How to Use Figure in MATLAB: Syntax and Examples

In MATLAB, use the figure function to create a new figure window or select an existing one for plotting. You can customize the figure by specifying properties like size and name using figure('PropertyName', PropertyValue).

Syntax

The basic syntax of the figure function is:

• figure: Creates a new figure window.
• figure(n): Selects or creates figure window with number n.
• figure('PropertyName', PropertyValue, ...): Creates a figure with specified properties like 'Name', 'NumberTitle', 'Position'.

matlab

figure
figure(2)
figure('Name', 'My Plot', 'NumberTitle', 'off', 'Position', [100 100 600 400])

Example

This example creates two figure windows. The first shows a sine wave, and the second shows a cosine wave with a custom title and size.

matlab

x = linspace(0, 2*pi, 100);
y = sin(x);
z = cos(x);

figure(1)
plot(x, y)
title('Sine Wave')

figure('Name', 'Cosine Wave', 'NumberTitle', 'off', 'Position', [200 200 500 300])
plot(x, z)
title('Cosine Wave')

Output

Two figure windows open: one titled 'Figure 1' showing a sine wave, and another titled 'Cosine Wave' showing a cosine wave with custom size.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when using figure include:

• Not specifying figure number and unintentionally overwriting existing figures.
• Forgetting to use figure before plotting, which plots on the current figure.
• Using incorrect property names or values, causing errors.

Always check if the figure exists or create a new one explicitly.

matlab

plot(x, y) % Plots on current figure, may overwrite

% Correct way:
figure(1)
plot(x, y)

Quick Reference

Usage	Description
figure	Create a new figure window
figure(n)	Select or create figure window number n
figure('Name', name)	Set figure window title
figure('NumberTitle', 'off')	Hide default figure number in title
figure('Position', [x y width height])	Set figure window size and position

Key Takeaways

Use figure to create or select figure windows for plotting.

Specify figure number to avoid overwriting existing figures.

Customize figure properties like title and size using name-value pairs.

Always call figure before plotting to control where plots appear.