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MAT File - What is a .mat file and how do I open it?
Learn about .MAT files and view a list of programs that open them.
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Overview
What is a MAT file? A MAT file is a data file saved in the MATLAB MAT-file binary data container format. The MathWorks MATLAB, a numerical computing and programming application, creates MAT files to store workspace variables which may include arrays , variables , functions , and other types of data. By saving workspace variables in a MAT file, MATLAB users can preserve their workspace and load it later.
More Information MAT file open in The MathWorks MATLAB R2023a Scientists and engineers primarily use MATLAB to analyze data, develop algorithms, create models, build apps, and more. With the many tools included in the software, MATLAB provides a workspace that stores data you have imported into MATLAB from data files or other supported programs. Since MATLAB automatically clears the workspace when you close the program, saving your workspace as a MAT file helps you save time and preserves your environment. How to create a MAT file with MATLAB To create a MAT file with MATLAB, select Save Workspace in the "HOME" tab. You can also click the arrow in the "Workspace" pane, then select Save . Then, name the file, choose the save location, and select Save . Additionally, MAT files support various format versions, which means you may encounter files with the same .mat extension saved in different formats providing different capabilities. Some examples of differences include compression to reduce file size (starting with version 7 of the MAT-file format) and saving and loading parts of variables (starting with version 7.3). You can choose the format in which MATLAB saves MAT files by selecting MATLAB → Settings... → General → MAT-Files .
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DeveloperChaos Group
Popularity1.5 | 6 Votes
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.MAT File Extension
5 file types use the .mat file extension.
MATLAB MAT-file
| Developer | The MathWorks |
| Popularity |
2.9 | 54 Votes |
What is a MAT file?
A MAT file is a data file saved in the MATLAB MAT-file binary data container format. The MathWorks MATLAB, a numerical computing and programming application, creates MAT files to store workspace variables which may include arrays , variables , functions , and other types of data. By saving workspace variables in a MAT file, MATLAB users can preserve their workspace and load it later.
More Information
MAT file open in The MathWorks MATLAB R2023a
Scientists and engineers primarily use MATLAB to analyze data, develop algorithms, create models, build apps, and more. With the many tools included in the software, MATLAB provides a workspace that stores data you have imported into MATLAB from data files or other supported programs. Since MATLAB automatically clears the workspace when you close the program, saving your workspace as a MAT file helps you save time and preserves your environment.
How to create a MAT file with MATLAB
To create a MAT file with MATLAB, select Save Workspace in the "HOME" tab. You can also click the arrow in the "Workspace" pane, then select Save . Then, name the file, choose the save location, and select Save .
Additionally, MAT files support various format versions, which means you may encounter files with the same .mat extension saved in different formats providing different capabilities. Some examples of differences include compression to reduce file size (starting with version 7 of the MAT-file format) and saving and loading parts of variables (starting with version 7.3). You can choose the format in which MATLAB saves MAT files by selecting MATLAB → Settings... → General → MAT-Files .
How to open a MAT file
You can open a MAT file with The MathWorks MATLAB (multiplatform). To open a MAT file, select Import Data from the "HOME" tab, choose the MAT file, then select Open .
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Programs that open MAT files
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The MathWorks MATLAB
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Mac
The MathWorks MATLAB
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Category: Data Files
Updated: May 4, 2023
Microsoft Access Table Shortcut File
| Developer | Microsoft |
| Popularity |
3.5 | 11 Votes |
Microsoft Access Table (MAT) shortcut file created by Microsoft Access, a relational database program for desktop computers; contains a shortcut to a table within an Access database; opens a relational database table without first having to open Microsoft Access.
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MAT files can be created in Access by clicking and dragging a table to the desktop.
Programs that open MAT files
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Microsoft Access 365
Free Trial
Category: Misc Files
Updated: January 31, 2010
3ds Max Materials File
| Developer | Autodesk |
| Popularity |
2.8 | 12 Votes |
File used by 3ds Max, a 3D modeling and animation software package; stores a material, which defines the way textures and lighting are applied to a surface; can be accessed from the Material Editor component in 3ds Max.
Programs that open or reference MAT files
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Autodesk 3ds Max 2023
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Category: 3D Image Files
Updated: March 10, 2011
Vue Material File
| Developer | E-on Software |
| Popularity |
2.4 | 8 Votes |
File created by E-on Vue software programs, which are used to create 2D and 3D visualizations as well as computer graphics materials; contains images and textures that can be applied to 3D objects; used as components, or building blocks, to create an overall Vue scene.
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E-on Vue is available in the following versions:
The Vue MetaView plug-in is also available for Mac OS X.
Programs that open or reference MAT files
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E-on Vue
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E-on Vue
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Category: Raster Image Files
Updated: February 19, 2010
V-Ray Materials File
| Developer | Chaos Group |
| Popularity |
1.5 | 6 Votes |
Contains materials, or texture styles, that can be loaded into 3D design programs using the V-Ray plugin; V-Ray is a surface material generation and editing plugin developed by Chaos Group.
Programs that open or reference MAT files
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Autodesk 3ds Max with Chaos Group V-Ray plugin
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Autodesk Maya with Chaos Group V-Ray plugin
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Caligari trueSpace7 with Chaos Group V-Ray plugin
MAXON CINEMA 4D with Chaos Group V-Ray plugin
Free Trial
Mac
MAXON CINEMA 4D with Chaos Group V-Ray plugin
Free Trial
Autodesk Maya with Chaos Group V-Ray plugin
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Category: Plugin Files
Updated: April 17, 2008