FIG File – What is .fig file and how to open it?

File Format:

A FIG file is a MATLAB Figure File. It is a proprietary file format used by MATLAB, a programming environment used primarily for technical computing. FIG files store the data and settings associated with a MATLAB figure, which is a graphical representation of data. They contain information such as the axes, plot lines, and other graphical elements, as well as their properties, such as colors, line styles, and labels. FIG files allow users to save and share MATLAB figures, enabling collaboration and the preservation of work.

Usage:

FIG files are primarily used within the MATLAB environment. They facilitate easy editing and modification of figures, as well as their export to various image formats, such as JPEG, PNG, and EPS. Additionally, FIG files can be shared with other MATLAB users, allowing them to view and work with the same figures. The open-source MATLAB compiler, known as mcc, can be used to distribute MATLAB figures as standalone applications in the form of executable files (.exe or .app), which can be shared with non-MATLAB users for viewing and interacting with the figures.

Open FIG Files in MATLAB

MATLAB Figure Files (FIG) contain graphical representations of data, annotations, and other elements generated within the MATLAB environment. To open a FIG file in MATLAB, follow these steps:

1. Launch MATLAB.
2. In the MATLAB command window, navigate to the directory where the FIG file is located using the cd command.
3. To open the FIG file, use the openfig function. For example, openfig('my_figure.fig').
4. The FIG file will open as a new figure window, displaying the graphical representation stored within the file.

Open FIG Files in Other Programs

In addition to MATLAB, some third-party applications also support opening and viewing FIG files:

1. ImageJ: A free, open-source image processing software, ImageJ can open and display FIG files as images.
2. GIMP: The GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) is another open-source image editing software that can import FIG files and convert them to other image formats.
3. Inkscape: A vector graphics editor, Inkscape can open FIG files and export them in various vector and raster image formats.

To open a FIG file in these third-party programs, simply drag and drop the file into the application window or use the file open dialog to locate and select the file. However, it’s important to note that third-party applications may not support all the features and functionalities present in the original MATLAB FIG file, such as interactive elements or linked data.

FIG File Format

The MATLAB Figure File (FIG) is a proprietary file format used to store MATLAB figures. FIG files contain information about the figure’s layout, axes, plots, and other graphical elements. They are typically created when a user saves a figure in MATLAB using the “Save As” dialog box and selecting the “.fig” file format.

FIG files are binary files, which means that they are not human-readable. However, they can be opened and edited in MATLAB using the “Open” dialog box. When a FIG file is opened in MATLAB, it is converted into a MATLAB structure, which can be accessed using the MATLAB programming language. This allows users to programmatically manipulate and modify the contents of the figure.

Advantages of FIG Files

FIG files offer several advantages over other file formats for storing MATLAB figures. First, FIG files are compact and efficient, which makes them easy to store and transfer. Second, FIG files are platform-independent, which means that they can be opened and edited on any computer that has MATLAB installed. Third, FIG files support a wide range of graphical elements, including plots, axes, legends, and text. This makes them a versatile format for storing complex figures.

Other Extensions