Install MATLAB and Access MATLAB Online

Questions

  • I would like to use MATLAB for my coursework or research. How do I access MATLAB?
  • How can I download and install MATLAB on my computer?
  • How do I create a MathWorks account with my Bowdoin credentials?
  • How do I access MATLAB Online?
  • Which toolboxes should I install with MATLAB?
  • How do I use MATLAB on my iPhone or Android device?

Environment

This article applies to Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff. MATLAB is available for macOS and Windows, as well as MATLAB Online and MATLAB Mobile for iOS and Android. MathWorks is set up to use single sign-on, so you can use your Bowdoin credentials to log in and use MATLAB.

Why install this way: Installing MATLAB using the steps below, instead of through the Self Service application, provides access to every toolbox MATLAB offers and is not dependent on Bowdoin's license manager.

Resolution

MathWorks Login

  1. Go to https://www.mathworks.com in a web browser.
  2. Click Get MATLAB in the web page's menu bar, or click the silhouette icon.
  3. On the window that opens, click Sign In.
  4. Enter your Bowdoin email address and click Next.
  5. Enter your Bowdoin credentials when prompted.
  6. If this is the first time you have logged in, enter the following information when prompted:
    1. First Name
    2. Last Name
    3. Location
    4. Department
    5. Role

Download and Install MATLAB

  1. Go to https://www.mathworks.com in a web browser.
  2. Click Get MATLAB in the web page's menu bar.
  3. On your profile page, click the Install MATLAB button, usually in the upper-right corner.
  4. Choose the version you would like to download and install. The default is always the most recent version available for your computer.
  5. Once downloaded, go to your computer's download location and start the installer.
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions. The first step in the installation is to sign in to your Bowdoin account. Enter your Bowdoin email address and password, then click Next.
  7. Accept the license agreement and click Next.
  8. (Optional) If asked to select your license, choose the line labeled MATLAB (Individual). Click Next.
  9. Enter your name and email address again and click Next.
  10. Accept the default installation location and enter your computer's login username and password when prompted.
  11. On the Products page, select any toolboxes you would like to install. All toolboxes are checked by default. Installing every toolbox takes a large amount of storage space, so it is recommended to select only what you need. Additional toolboxes can always be added later. Be sure to at least check MATLAB. Click Next.
  12. Follow the remaining on-screen installation prompts to start the download of toolboxes and finalize the installation.

Access MATLAB Online

  1. Once you have a MathWorks account, you can access MATLAB Online from most web browsers. Go to https://www.mathworks.com in a web browser.
  2. Click Get MATLAB in the web page's menu bar.
  3. On your profile page, click the Open MATLAB Online button, usually in the upper-right corner.
  4. If you try to open MATLAB Online on a mobile device like an iPhone, you will be prompted to install MATLAB Mobile and access the MATLAB functionality from within the app.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.

Additional Resources

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Instructions for finding, downloading, and installing MATLAB toolboxes (add-ons) using the Add-On Manager inside MATLAB. Applies to Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff on macOS and Windows.
Overview of MATLAB availability and licensing at Bowdoin. MATLAB is available to students, faculty, and staff on personal and Bowdoin-issued devices and includes access to MATLAB Online, MATLAB Mobile, and more than 90 MathWorks toolboxes.