# Using an alternative Python package repository

If your company keeps an internal repository for approved Python packages, you can set a preference using the Spotfire Administration Manager to point to the URL for the internal repository.

## About this task

Changing this preference applies only to installing packages using the installed Spotfire client feature Tools > Python Tools > Package Management. If you are installing packages using the `pip` command, and you want to use your internal repository, then pass the URL for your internal repository in the `pip` command parameter `--index-url`.
Note: Packages that are provided with the Spotfire Service for Python are not affected by this setting.

## Before you begin

You must have a Spotfire Administration license to access the Administration Manager tool.

## Procedure

1. In the installed Spotfire client, click Tools > Administration manager.
2. In the Administration Manager, click the Preferences tab.
3. From the Selected group list, click the name of the group for which to set the property.
   For example, from the list select Script Author to set the preference for any user in the Script Author group. To change the value for all users, select Everyone.
4. In the Preferences list for the selected group, expand DataFunctions, and then click DataFunctionsPreferences.
5. Click Edit.
   The properties for DataFunctionsPreferences are now editable.
6. From the property list, select PythonPackageRepositoryIndexURL and then, in the right column for this property, provide the URL for your internal repository.

## Results

The custom URL overrides the default Python package index (PyPI) and accesses only the packages available in the specified custom internal repository.

## What to do next

Repeat this process for any other groups that author data functions using the Spotfire Service for Python. For more information, see the help for Administration Manager.