cx_Freeze

Convert Python scripts into standalone executables and installers for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

EstablishedOpen SourceLow lock-in
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Pricing

Free tier

Flat rate

Adoption

→Stable

License

Open Source

Data freshness

Aging · Jun 8, 2026

Overview

What is cx_Freeze?

Cx_Freeze is a Python tool that converts Python scripts into standalone executables and installers. It supports multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it easy to distribute Python applications without requiring the end-user to have Python installed.

Key differentiator

“Cx_Freeze stands out as an open-source tool specifically designed to convert Python scripts into standalone executables and installers, supporting multiple platforms without requiring users to have Python installed.”

Capability profile

Capability Radar

Ease of StartEcosystemValueMaturityFlexibilityScale Ready

Honest assessment

Strengths & Weaknesses

↑ Strengths

Converts Python scripts into standalone executables and installers.medium

Supports multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, and Linux.medium

Does not require the end-user to have Python installed.medium

↓ Weaknesses

Limited documentation and community supporthigh

Documentation is sparse, with few examples and limited troubleshooting resources available.

Performance overhead for large applicationsmedium

Large Python applications converted using cx_Freeze may experience slower startup times compared to natively compiled executables.

Complex setup and configuration for complex projectshigh

Projects with many dependencies or specific configurations require significant effort to set up correctly in cx_Freeze, leading to potential errors if not managed carefully.

Limited support for certain Python packagesmedium

Some specialized Python libraries may not be fully supported by cx_Freeze, requiring additional workarounds or manual adjustments.

Fit analysis

Who is it for?

✓ Best for

Developers who need to distribute Python applications across different platforms without requiring users to have Python installed.

Teams building cross-platform desktop applications in Python that require a seamless installation process.

✕ Not a fit for

Projects needing real-time updates or continuous integration with the latest Python libraries.

Applications that heavily rely on dynamic dependencies not supported by cx_Freeze.

Cost structure

Pricing

Free Tier

Available

Open source — free to use

Starts at

$0

Model

Flat rate

Enterprise

None

Performance benchmarks

How Fast Is It?

Ecosystem

Relationships

Alternatives

py2exePyInstaller

Works well with

PyCharm

Next step

Get Started with cx_Freeze

Step-by-step setup guide with code examples and common gotchas.

View Setup Guide →