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Black

Free#6 of 34 in Code Formatting Tools

Black: A focused open-source formatter for consistent Python style and smaller diffs. Ranked #6 of 34 in Code Formatting Tools by our editors (6.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for python formatting with stable conventions.

6.9/10Editor score
Visit Black
Black6.9 Visit Black

At a glance

  • Editor score
    6.9 / 10
  • Pricing
    Free plan
  • Best for
    Python formatting with stable conventions
  • Free plan
    Yes
  • Paid from
    None
  • Supported languages
    Python
  • Facts checked
    21 Sep 2026
Black screenshot

  • Where it wins

    • Opinionated PEP 8-compliant formatting for consistent Python style
    • Changed-line, check-only, diff, and ignore-rule support
    • Integrations across editors, GitHub Actions, pre-commit, and notebooks

  • Where it doesn't

    • Supports Python rather than multiple programming languages
    • Jupyter Notebook formatting requires an optional installation extra
    • No library API is listed in the published category specifications

Our verdict on Black

Black is an open-source Python code formatter for developers and teams that want repeatable style decisions and smaller diffs during code review. It reformats Python files in place and can process files, directories, standard input, and Jupyter Notebooks. The tool runs locally on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with a local HTTP formatting server available through blackd. Its opinionated PEP 8-compliant approach makes it a focused choice for Python projects seeking stable conventions rather than broad multi-language coverage.

Configuration and workflow support are central to Black’s fit. Projects can manage settings through pyproject.toml, while file and directory discovery includes include and exclude rules plus automatic .gitignore-based exclusion. Changed-line formatting is available through --line-ranges, and check-only and diff output modes support review and automation workflows. Editor and IDE integrations cover PyCharm, IntelliJ IDEA, Wing IDE, Vim, Neovim, Gedit, Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, and Emacs. GitHub Actions, pre-commit, and Jupyter Notebooks extend its place in development workflows.

Black is a local open-source tool with a free plan and no paid tiers described. Its narrow language focus is an advantage for Python teams that want one consistent formatting convention, but it is less suitable for organizations seeking one formatter across several programming languages. Notebook formatting is available with an optional installation extra, and the published category specifications do not list a library API. Choose Black when deterministic Python formatting, project-level configuration, changed-line handling, and editor or automation integrations matter; consider an alternative when multi-language support or a library API is required.

Black pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.
See plans on black.readthedocs.io

Black fact sheet

Free planYes
Paid fromNone
Supported languagesPython
Supported platformsWindows, macOS, Linux, local HTTP API
Editor integrationYes
Ignore filesYes
Changed-lines formattingYes
Library APINo
License modelOpen_source
DeploymentSelf-hosted
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux
SupportCommunity, Docs
Built forSolo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate)
Integrations12 integrations: PyCharm, IntelliJ IDEA, Wing IDE, Vim, Neovim, Gedit …
PricingFree plan
Websiteblack.readthedocs.io
Facts checked21 Sep 2026

Black integrations

Black lists 12 integrations on its own site.

  • PyCharm
  • IntelliJ IDEA
  • Wing IDE
  • Vim
  • Neovim
  • Gedit
  • Visual Studio Code
  • Sublime Text
  • Emacs
  • GitHub Actions
  • pre-commit
  • Jupyter Notebooks

Alternatives to Black

See all Black alternatives →

Black vs the competition

Compare Black with any tool side by side →

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Featured on iTechGuides

Featured on iTechGuides — Black 6.9/10

Black is listed in our Code Formatting Tools directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

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