graph window is blank

I've been trying to make a graph but everytime I tried it kept coming up blank. to check it wasn't my code I ran a simple bit of code see below: x =

    -5    -4    -3    -2    -1     0     1     2     3     4     5

>> plot(x,x)

Is it a problem with the software and if it is how do i fix it.

[Jan]

Please explain any details: Which OS, which Matlab version, did you see any graphic output since Matlab has been installed? Did you update the graphics drivers resently? Did you modify the default properties of figures or axes? Can you run any of the graphics examples of the documentation? Did you restart Matlab and the computer already?

Is this the same problem as in your other thread http://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/answers/323935-graph-window-coming-up-with-a-grey-blank-window-when-trying-to-plot? Then please do not open two threads for one question and delete this one. Thanks.

[Apple]

it worked yesterday when using it it would plot anything I inputted but today nothing I haven't changed anything. I have windows 10 and matlab R2016b student

Answer 1

[Jan]

If nothing has changed since yesterday, or at least nothing you are aware of:

1. Restart Matlab. If this does not help:
2. Restart the computer. If this does not help:
3. Check the default properties of the GUI elements. Create an axes manually. Does it appear? Is it drawn outside the visible area, e.g. because the size is defined in pixels, but the units are 'centimeter'?
4. If this does not help, restore teh preferences from the backup. Under Windows the "previous version" in the Windows Explorer will help you. See prefdir to find the required folder. Be sure to create a backup of this folder at first.
5. If this does not help, try brute methods like: restoredefaultpath. Check the matlabrc.m file for changes. Check again if new graphics drivers have been installed.
6. If this does not reveal any help, re-install Matlab.
7. If you still observe the same problem, perhaps you have shadowed the plot command by a user-defined function? See which plot -all. But it could be another function also. Remove the user-defined paths from Matlab's path and try it again. Note, that user-defined folders should be appended on the bottom of the path to avoid this.
8. Lean back and drink a cup of coffee. Please note that "it worked yesterday and nothing has changed" is classics in computer science. Whenever I've heared this, a specific but important detail has been changed, but without catching the awareness. Therefore taking a break is a good strategy. If this does not help, at least the coffee was a welcome change. Personally, I prefer some cookies also.

PS. I'm going to lean back now and drink a cup of coffee.