To include runtime data files in a Python wheel, first check the build backend in pyproject.toml. For setuptools, the clearest option for files inside a package is [tool.setuptools.package-data], with patterns relative to that package. Other backends use their own settings: for Poetry, an include needs an explicit wheel format to appear in the wheel.
1. Check which build backend your project uses
The [build-system] table identifies the backend that builds your project. The frontend invokes that backend, and the backend determines which files go into the distribution. Settings under [tool.*] are backend-specific, so a configuration for setuptools will not automatically work with Poetry or another backend. See the Python Packaging User Guide and the build documentation.
[build-system]
requires = ["setuptools>=61"]
build-backend = "setuptools.build_meta"If your file names a different backend, use that backend’s file-inclusion configuration instead of copying the setuptools examples below.
2. Setuptools: explicitly include package data
For runtime files that belong to an importable package, use [tool.setuptools.package-data]. The keys are Python package names, which may differ from the distribution name used on PyPI. Patterns are relative to the package directory.
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[build-system]
requires = ["setuptools>=61"]
build-backend = "setuptools.build_meta"
[project]
name = "example"
version = "0.1.0"
[tool.setuptools.packages.find]
where = ["src"]
[tool.setuptools.package-data]
mypkg = ["data/*.json"]With this src-layout example, a file at src/mypkg/data/schema.json matches data/*.json. Nested patterns use forward slashes, including on Windows. Dotfiles are not matched unless the pattern explicitly begins with a dot, for example ".*". The package must also be discovered or declared by the backend. The setuptools data files guide documents this configuration and its pattern behavior.
If the directory is a namespace package or lacks __init__.py, verify that package discovery includes it. Setuptools can treat directories without __init__.py as packages, but a manual package list must account for them.
3. When to use include-package-data
include-package-data is useful when files selected for the source distribution should also be included in the wheel. The files must first be selected through a mechanism such as MANIFEST.in or a version-control plugin. It does not mean every project-root file is copied into the wheel; setuptools’ default inclusion is limited to files inside package directories.
For setuptools projects configured through pyproject.toml, include-package-data defaults to true starting with setuptools 61.0.0. Projects configured through setup.cfg or setup.py retain a false default for backward compatibility. Consult the setuptools data files guide for the behavior and configuration details.
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Choose explicit package-data patterns when you want a short, precise list of runtime resources. Choose include-package-data when a shared file-selection rule for the sdist and wheel fits your project.
4. Understand MANIFEST.in, sdists, and wheels
MANIFEST.in controls which files setuptools adds to or removes from a source distribution (sdist). Its commands include include, exclude, recursive-include, and graft, along with removal counterparts. An sdist can contain files needed for development or building that do not belong in an installed runtime wheel.
As a result, a MANIFEST.in entry alone does not guarantee that a file appears in the wheel. For runtime assets, keep files under the importable package and select them with package-data, or use the applicable package-data inclusion behavior. Use sdist-only selection for project-level files that should not be installed with the package. See the setuptools guide.
5. Poetry: specify the target format
Poetry uses separate packages, include, and exclude settings. Use packages to select Python packages or modules that automatic discovery misses; use include for file patterns. An include without a format defaults to the sdist only. Specify wheel or both formats when the files must be present in the wheel:
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[tool.poetry]
include = [
{ path = "mypkg/data/*.json", format = ["sdist", "wheel"] }
]Poetry gives include entries priority over excludes, while exclude entries default to both formats. Because wheel contents are unpacked into site-packages, avoid broad top-level includes for documentation, tests, or changelogs unless they belong in the installed package. See Poetry’s pyproject documentation.
6. Build and verify the wheel
-
Read
[build-system]and identify the backend; follow its own file-selection rules. -
Check that package discovery includes the package containing the data, especially when using a src layout or namespace packages.
-
Build a wheel using the project’s normal build frontend and backend.
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-
Inspect the resulting
.whlarchive and confirm that the expected paths appear beneath the package directory. -
Install that wheel in a clean environment and exercise the code that loads the resource. This catches cases where the archive contents are present but the application expects a different path.
Configuration expresses what should be included; checking the built artifact confirms what was actually packaged.
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-
Wrong backend setting: confirm
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-
Distribution name used as the package key: check the importable package directory and use its package name under
package-data. -
Package not discovered: verify the configured discovery root, such as
src, and confirm the target package is selected. -
MANIFEST.in assumed to control the wheel: remember it selects sdist contents; use package-data rules or the backend’s wheel inclusion setting for runtime files.
-
Pattern misses the file: check nested path spelling and explicitly match dotfiles where needed.
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Poetry include appears only in the sdist: add
format = "wheel"orformat = ["sdist", "wheel"]. -
Build output disagrees with current configuration: setuptools notes that
build,dist, and*.egg-infocan hold stale generated metadata after file-structure or configuration changes. Inspect or remove stale artifacts, then rebuild and inspect the wheel again.Quick Recap
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