export() only works the first time

I have a Live Script with Inline outputs (several figures and tables) that I'd like to export as pdf. The export() function will work the first time I run the code upon opening MATLAB, but if I try to run the export command again, it just stalls and won't export. I then have to force-quit MATLAB, reopen, and run the section again. I thought maybe export() was getting confused if the file already existed so I added a delete() call right before export(), but that isn't fixing it.

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
% Code & Outputs here

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

%% Export Section
ExpFile = "myScript.pdf";
delete(ExpFile)    % returns a warning if the file doesn't exist but this is ok
export("ChainBudgetsCustom.mlx",ExpFile);    % this line only works the first time

[Maneet Kaur Bagga]

Hi Christian,

I tried reproducing the error at my end in MATLAB Desktop R2023a version but the export function worked for me without giving any error. Can you share the version of MATLAB in which you're encountering the error.

[Cristian]

R2023A. I'm suspicious it may be an IT issue. We've got strict IT protocols on our work computers

[Steven Lord]

If you hold down Ctrl-C for a few seconds, does MATLAB throw an error interrupting the export call? If so, can you post the stack for that error (everything displayed in red in the Command Window)?

[Cristian]

It takes some extra time after I do that to force-break execution but it isn't throwing an error unfortunately.

Answer 1

[prabhat kumar sharma]

Hi Cristian,

I understand you're encountering issues with the export() function in MATLAB when attempting to run your script for a second time. To investigate, I replicated your scenario in MATLAB R2023a, where the function operated as expected. However, when testing in MATLAB R2021b, it became apparent that the export function is not available in versions prior to R2022a. This discrepancy might explain the difficulties you're experiencing. I recommend verifying your MATLAB version and considering an update to the latest release to access this functionality.

Here's a concise code snippet used for testing:

% Sample MATLAB Live Script to Export as PDF

Generate Sample Figure
figure;
plot(rand(10,1));
title('Sample Figure');

Generate Sample Table
T = table([1;2;3],[4;5;6],[7;8;9],'VariableNames',{'A','B','C'});
disp(T);

Export Section
Define the export file name
ExpFile = "myScript.pdf";
% Checking if the file exists, and delete it if it does
if isfile(ExpFile)
    delete(ExpFile);
end
% Exported the live script to PDF
export("test.mlx", ExpFile); 

For further details on the export function, please refer to the: https://www.mathworks.com/help/matlab/ref/export.html

2.If the export function continue to be unreliable, you might consider alternative export methods, such as the publish function, although it may not provide the same level of output fidelity for live scripts specifically

More information on the publish function can be found in the: https://www.mathworks.com/help/matlab/ref/publish.html

3. Sometimes, MATLAB or other applications might not properly release a file handle after creation or deletion attempts. Ensure no other applications are accessing the file and that MATLAB itself hasn't locked the file. This situation may require closing any unnecessary applications or processes that could interfere.

I hope it helps to resolve your issue.

[Cristian]

1. running 2023 so should be good on version. I'll check with IT on updates.
2. tried publish() and Matlab still locked up.
3. realizing that could be an issue, closing all other apps was one of my first troubleshooting steps. I didn't know MATLAB could lock files so didn't check that; do you have a link to instructions?

[prabhat kumar sharma]

You can try closing all other apps and processes which might be using that file , like code editor or something which can aquire the lock over the file and try running the script again.

[Cristian]

Ok, I don't have any other Matlab apps like code editor running when I run this script so I'm good on that.

I did notice that if I can't get export() to work, I can still manually export with the Export/Save As button.