uv pip install: Fast Installs Command Reference

A much faster, pip-compatible install command.

uv pip install installs packages with uv fast resolver while accepting pip-style arguments. It is a near drop-in replacement for pip install in CI.

Common flags / usage

uv pip install pkg -- install a package
-r requirements.txt -- install from a requirements file
-e . -- editable install
--python PATH -- target a specific interpreter/venv
--system -- install into the system Python explicitly

Example

shell

- uses: astral-sh/setup-uv@v5
  with:
    enable-cache: true
- run: uv venv
- run: uv pip install -r requirements.txt

In CI

Unlike pip, uv will not install into a non-virtual system Python by default -- create a venv (uv venv) or pass --system / --python explicitly. The setup-uv action caches uv global download cache so repeated installs are fast.

Key takeaways

uv pip install is a fast, pip-compatible installer.
It needs an explicit target: a venv, --python, or --system.
Enable uv cache in CI for fast repeated installs.

Related guides

uv venv: Fast Virtual Environment Command ReferenceReference for uv venv in CI: creating a virtual environment quickly, pinning the Python version with --python… pip-compile (pip-tools): Lock Command ReferenceReference for pip-compile from pip-tools in CI: compiling requirements.in into a fully pinned requirements.tx… pip install: Command Reference for CIReference for pip install in CI pipelines: installing packages, pinning versions, common flags, a GitHub Acti…