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:
- 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, 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. This is usually in the upper-right corner.
- Choose the version you’d like to download and install. The default will always be the most recent version available for your computer.
- 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 to sign in to your MathWorks account. Enter your Bowdoin email address and MathWorks password, then 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 prompted
- On the “Products” page, select any toolboxes you’d like to install. Note that ALL toolboxes are checked by default. Installing every toolbox will take a large amount of storage space, so it is recommended to ONLY select what you 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.
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