gcf

Returns the handle of the current figure, creating one if needed.

Category: Graphics > Graphics Objects

Syntax

fig = gcf

Description

The current figure is the one that new plots draw into. It is the most recently created or selected figure. If none exists, gcf creates an empty one, so calling it can have the side effect of making a figure.

Output arguments

fig

Figure object; use it with get, set, saveas or close.

Example

Name the current figure

f = figure;
plot(1:3)
set(gcf, 'Name', 'demo')
disp(get(gcf, 'Name'))
disp(gcf == f)

demo
   1

See also

gca figure close get set