prefdir

Folder containing settings and layout files

Syntax

folder = prefdir

folder = prefdir(1)

Description

folder = prefdir returns the name of the settings folder. The settings folder contains settings for MATLAB^® and related products, MATLAB favorites files, and MATLAB desktop layout files.

folder = prefdir(1) creates a folder for settings and related files if one does not exist. If the folder does exist, the name is assigned to folder.

Examples

View Location of Settings Folder

prefdir

ans =
    'C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\MathWorks\MATLAB\R2025a'

View Contents of Settings Folder

Set the current folder to the settings folder and then view the contents of the folder.

cd(prefdir)
dir

Open Settings Folder in Windows Explorer Tool

winopen(prefdir)

Extended Capabilities

Thread-Based Environment
Run code in the background using MATLAB® backgroundPool or accelerate code with Parallel Computing Toolbox™ ThreadPool.

Version History

Introduced before R2006a

R2025a: Preferences window renamed to Settings window

The Preferences window has been renamed to the Settings window and preferences are now referred to as settings.