.FIG File Extension
MATLAB Figure File
| Developer | The MathWorks |
| Popularity | |
| Category | Data Files |
| Format | .FIG |
| Cross Platform | Update Soon |
What is an FIG file?
FIG files, identified by the .fig extension, are proprietary file formats used by MATLAB, a high-level programming language and environment primarily designed for numerical computing.
These files serve as containers for storing graphical representations generated within MATLAB’s environment, encapsulating various elements such as plots, annotations, axes, and other graphical objects.
More Information.
The internal structure of .FIG files is based on MATLAB’s object-oriented architecture. These files essentially contain a serialized representation of MATLAB graphics objects, encoded using MATLAB’s proprietary data format.
Within a .FIG file, each graphical element is represented as an object, along with associated properties and metadata.
Technical specifications regarding the .FIG file format are predominantly governed by MATLAB’s internal data serialization mechanisms.
While detailed documentation on the exact file structure is not publicly available due to its proprietary nature, MATLAB provides robust APIs and utilities for reading, writing, and manipulating .FIG files programmatically.
Origin Of This File.
The .FIG file format has been an integral part of MATLAB since its early iterations. MATLAB, developed by MathWorks, first emerged in the late 1970s and has since evolved into a comprehensive platform widely adopted across academia, industry, and research domains.
The inclusion of .FIG files was a strategic move by MathWorks to facilitate the seamless exchange and preservation of MATLAB-generated visualizations.
File Structure Technical Specification.
The internal structure of .FIG files is based on MATLAB’s object-oriented architecture. These files essentially contain a serialized representation of MATLAB graphics objects, encoded using MATLAB’s proprietary data format.
Within a .FIG file, each graphical element is represented as an object, along with associated properties and metadata.
Technical specifications regarding the .FIG file format are predominantly governed by MATLAB’s internal data serialization mechanisms.
While detailed documentation on the exact file structure is not publicly available due to its proprietary nature, MATLAB provides robust APIs and utilities for reading, writing, and manipulating .FIG files programmatically.
How to Convert the File?
1. Exporting to Image Formats in MATLAB:
MATLAB provides built-in functions for exporting .FIG files to popular image formats such as PNG, JPEG, and PDF. You can use the saveas function to accomplish this.
2. Using MATLAB Compiler:
MATLAB Compiler allows you to convert .FIG files into standalone executable applications. This enables users without MATLAB installations to view or interact with MATLAB-generated visualizations.
You can compile your MATLAB code, including the code that loads and displays .FIG files, into a standalone application.
3. Third-Party Conversion Tools:
Various third-party tools and software packages offer conversion capabilities for .FIG files. These tools may provide additional options or formats for conversion beyond what MATLAB offers.
Be sure to research and choose a reputable tool that meets your specific conversion requirements.
4. Custom MATLAB Scripts:
If you have specific conversion needs or require customization, you can develop custom MATLAB scripts to automate the conversion process.
By leveraging MATLAB’s extensive programming capabilities, you can tailor the conversion workflow to suit your exact requirements.
5. Online Converters:
There are online services and websites that offer file conversion services, including the conversion of .FIG files to other formats.
Simply upload your .FIG file to the platform, select the desired output format, and initiate the conversion process. Ensure that you use reputable online converters to maintain the security and integrity of your data.
6. MATLAB Functionality:
MATLAB’s comprehensive functionality extends to various toolboxes and libraries that may offer specialized features for converting .FIG files.
Explore MATLAB documentation and toolboxes relevant to your conversion needs to identify any built-in functions or utilities that streamline the conversion process.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
Advantage:
- Interoperability: .FIG files ensure seamless interoperability within the MATLAB ecosystem, allowing users to save and share complex graphical visualizations without loss of fidelity.
- Preservation of Metadata: By encapsulating graphical objects as MATLAB objects within the file, .FIG files preserve metadata and properties associated with each element, enabling accurate reproduction and modification of visualizations.
- Integration with MATLAB Environment: .FIG files seamlessly integrate with MATLAB’s environment, facilitating interactive exploration, modification, and regeneration of visualizations.
Disadvantage:
- Proprietary Format: The proprietary nature of .FIG files restrict interoperability with non-MATLAB environments, potentially posing challenges for collaboration and data exchange with users relying on alternative tools.
- Limited Compatibility: While MATLAB provides utilities for exporting .FIG files to common image formats (e.g., PNG, JPEG), direct compatibility with other visualization tools or platforms may be limited.
How to Open FIG?
Open In Windows
To open .FIG files in Windows, you need MATLAB installed on your system. Once installed, simply double-click on the .FIG file, and it should open automatically in MATLAB.
You can launch MATLAB first and then navigate to the .FIG file using the File menu or command line.
Open In Linux
To open .FIG files in Windows, you need MATLAB installed on your system. Once installed, simply double-click on the .FIG file, and it should open automatically in MATLAB.
You can launch MATLAB first and then navigate to the .FIG file using the File menu or command line.
Open In MAC
Similar to Linux, macOS users need to have MATLAB installed to open .FIG files. After installing MATLAB, you can either double-click on the .FIG file to open it directly in MATLAB or launch MATLAB first and navigate to the file using the File menu or command line.
Open In Android
Opening .FIG files on mobile platforms like Android is more challenging due to the lack of native MATLAB support. You can explore alternative approaches such as:
- Using third-party apps that provide MATLAB-like functionality for viewing and editing .FIG files.
- Leveraging cloud-based MATLAB services or remote desktop solutions to access MATLAB environments from mobile devices.
Open In IOS
Opening .FIG files on mobile platforms like Android and iOS is more challenging due to the lack of native MATLAB support. You can explore alternative approaches such as:
- Using third-party apps that provide MATLAB-like functionality for viewing and editing .FIG files.
- Leveraging cloud-based MATLAB services or remote desktop solutions to access MATLAB environments from mobile devices.
Open in Others
For environments beyond Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS, options may vary:
- Web-based tools or platforms that offer MATLAB emulation or compatibility, allowing users to upload and interact with .FIG files through a web browser.
- Cross-platform applications developed using frameworks like Electron may offer support for .FIG files on multiple operating systems.
- Running MATLAB within a virtual machine environment can extend support for .FIG files to various operating systems not directly supported by native MATLAB installations.
