Python | after method in Tkinter

Last Updated : 11 Jul, 2025

Tkinter provides a variety of built-in functions develop interactive and featured GUI (Graphical User Interface). after() function is also a Universal function which can be used directly on the root as well as with other widgets.

after(parent, ms, function = None, *args)

Parameters:
parent: is the object of the widget or main window whichever is using this function.
ms: is the time in milliseconds.
function: which shall be called.
*args: other options.

Code #1:

Python3

# importing only those functions which
# are needed
from tkinter import Tk, mainloop, TOP
from tkinter.ttk import Button

# time function used to calculate time
from time import time

# creating tkinter window
root = Tk()

button = Button(root, text = 'Geeks')
button.pack(side = TOP, pady = 5)

print('Running...')
# Calculating starting time
start = time()

# in after method 5000 milliseconds
# is passed i.e after 5 seconds
# main window i.e root window will
# get destroyed
root.after(5000, root.destroy)

mainloop()

# calculating end time
end = time()
print('Destroyed after % d seconds' % (end-start))

Output:

When you run the program it will show a Tkinter window having a Button but after 5 seconds the window gets destroyed.
Code #2: Prompting a message after certain time (in our program after 5 seconds).

Python3

# importing only those functions which
# are needed
from tkinter import Tk, mainloop, TOP
from tkinter.ttk import Button
from tkinter.messagebox import _show

# creating tkinter window
root = Tk()
root.geometry('200x100 + 300 + 250')

button = Button(root, text = 'Geeks')
button.pack(side = TOP, pady = 5)

# in after method 5000 milliseconds
# is passed i.e after 5 seconds
# a message will be prompted
root.after(5000, lambda : _show('Title', 'Prompting after 5 seconds'))

# Destroying root window after 6.7 seconds
root.after(6700, root.destroy)

mainloop()

Output:
In below output a messagebox will prompt after 5 seconds you can even call any function after a certain period of time by passing the function name.