Set up MATLAB to work with Photoshop

Last updated on Oct 4, 2026

Learn how to install and configure the MATLAB plugin for Photoshop to combine MATLAB's computational capabilities with Photoshop's image editing features.

After you complete this setup, you can run MATLAB algorithms and view the results directly in your Photoshop documents. This integration provides MATLAB's processing power within your Photoshop workflow.

Make sure you have:

  • Photoshop (installed on your computer)
  • MATLAB (installed on your computer)
  • Administrative access to install plugins
  • A supported 64-bit C compiler (Windows: Microsoft Visual Studio; macOS: Xcode)
  • 30 minutes to complete the setup

Install the MATLAB plugin

Go to the Photoshop MATLAB support page and download the MATLAB plugin package.

Extract the downloaded package to a location on your computer.

Copy the MATLAB folder from the extracted package.

Paste the MATLAB folder into your Photoshop installation directory.

Restart Photoshop to load the plugin.

Install a supported C compiler

Verify your operating system is 64-bit by checking your system settings.

Install a supported compiler:

  • Windows: Download and install Microsoft Visual Studio from the Microsoft website
  • macOS: Download and install Xcode from the App Store

Restart your computer after installation completes.

Verify the MATLAB connection

Launch Photoshop.

Launch MATLAB.

In MATLAB, select File > Set Path.

Select Add with Subfolders.

Select Save, then select Close.

At the MATLAB command prompt, navigate to the MATLAB folder in your Photoshop installation directory.

Open the Tests folder.

Type testall and press Enter (Windows) or Return (macOS).

Note

MATLAB runs a series of tests and displays a summary report.

Check that all tests show a pass status in the summary report.

Note

MATLAB is now ready to communicate with Photoshop.

Configure automatic path access (optional)

Configure MATLAB to remember the path so you don't need to add it each time you start MATLAB:

In MATLAB, select File > Preferences.

In the General section, select Update Toolbox Path Cache.

Select Apply, and then select OK.

Note

The MATLAB path is now saved and loads automatically each time you start MATLAB.

Connect MATLAB to Photoshop

In MATLAB, type pslaunch and press Enter (Windows) or Return (macOS).

Note

Photoshop launches if it's not already running, or MATLAB connects to the running instance.

To disconnect and close Photoshop, type psquit and press Enter (Windows) or Return (macOS).

Note

Your MATLAB-Photoshop integration is complete and ready to use.