python-formatter is a Visual Studio Code extension that formats Python files using Black, the industry-standard PEP8 formatter.
Key features
Auto-installs Black — The extension automatically installs Black on first use if not already present.
Uses the most accurate formatter — Black is the de facto standard Python formatter (used by Python, Django, PyTorch, etc.).
Zero configuration — Works out of the box with sensible defaults.
Fast formatting — Formats files in milliseconds.
Fallback built-in formatter — Basic PEP8 formatting if Black is unavailable.
Usage
Open a Python file in VS Code.
Press Shift+Alt+F (or run Format Python (PEP8) from the Command Palette).
The extension will:
Check if Black is installed (auto-installs on first use if needed)
Format the document with Black
Save the file
You can also use the standard VS Code Format Document command (Shift+Alt+F) — the extension registers as the default Python formatter.
Keybinding
Shift+Alt+F — Format current Python file (standard VS Code format keybinding)
Requirements
Python 3.6+ with pip (for Black auto-installation)
Black will be automatically installed on first use if not already available
Manual Black Installation (Optional)
If you prefer to install Black yourself:
pip install black
Extension Settings
This extension does not add any user-configurable settings. It uses Black with sensible defaults.
Known Issues
The built-in fallback formatter (used when Black is unavailable) implements basic PEP8 rules and may not handle complex nested structures correctly. For best results, ensure Black is installed.
Release Notes
See CHANGELOG.md for full release notes.
Contributing
If you'd like to improve the formatter, open an issue or submit a pull request.
License
This project is licensed under the MIT License — see the LICENSE file for details.
