prefdir (MATLAB Functions)

Return directory containing preferences, history, and layout files

Syntax

```
prefdir
d = prefdir
d = prefdir(1)
```

Description

prefdir returns the directory that contains preferences for MATLAB and related products (matlab.prf), the command history file (history.m), the MATLAB shortcuts (shortcuts.xml), and the MATLAB desktop layout files (MATLABDesktop.xml and Your_Saved_LayoutMATLABLayout.xml).

On Macintosh platforms, the directory might be in a hidden folder, for example, myname/.matlab/R14. To access the directory, select Go -> Go to Folder in the Finder. In the resulting dialog box, type the path returned by prefdir and press Enter.

d = prefdir returns the name of the directory containing preferences and related files, but does not ensure its existence.

d = prefdir(1) creates a directory for preferences and related files if one does not exist.

Examples

Run

```
prefdir
```

MATLAB returns

ans =

C:\WINNT\Profiles\tbear.MATHWORKS
\Application Data\MathWorks\MATLAB\R14

Running dir for the directory shows

.                  history.m          
..                 matlab.prf         
cwdhistory.m       MATLABDesktop.xml
shortcuts.xml

and possibly other files for other MathWorks products and any desktop layouts you saved.

See Also

Fonts, Colors, and Other Preferences topic in the MATLAB Desktop Tools and Development Environment documentation

ppval preferences