Command referenceconda create
conda create command (Linux & Windows / Conda)
What it does
Create a new isolated Conda environment with an optional Python version and starter packages. When people look up conda create environment, they usually want safe flags, copyable examples, and how this Conda subcommand fits Anaconda or Miniconda workflows on Linux, Windows, and macOS. Syntax, options, and practical examples are below.
Create a new isolated Conda environment with an optional Python version and starter packages.
Syntax
conda create [-n ENV | -p PATH] [package ...] [options]
Common options
| Flag / option | Meaning |
|---|---|
| -n, --name | Name of the new environment. |
| -p, --prefix | Create the environment at an explicit path. |
| python=X.Y | Pin the Python version in the new environment. |
| --channel, -c | Add a channel for package resolution. |
| --yes, -y | Do not ask for confirmation. |
| --clone | Clone an existing environment into the new one. |
Practical examples
Python 3.11 project env
conda create -n ml python=3.11
Creates a named env with Python 3.11 and Conda's default packages.
With starter packages
conda create -n web python=3.12 flask requests
Installs Flask and Requests while the environment is created.
From conda-forge
conda create -n geo -c conda-forge python=3.11 geopandas
Resolves packages primarily from the conda-forge channel.
Path-based env
conda create -p ./envs/demo python=3.10
Useful when you want the env next to a project checkout.
Skip prompts
conda create -y -n tools ripgrep
Creates the env without interactive confirmation.
Linux ↔ Windows equivalent
Conceptually similar to `python -m venv`, but Conda also solves non-Python packages and channels.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting to activate the new env after create — packages still install into the wrong place if you skip activation later.
- Mixing `-n` and `-p` for the same create; pick one location style.
- Expecting `python -m venv` semantics; Conda envs are managed by Conda, not only a `bin/activate` script.
Related commands
- conda activateActivate a named or path-based Conda environment in the current shell session.
- conda env createCreate an environment from an environment.yml (or similar) specification file.
- conda installInstall packages into the active or named Conda environment from configured channels.
- conda env listList all Conda environments and mark the currently active one.
- conda listList packages installed in the active or named Conda environment.
- aptSearch, install, update, and remove packages on Debian-based systems.
- conda infoShow Conda installation details, active environment, channels, and platform metadata.
- conda env exportExport the active (or named) environment to a YAML or explicit package lock for sharing.
FAQ
What does conda create do in Conda?
Create a new isolated Conda environment with an optional Python version and starter packages.
Does conda create work on Windows and Linux?
Yes. Conda runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS; shell activation differs slightly after `conda init`, but the CLI flags are the same.
What is a practical conda create example?
Try `conda create -n ml python=3.11` — Creates a named env with Python 3.11 and Conda's default packages.
Is mamba the same as conda create?
Mamba is a faster drop-in solver for many Conda workflows. Prefer `mamba` only when it is installed; otherwise use the Conda commands on this page.
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