How to sort Python imports with Ruff

This guide shows how to automatically organize and sort Python imports using ruff:

Sorting a Single File

To sort imports in a Python file called example.py:

$ uvx ruff check --select I --fix example.py

This command:

• Uses the --select I flag to enable only import sorting rules
• Applies fixes automatically with --fix
• Targets the file example.py

Sorting an Entire Directory

To sort imports across all Python files in the current directory and its subfolders:

$ uvx ruff check --select I --fix .

Using ruff in a Project

For ongoing import sorting in a project:

1. Add ruff as a development dependency:

$ uv add --dev ruff

2. Configure ruff in pyproject.toml:

[tool.ruff]
select = ["I"]

3. Run import sorting with:

$ uv run ruff check --fix .