turtle.shape() function in Python (original) (raw)

Last Updated : 15 Jul, 2025

The turtle module in Python simplifies graphical programming, making it ideal for beginners. It supports both object-oriented and procedural approaches and relies on Tkinter as its graphical engine. One of its key functions****, turtle.shape(**) allows users to set or retrieve the shape of the turtle cursor. This function can assign predefined or custom shapes and if no shape is specified, it returns the current shape.

**Example:

Python `

import turtle

t = turtle.Turtle()

Set the shape to the default "classic"

t.shape("classic")

Move the turtle forward

t.forward(100)

turtle.done()

`

**Output

Classic Shape

**Explanation: Turtle object is created and its shape is set to "turtle", making it appear like a turtle icon. The turtle then moves forward by 100 units. Finally, **turtle.done() is used to keep the window open, allowing the output to be visible.

**Syntax of turtle.shape()

turtle.shape(name=None)

**Parameters:

• name: (Optional) The shape name to assign to the turtle.
• If no argument is passed, it returns the name of the currently set shape.

Predefined shape

The **turtle module includes a set of built-in shapes that can be used directly:

These shapes are stored in the **Turtle Screen's shape dictionary, meaning they are predefined and ready for use without requiring additional setup.

default : 'classic'

'arrow'

'turtle'

'circle'

'square'

'triangle'

Examples of turtle.shape()

**Example 1: Using Different Shapes

The following example demonstrates how to set different shapes for the turtle cursor.

Python `

import package

import turtle

for default shape

turtle.forward(100)

for circle shape

turtle.shape("circle") turtle.right(60) turtle.forward(100)

for triangle shape

turtle.shape("triangle") turtle.right(60) turtle.forward(100)

for square shape

turtle.shape("square") turtle.right(60) turtle.forward(100)

for arrow shape

turtle.shape("arrow") turtle.right(60) turtle.forward(100)

for turtle shape

turtle.shape("turtle") turtle.right(60) turtle.forward(100)

`

**Output:

**Explanation:

• **Default Shape: The turtle starts with the default "classic" shape and moves forward.
• **Circle Shape: The shape is changed to "circle", and the turtle moves in a different direction.
• **Triangle Shape: The shape is changed to "triangle", and the turtle moves again.
• **Square Shape: The shape is changed to "square", and the turtle moves further.
• **Arrow Shape: The shape is changed to "arrow", and the turtle continues moving.
• **Turtle Shape: Finally, the shape is changed to "turtle", and movement continues.

Example 2: Animating shape changes

Python `

import turtle import time

Create a turtle object

t = turtle.Turtle()

List of shapes

shapes = ["arrow", "turtle", "circle", "square", "triangle", "classic"]

Move and change shapes dynamically

for shape in shapes: t.shape(shape) t.forward(50) time.sleep(0.5) # Pause for visibility

t.hideturtle() turtle.done()

`

**Output

Shape Changes

**Explanation:

• The turtle iterates through different shapes while moving forward.
• A time.sleep(0.5) is added to create a smooth animation effect.