App Designer Components Move After Closing Matlab

Matlab Version R2023b.

In app designer, I have a number of components (probably <100) and they're spread throughout various tabs in an app. One of them is custom but I don't think that is part of the issue.

Everytime I open App Designer, several of the components have moved. Often off of the main interface and are just floating out in blank space. I've tried everything I can think of. I've grouped them. pushed them to the front or to the back etc. Nothing seems to fix them to the location i move them to.

To be clear, they only move after i've closed both App Designer and Matlab. If i only close App Designer, they do not move. Sometimes they'll stay in one place on one open, but after several they move.

I'm not programatically moving them either. I don't even have to run the app for this to happen.

I'll share my app if necessary, but it's in very rough shape so im a little embarassed. :P

I've found a handful of posts about problems with App Designer that sort of share something similar to what I'm experiencing. But I haven't really found a solution. The only real threads that I found that got traction seem to end in having to get suport from MathWorks. I don't mind that, but figured id check with the community first.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

[Infinite_king]

Hi @ol Poot, if possible, share the app so i can reproduce the behaviour and let you know troubleshooting steps ?

[ol Poot]

yes sure. I'll clean it up some and send it here.

Answer 1

[Aniket]

Hi @ol Poot,

The issue you are experiencing with components moving unexpectedly in App Designer when reopening your app can happen when there are many components used. While your specific issue might not be identical, it does resemble a bug I faced in App Designer that involves components shifting due to incomplete loading in the Design View.

To address this issue, ensure you remain in the Design View until all components, particularly those with ticks like sliders or knobs, are fully loaded; this might help prevent them from shifting when you reopen the app.

Another method involves temporarily deleting problematic components, such as checkboxes or buttons, and then immediately undoing the deletion; this approach has helped stabilize component positions temporarily for me. Additionally, consistently saving your app after adjusting component positions can aid in retaining their positions more reliably.

My issue was resolved in the latest version of MATLAB, so you may also try to update it to MATLAB R2024a.

Hope this helps!