How do I convert a figure directly into an image matrix in MATLAB 7.6 (R2008a)?

I have a figure with a plot created using the following code:

mesh(peaks(50));

I would like to convert the figure into an image within MATLAB without having to first print it to a file and read it back into MATLAB.

Answer 1

[MathWorks Support Team]

A figure can be converted into an image using the GETFRAME and FRAME2IM functions in MATLAB. For example, the following code creates a snapshot of the current figure and writes it to an image in variable "X" with colormap stored in "Map":

F = getframe(gcf);
[X, Map] = frame2im(F);

If the frame contains true-color data, then "Map" will be an empty matrix.

For more information on the GETFRAME and FRAME2IM functions, consult the documentation by executing the following at the MATLAB prompt:

doc getframe
doc frame2im