Displaying text on OLED in Raspberry Pi

Introduction

We use OLED displays to show information like text or numbers in a small, clear way. Displaying text on an OLED helps us see messages directly on the device.

You want to show sensor readings like temperature or humidity on a small screen.

You need to display status messages or alerts on a device without a full monitor.

You want to create a simple user interface on a Raspberry Pi project.

You want to show time or date on a compact display.

You want to debug or check values without connecting to a computer.

Syntax

Raspberry Pi

from luma.core.interface.serial import i2c
from luma.oled.device import sh1106
from PIL import ImageDraw, ImageFont

serial = i2c(port=1, address=0x3C)
device = sh1106(serial)

with canvas(device) as draw:
    draw.text((x, y), "Your text here", fill="white", font=font)

Use the canvas context to draw on the OLED safely.

Coordinates (x, y) start at the top-left corner of the screen.

Examples

This example shows how to write 'Hello OLED' at position (10, 10) on the screen.

Raspberry Pi

from luma.core.interface.serial import i2c
from luma.oled.device import sh1106
from luma.core.render import canvas

serial = i2c(port=1, address=0x3C)
device = sh1106(serial)

with canvas(device) as draw:
    draw.text((10, 10), "Hello OLED", fill="white")

This example uses a default font to display temperature at the top-left corner.

Raspberry Pi

from luma.core.interface.serial import i2c
from luma.oled.device import sh1106
from luma.core.render import canvas
from PIL import ImageFont

serial = i2c(port=1, address=0x3C)
device = sh1106(serial)
font = ImageFont.load_default()

with canvas(device) as draw:
    draw.text((0, 0), "Temp: 25C", fill="white", font=font)

Sample Program

This program connects to the OLED screen and shows two lines of text at different positions.

Raspberry Pi

from luma.core.interface.serial import i2c
from luma.oled.device import sh1106
from luma.core.render import canvas
from PIL import ImageFont

# Setup I2C and OLED device
serial = i2c(port=1, address=0x3C)
device = sh1106(serial)

# Load default font
font = ImageFont.load_default()

# Display text on OLED
with canvas(device) as draw:
    draw.text((5, 5), "Hello, Raspberry Pi!", fill="white", font=font)
    draw.text((5, 20), "OLED Display Test", fill="white", font=font)

Important Notes

Make sure your OLED is connected correctly to the Raspberry Pi's I2C pins.

Use ImageFont.load_default() for simple text or load custom fonts for style.

Always use the canvas context to update the display to avoid flickering.

Summary

OLED displays show text by drawing on a small screen using coordinates.

Use the canvas context to safely draw text on the OLED.

Connect the OLED via I2C and use libraries like luma.oled to control it easily.