Create readable figures in Python

betterfigures.py

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
x=[-2,-1,0,1,2]; y=[4,1,0,1,4]

# Set DPI >=150 for readability and adjust figsize
myfig = plt.figure( figsize=(3,1.5), dpi=150 )

# Pick a nice color, make sure your markers are large and
# make sure your lines are wide
myplt = plt.plot( x, y, 'o', color = 'c', markersize=6)
plt.plot( x, y, color= 'c', linewidth=2)

# Adjust y-limits
myfig.axes[0].set_ylim(-1,5)

# Get rid of the box around your plot
myfig.axes[0].spines['top'].set_visible(False)
myfig.axes[0].spines['right'].set_visible(False)

plt.tight_layout() # To ensure everything fits
plt.savefig('myfig.png',dpi=150) # Set DPI