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abqPip: Install Python Packages in Abaqus

  • Aug 11
  • 3 min read

Updated: Sep 25

Close-up of a laptop running Python code on screen, symbolizing programming or scripting with Python in a technical environment.
Python scripting on a development machine.


Integrating third-party Python packages into Abaqus has long been a challenge, especially for engineers who want to use tools like pandas, scipy, or matplotlib in postprocessing or automation scripts. With the release of SIMULIA Abaqus/CAE 2024.HF2, that limitation has been significantly reduced through the introduction of a new tool: abqPip. 


This blog explains how abqPip allows you to install and manage Python packages directly in the Abaqus Python environment, opening up advanced scripting and data processing workflows. 



What is abqPip? 

abqPip is a command-line utility integrated into Abaqus Python, providing pip-style functionality without requiring manual package management. It runs Abaqus Python as a separate process and can: 

  • Install third-party Python packages 

  • Query already-installed packages 

  • Avoid redundant installations by checking multiple directories 

 

Unlike traditional pip usage, abqPip is not meant to be executed inside a Python script. Instead, you call it directly via the command prompt. 


To see the available options, open a command prompt and type: 

abaqus python -m abqPip -h
% abq python -m abqPip -h usage: abqPip.pyc [-h] [-d DIRECTORY] [-e EXTRA_DIR]           {install,list,show} [package ...] 

This is a tool for retrieving additional Python packages for use with Abaqus Python, or for getting information about previously retrieved packages. Available actions are 'install', 'list', and 'show' for installing, listing  previously installed, and getting detailed information about packages.  Packages will not be installed in the Abaqus installation, but in a specified  target directory, which can then be included in PYTHONPATH or added to  Python's sys.path for use in Abaqus Python or Abaqus/CAE. 


positional arguments:      

{install,list,show}        
package

Package name as with pip 


options: 

-h, --help

show this help message and exit 


-d DIRECTORY, --directory DIRECTORY 

Target directory to place packages when installing,  or primary location to look for previously installed  packages. Default is site-packages/pythonX.Y under the  current directory .. 


-e EXTRA DIR, --extra dir EXTRA DIR  

Extra site package directory to look for previously installed packages 


 

Installing a Package With abqPip 

To install the pandas library using abqPip, you can run the following command in the command prompt: 


abq2024hf2 python -m abqPip -d D:\temp_install_1 -e D:\temp_install_2 install pandas 

Here’s what each part of the command does: 

  • The -d option specifies the target directory where the package should be installed. 

  • The -e option defines an extra directory to search for already-installed packages. 

  • If the package already exists in either location, abqPip will skip the installation to save time. 

 

After installing a package, you need to make sure that the Python interpreter can find it. You can do this in two ways: 

  • Add the path to your script using Python code: 

  • For example: 

import sys; sys.path.append("D:\temp_install_1") 

  • Or set the PYTHONPATH environment variable to include the installation directory. 

 


Alternative: Use Pip via Ensurepip 

If you are working with basic packages, you can also activate pip directly in Abaqus using the following method: 

Step 1 – Enable pip inside Abaqus Python by running: 

abaqus python -m ensurepip 

Step 2 – Install your desired package with: 

abaqus python -m pip install packagename 

This method works for simple libraries, but abqPip offers better control and flexibility—especially when you want to avoid overwriting existing packages or need to install into specific locations. 



Compatibility Notes 

Abaqus 2024’s transition to Python 3 has significantly improved compatibility with the broader Python ecosystem. However, not all packages are guaranteed to work. 

  • Dassault Systèmes does not officially support third-party packages not included in the Abaqus distribution. 

  • Compatibility should always be tested before using third-party libraries in production workflows. 

 

For more information and compatibility guidelines, refer to the SIMULIA Knowledge Base via the Dassault Systèmes support portal. 



Unlocking Advanced Workflows in Abaqus Python 

By integrating abqPip into your workflow, you can: 

  • Automate postprocessing using pandas or numpy 

  • Visualize simulation data with matplotlib 

  • Build optimization and machine learning pipelines directly in Abaqus 

  • Extend simulation scripts with custom logic from external libraries 

 

abqPip gives you native access to the Python ecosystem inside Abaqus—without workarounds. 



Need Help Setting It Up?

Looking to streamline your simulation workflows with external Python tools? Whether you want to install specific libraries or build custom scripts, we can guide you. Use the contact form or email us at sales@4realsim.com for expert support.

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