As Alexander pointed out, it may be desirable to avoid creating a figure with gcf. However, gca will have the same issues, if there are hidden handles. Here's something that can handle all hidden handle situations:
I'd suggest first checking for visible figures and axes without creating them, before then checking for hidden ones:
hFig = get(groot,'CurrentFigure');
if ~isempty(hFig)
hAx = get(hFig,'CurrentAxes');
if isempty(hAx)
hAxes = findall(hFig,'Type','axes');
hAx = hAxes(1);
end
else
hFigures = findall(groot,'Type','figure');
hAx = gobjects(0,0);
if ~isempty(hFigures)
k = 1;
while k < numel(hFigures) && isempty(hAx)
hAxes = findall(hFigures(k),'Type','axes');
if ~isempty(hAxes)
hAx = hAxes(1);
end
k = k+1;
end
end
end
You know, just to be really thorough. Now hFig and hAx will be a figure or axes handle respectively, or empty if there isn't one.
Qualifier: This is largely untested code, but hopefully can give you a guideline to work from.
-Cam
