matlab_convert_fig.m - Convert MATLAB .fig files to PNG format#

Description#

This script automatically converts all MATLAB figure files (.fig) in the current working directory to PNG format. It preserves the original filename and creates corresponding .png files.

Usage#

From within MATLAB#

>> matlab_convert_fig

From command line#

matlab -batch "cd('path/to/fig/files'); matlab_convert_fig"

Input#

  • All .fig files in the current working directory

Output#

  • PNG files with the same base filename as the original .fig files

  • Example: figure1.fig → figure1.png

Behavior#

  • Processes all .fig files in the current directory

  • Opens each figure file and saves it as PNG

  • Handles multiple figures within a single .fig file

  • Automatically exits MATLAB when complete

Dependencies#

  • MATLAB with figure handling capabilities

  • Read access to .fig files in current directory

  • Write access to current directory for PNG output

Important Note#

⚠️ Warning: This script will exit MATLAB upon completion. Use with caution in interactive sessions.

How It Works#

  1. File Discovery: Scans current directory for all .fig files

  2. File Processing: For each .fig file:

    • Opens the figure using openfig()

    • Extracts the base filename without extension

    • Saves each figure in the file as PNG using saveas()

  3. Cleanup: Automatically exits MATLAB when all conversions are complete

Example Workflow#

# Navigate to directory with .fig files
cd /path/to/figures

# Run conversion (will exit MATLAB when done)
matlab -batch "matlab_convert_fig"

# Results: all .fig files converted to .png

This tool is particularly useful for batch conversion of MATLAB figures to a more portable PNG format for inclusion in reports or presentations.