Search Path

View and change MATLAB^® search path

The MATLAB search path is a subset of all the folders in the file system. MATLAB uses the search path to efficiently locate files used with MathWorks^® products. For more information, see What Is the MATLAB Search Path?

Functions

`addpath`	Add folders to search path
`rmpath`	Remove folders from search path
`path`	View or change search path
`savepath`	Save current search path
`userpath`	View or change default user work folder
`genpath`	Generate search path
`pathsep`	Search path separator for current platform
`pathtool`	Open Set Path dialog box to view and change search path
`restoredefaultpath`	Restore search path to factory-installed state
`rehash`	Refresh function and file system path caches

Topics

What Is the MATLAB Search Path?
The search path, or path is a subset of all the folders in the file system that MATLAB uses to locate files efficiently.
Change Folders on Search Path
Interactively add and remove folders, and change the order of folders on the search path, for the current MATLAB session and for future MATLAB sessions.
Use Search Path with Different MATLAB Installations
The default search path changes for each MATLAB version because the default folders that come with the products change.
Add Folders to the MATLAB Search Path at Startup
The startup.m file is for specifying startup options. Add folders to the search path by including addpath statements in startup.m.
Assign userpath as Startup Folder (Macintosh or UNIX)
Assign the userpath folder as the startup folder on Macintosh or UNIX^® platforms.
Files and Folders That MATLAB Accesses
When you do not specify a path to a file, MATLAB looks for the file in the current folder or on the search path. Functions in the current folder take precedence over functions with the same file name that reside anywhere on the search path.
Toolbox Path Caching in MATLAB
For performance reasons, MATLAB caches matlabroot folder information across sessions.

Troubleshooting

Resolve Issue: MATLAB Did Not Appear to Successfully Set the Search Path

Troubleshoot: MATLAB Did Not Appear to Successfully Set the Search Path. If there is a problem with the search path, you cannot use MATLAB successfully.

Errors When Updating Folders on Search Path

You can encounter errors or unexpected behavior when you try to delete, rename, or move folders.

Troubleshoot Invalid or Unresponsive Windows Change Notification Handles

If MATLAB is unable to detect changes to your files and folder due to invalid or unresponsive change notification handles, you can change how MATLAB detects changes in folders.