Use python3 explicitly on systems where python points elsewhere.
Section: Create environments
Create with python3
bash
bash
python3 -m venv .venvExplanation
Useful on Linux and macOS when `python3` is the installed interpreter command.
Learn the surrounding workflow
Compare similar commands or jump into common fixes when this command is part of a bigger troubleshooting path.
Related commands
Same sheet · prioritizing Create environments
Create a .venv environment
Create a conventional project-local virtual environment.
Customize the shell prompt name
Set the prompt label shown when the environment is active.
Create with Windows py launcher
Create an environment using the Windows Python launcher.
Create with a specific Python version
Use a specific interpreter to choose the base Python version.
Create in a custom directory
Create a venv anywhere, not just in the project root.