ModuleNotFoundError: No Module Named Pycocotools happens because pycocotools in different top layer packages don’t work well together (TensorFlow etc).
In this tutorial we gonna fix the issue about ModuleNotFoundError: No Module Named ‘Pycocotools‘, importerror no module, importerror cannot import in a different ways of solving this problem.
Most of the time, this error happens when TensorFlow is being used to find objects. But this error could happen in a number of different ways. The reason for writing this article is to give a general solution that will work for all of these kinds of errors.
How To Fix ModuleNotFoundError: No Module Named ‘Pycocotools’?
There are different ways to solved this error.
Time needed: 5 minutes
Steps on How To Fix ModuleNotFoundError: No Module Named Pycocotools
- Step 1: Using pycocotools Source Code
Git is where the source code for pycocotools is kept. We’ll get the code from there and put it in. But to fully use this, it’s best to update the related packages (like scikit-image and Python) at the same time.
Here’s the list of commands you can try:pip3 install -U scikit-image
pip3 install -U cython
pip3 install"git+https://github.com/philferriere/cocoapi.git#egg=pycocotools&subdirectory=PythonAPI"
orpip install"git+https://github.com/philferriere/cocoapi.git#egg=pycocotools&subdirectory=PythonAPI" - Step 2: Installation of pycocotools with pypi using pip
Here, we’ll use the pip package manager to get the build from the pypi repository.
Here’s the command to do the same thing:pip install pycocotools
orpip install pycocotools-windows
- Step 3: Installation of pycocotools with conda
The conda package manager can be used to install or update pycocotools just like pip.
Here’s the command to do the same thing:conda install -c conda-forge pycocotools
- Step 4: Install pycocotools ubuntu
First go to github and download the zip file locally: https://github.com/cocodataset/cocoapi
Extract to any folder, cd to thecocoapi-master/PythonAPIdirectory in the terminal, and use the make command directly to execute the installation
Directory structure after decompression:sudo cd cocoapi-master\PythonAPI
make
Summary
These pycocotools work with the coco dataset, which can be used for object detection, image detection, and other tasks that have to do with computer vision.
This is mostly useful in most of the latest computer vision algorithms. I hope that this article will help you figure out how to fix the “ModuleNotFoundError: No Module Named Pycocotools“.
Recommendation
By the way, if you want to explore your knowledge in Python OpenCV Projects, I have here the list of the Best OpenCV Python Projects with Source Code for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Python ModuleNotFoundError and what causes it?
ModuleNotFoundError (a subclass of ImportError) is raised when Python cannot find the module you tried to import. Common causes: the package isn’t installed (pip install missing), wrong virtual environment activated, typo in module name, or Python can’t find your local module on the import path. The error message names exactly which module is missing.
How do I fix ‘ModuleNotFoundError: No module named X’?
Run pip install X first. If that succeeds but you still get the error, check which Python you’re using (which python OR python –version) vs which pip (which pip OR pip –version), they must match. Common gotcha: pip points to system Python 3.9 but you’re running python3.11 in a venv. Inside the venv, use python -m pip install X to be sure pip matches the active Python.
Why does my code work in one environment but not another?
Different Python versions or different installed packages. To diagnose: pip freeze > requirements.txt on the working environment, then pip install -r requirements.txt on the broken one. Use virtualenv (python -m venv venv) or conda for every project to avoid system-wide package collisions.
Is ModuleNotFoundError the same as ImportError?
ModuleNotFoundError is a subclass of ImportError added in Python 3.6. It specifically means ‘no such module exists.’ Plain ImportError covers a wider set: module exists but a name inside it can’t be imported (e.g. ‘cannot import name X from Y’). except ImportError catches both; except ModuleNotFoundError catches only the missing-module case.
Where can I find more ModuleNotFoundError fixes?
Browse the ModuleNotFoundError reference hub for 198+ specific module fixes (TensorFlow, Flask, Django, pandas, numpy, etc.). For related issues see ImportError. For broader Python setup see Python Tutorial hub.
Inquiries
However, if you have any questions or suggestions about this tutorial ModuleNotFoundError: No Module Named Pycocotools, Please feel free to comment below, Thank You and God Bless!
Angel Jude Suarez
Full-Stack Developer at PIES IT Solution
Focuses on Python development, machine learning, and AI integration. Has built production AI systems including OpenAI Whisper integration for medical transcription and GPT-4o-powered diagnosis assistance. Strong background in pandas, scikit-learn, and TensorFlow.
Expertise: Python · PHP · Java · VB.NET · ASP.NET · Machine Learning · AI Integration · OpenCV · Django · CodeIgniter · View all posts by Angel Jude Suarez →