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.