4.4 GRAPHICS IN PYTHON USING TURTLE

Introduction to Turtle

Turtle is a Python module used to draw shapes, patterns, and pictures on the screen by moving a virtual pen called a turtle.

It is mainly used to teach programming concepts in a visual and interesting way.

It helps students learn programming through drawings and graphics.

It can draw shapes, lines, circles, patterns, and pictures easily.

Features of Turtle

Feature	Description
Easy Learning	Helps learn programming through drawings and graphics.
Fun Learning	Makes coding interesting by creating shapes and designs.
Creativity	Allows users to create different drawings and patterns.
Easy Error Detection	Mistakes can be identified easily by looking at the drawing.
Learn Shapes	Helps understand shapes, angles, and positions.
Better Thinking	Improves logical thinking by following drawing steps.

Basic Structure of a Turtle Program

import turtle

screen = turtle.Screen( )

pen = turtle.Turtle( )

# drawing commands

turtle.done( )

Explanation of Basic Turtle Statements

1. import turtle

Definition

import turtle is used to import the Turtle module so that Turtle graphics commands can be used in a Python program.

Simple Meaning

Python loads turtle graphics so drawing commands can work.

Without It

Turtle programs will not work.

2. import turtle as t

Definition

import turtle as t imports the Turtle module and gives it a short alias name t.

Simple Meaning

Instead of writing turtle every time, we can write only t.

Example

import turtle as t

pen = t.Turtle()

3. screen = turtle.Screen()

Definition

screen = turtle.Screen() creates a drawing window where the turtle can move and draw.

Simple Meaning

It opens a blank screen or canvas for drawing.

Used For

1. Changing background color

2. Setting window size

3. Changing window title

4. Detecting keyboard and mouse actions

4. pen = turtle.Turtle()

Definition

pen = turtle.Turtle() creates a turtle object and stores it in the variable pen.

Simple Meaning

It creates the drawing turtle that moves and draws on the screen.

5. turtle.done()

Definition

turtle.done() keeps the Turtle graphics window open until it is closed manually.

Simple Meaning

It prevents the drawing window from closing immediately after the program finishes.

6. turtle.mainloop()

Definition

turtle.mainloop() keeps the Turtle window open and waits for user actions.

Simple Meaning

It allows the program to keep running until the user closes the window.

Uses

1. Keeps the window open

2. Waits for keyboard or mouse events

3. Prevents the program from ending immediately

Important Turtle Commands

1. Turtle Motion Commands

Turtle motion commands are used to move and turn the turtle on the screen.

Command	Definition	Syntax	Example
forward() / fd()	Moves the turtle forward by a specified distance.	forward(distance)	pen.forward(100)
backward() / bk() / back()	Moves the turtle backward by a specified distance.	backward(distance)	pen.backward(50)
right() / rt()	Turns the turtle clockwise by a specified angle.	right(angle)	pen.right(90)
left() / lt()	Turns the turtle anticlockwise by a specified angle.	left(angle)	pen.left(90)

2. Circle Command

Command	Definition	Syntax	Example
circle()	Draws a circle or arc with a specified radius.	circle(radius)	pen.circle(50)

3. Color and Style Commands

Color and style commands are used to change the appearance of drawings.

Command	Definition	Syntax	Example
color()	Sets the line color of the turtle pen.	color(color_name)	pen.color("red")
fillcolor()	Sets the color used to fill a closed shape.	fillcolor(color_name)	pen.fillcolor("yellow")
pencolor()	Sets only the outline color of the turtle pen.	pencolor(color_name)	pen.pencolor("blue")
pensize()	Sets the thickness of the turtle pen.	pensize(size)	pen.pensize(5)
speed()	Controls the drawing speed of the turtle.	speed(value)	pen.speed(0)

Turtle Speed Values

Speed Value	Meaning
0	Fastest
1	Slowest
3	Slow
5	Medium
10	Fast

4. Pen Control Commands

Pen control commands control whether the turtle draws while moving.

Command	Definition	Syntax	Example
penup() / pu() / up()	Lifts the pen and stops drawing.	penup()	pen.penup()
pendown() / pd() / down()	Puts the pen down and starts drawing.	pendown()	pen.pendown()

Example

pen.penup()

pen.forward(100)

pen.pendown()

pen.forward(100)

Explanation

The first movement draws nothing because the pen is up.
The second movement draws a line because the pen is down.

5. Position Commands

Position commands control the turtle’s location on the screen.

Command	Definition	Syntax	Example
goto()	Moves the turtle to a specific coordinate.	goto(x, y)	pen.goto(100, 50)
setpos() / setposition()	Moves the turtle to a specific coordinate.	setpos(x, y)	pen.setpos(50, 80)
home()	Returns the turtle to the starting position.	home()	pen.home()

Turtle Coordinate System

Direction	Coordinate Value
Right	Positive X (+X)
Left	Negative X (-X)
Up	Positive Y (+Y)
Down	Negative Y (-Y)

📌 The center of the Turtle screen is (0, 0).

6. Fill Commands

Fill commands are used to fill closed shapes with color.

Command	Definition	Syntax	Example
begin_fill()	Starts filling a shape with color.	begin_fill()	pen.begin_fill()
end_fill()	Ends filling and fills the shape.	end_fill()	pen.end_fill()

Example

pen.fillcolor("yellow")

pen.begin_fill()

for i in range(4):

    pen.forward(100)

    pen.right(90)

pen.end_fill()

7. Text Command

Command	Definition	Syntax	Example
write()	Displays text on the screen.	write(text)	pen.write("Hello Python")

Example

pen.write("Welcome to Turtle Graphics")

8. Screen and Turtle Control Commands

Command	Definition	Syntax	Example
clear()	Removes all drawings made by the turtle from the screen.	clear()	pen.clear()
reset()	Clears the screen and returns the turtle to its starting state.	reset()	pen.reset()
hideturtle()	Hides the turtle cursor.	hideturtle()	pen.hideturtle()
showturtle()	Displays the turtle cursor.	showturtle()	pen.showturtle()
bgcolor()	Changes the screen background color.	screen.bgcolor(color)	screen.bgcolor("lightblue")
title()	Sets the title of the Turtle window.	screen.title(title)	screen.title("My Drawing")

9. Shape Command

Definition

The shape() function is used to change the appearance of the turtle cursor.

Syntax

pen.shape("shape_name")

Example

pen.shape("turtle")

Common Turtle Shapes

Shape Name	Description
"arrow"	Default arrow cursor
"turtle"	Turtle-shaped cursor
"circle"	Circle-shaped cursor
"square"	Square-shaped cursor
"triangle"	Triangle-shaped cursor
"classic"	Classic turtle cursor

Common Exam Mistakes

1. Forgetting to write import turtle

2. Forgetting parentheses in commands

3. Writing forward instead of forward( )

4. Confusing penup() and pendown( )

5. Forgetting turtle.done( )

6. Using wrong indentation inside loops

7. Confusing angle and distance

Monday, June 8, 2026