, DevStart, developmental science, Spyder ide, Spyder" categories: - Setup - Python --- PsychoPy is an open-source software package written in the Python programming language primarily for use in neuroscience and experimental psychology research. It's one of our favorite ways to create experiments and we will use it through our tutorials. So, let's start and install PsychoPy!!! # Install PsychoPy As reported on the PsychoPy [website](https://www.psychopy.org/download.html), there are multiple ways to install PsychoPy. Our favorite way to install it is using *conda/mamba* (refer to the [Getting started with python](GettingStartedWithPython.qmd)). This installation method offers several advantages: you are not restricted to using the PsychoPy GUI, and you can easily add libraries to enhance PsychoPy's functionality. However, this process can sometimes be challenging, as compatibility issues with certain packages may require troubleshooting. Here, we provide some tips to help you make it work. If you find this method too complex or encounter persistent issues, remember that you can always follow the tutorials on this site using the PsychoPy standalone installer, which provides a secure and reliable way to use PsychoPy. ## Miniconda/Miniforge We recommend installing PsychoPy in a dedicated virtual environment where you can create and run your studies. To ensure optimal performance and avoid compatibility issues, keep this environment as clean as possible. Ideally, install PsychoPy and only the additional libraries required for your study. For any other libraries, for example for analysis, consider creating separate environments to prevent conflicts with PsychoPy ::::: panel-tabset ## Windows On windows python 3.8 seems to be a safe bet. Create a new environment: ``` bash conda create -n psychopy python=3.8 ``` ::: callout-note Remember if you have installed minforge instead of miniconda you can use *mamba* and *conda* interchangeably for these steps. ::: once done we actually need to install psychopy in this new environment. Let's do that, activate the environment and just type `pip install psychopy` : ``` bash conda activate psychpy pip install psychopy ``` ## Mac On Mac Python 3.10 seems to work better. Thus create a new environment: ``` bash conda create -n psychopy python=3.10 ``` ::: callout-note Remember if you have installed minforge instead of miniconda you can use *mamba* and *conda* interchangeably for these steps. ::: once done we actually need to install psychopy in this new environment. Let's do that, activate the environment and just type `pip install psychopy` : ``` bash conda activate psychpy pip install psychopy ``` ::::: It may take some time and require your confirmation during the process, but eventually, the setup will complete. Once finished, your psychopy environment will include the PsychoPy library, allowing you to import it easily using `import psychopy` ::: callout-caution If you are planning to use Spyder as your Ide to interact with PsychoPy you require an additional library to interact with Spyder You can install it by:\ `conda install spyder-kernels`\ or\ `pip install spyder-kernels` In case you need more information please check our [python installation guide](GettingStartedWithPython.qmd) ::: ## Psychopy Standalone If you're unable to install PsychoPy using conda/mamba or simply prefer a reliable setup with access to the intuitive PsychoPy GUI, the standalone installer is a great option. However, it's important to note that PsychoPy offers two main ways to create experiments: - The Builder: Ideal for those who prefer a graphical, point-and-click interface. ![](https://psychopy.org/_images/builder.png){fig-align="center" width="343"} - The Coder: Designed for users who prefer to program their experiments from scratch. ![](https://psychopy.org/_images/coder_small.gif){fig-align="center"} In our tutorials, we will focus on coding experiments directly. If you're using the PsychoPy standalone installer, **you'll need to follow along using the Coder interface**.