set numpoints to 1

[dsm054]

(File under "default changes". For all I know this is already on the list of things to change, but if so I couldn't find it under either "numpoints" or "scatterpoints".)

My most popular answer on SO (see "matplotlib legend markers only once") explains how to avoid multiple points showing up in the legend.

This is far from scientific, but for what it's worth the question has 107 upvotes, my answer has 117 upvotes, and neither has a single downvote.

My experience is that those who don't like the multiple-marker convention really don't like it, and those who do don't seem particularly worked up about it.

[joferkington]

+1 from me.

I think an rcParam of legend.numpoints = 1 is a much better default than the current default of 2. If the default style does go with this, legend.scatterpoints should be changed to 1 at the same time, as well.

Worth including in the color overhaul, i.m.o.

[gauteh]

👍

[HDembinski]

+1 from me, too :)

[Tillsten]

+1

[janpipek]

+1

[efiring]

If one of you will generate a suitable PR for this, it will be merged. I will be very surprised if there is any opposition.