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matlabvector-graphicspostscript

How to save a Matlab histogram as vector graphic?

When saving a histogram like this:

x = randn(10000,1);
h = histogram(x)

saveas(gcf, 'test','epsc')

The resulting postscripts contains some form of raw bitmap. That looks really ugly, when embedded in a pdf.

How can I save a histogram as a vector graphic?

Solution

  • You could also just save the figure as a pdf which uses vector graphics.

    x = randn(10000,1);
h = histogram(x);

% set proper paper size before generating pdf
set(gcf, 'Units', 'Inches');
pos = get(gcf, 'Position');
set(gcf, 'PaperPositionMode', 'Auto', 'PaperUnits', 'Inches', 'PaperSize', [pos(3), pos(4)]);
print(gcf, 'test.pdf', '-dpdf', '-r0');

    Disclaimer I use this code a lot when I embed figures in LaTeX documents but I'm pretty sure I copied it from somewhere online (possible SO).