Issue/Question
- 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?
Environment
MATLAB is available for macOS and Windows as well as MATLAB Online and MATLAB Mobile for iOS/Android OS. A Mathworks account using a Bowdoin email address is required before you can log in and use MATLAB.
Reason for the change in where to install MATLAB from: Installing MATLAB using the instructions 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
Create a Mathworks Account
Before you can download MATLAB or access MATLAB Online you do need to create a Mathworks account.
- Go to https://www.mathworks.com in a web browser.
- Click on Get MATLAB in the web page's menu bar or click the silhouette icon
- On the window that opens, click on the Create One or Create Account link.
- Enter your Bowdoin email address and click Next
- Enter and confirm a password to be used with Mathworks. For security reasons, this should be different from your Bowdoin email address.
- Follow the rest of the account creation process.
Download MATLAB
Once you have an account, you can download MATLAB to your computer.
- Go to https://www.mathworks.com in a web browser.
- Click on Get MATLAB in the web page's menu bar.
- On your profile page, click the Install MATLAB button on the main web page. This is usually in the upper-right corner.
- Choose the version that you'd like to download and install. The default will always be the most recent version available for the computer you are currently using.
- Once downloaded, go to your computer's download location and start the installer.
- Follow the on-screen instructions. The first step in the installation will be for you to sign in to your Mathworks account. Enter your Bowdoin email address and your Mathworks password and click Next.
- Accept the license agreement and click Next
- (Optional) If asked to select your license, choose the line that is labeled "MATLAB (Individual)". Click Next
- Enter your Name and Email address again and click Next
- Accept the default installation location and enter your computer's login username/password when asked.
- On the "Products" page, select any of the toolboxes that you'd like to install. Note that ALL toolboxes are checked by default. Installing every toolbox will take a very large amount of storage space on your computer so it is recommended to ONLY select what you will need. Additional toolboxes can always be added later. Be sure to at least check "MATLAB". Click Next
- Follow the remaining on-screen installation prompts to start the download of toolboxes and finalize the installation of the application.
Access MATLAB Online
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.
- Click on Get MATLAB in the web page's menu bar.
- On your profile page, click the Open MATLAB Online button on the main web page. This is usually in the upper-right corner.
- 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.
If you need further assistance, please contact the Bowdoin College Service Desk