Graphics

Figure Windows

MATLAB directs graphics output to a window that is separate from the command window. In MATLAB this window is referred to as a figure. The characteristics of this window are controlled by your computer's windowing system and MATLAB figure properties (see a description of each property). See Figure Properties for some examples illustrating how to use figure properties.

Graphics functions automatically create new figure windows if none currently exist. If a figure already exists, MATLAB uses that window. If multiple figures exist, one is designated as the current figure and is used by MATLAB (this is generally the last figure used or the last figure you clicked the mouse in).

The figure function creates figure windows. For example,

• figure
  

creates a new window and makes it the current figure. You can make an existing figure current by clicking on it with the mouse or by passing its handle (the number indicated in the window title bar), as an argument to figure.

• figure(h)
  

Setting Aspect Ratio

Displaying Multiple Plots per Figure