Why can't I open an example that I found in the MATLAB online documentation?

When trying to open an example from the MATLAB online documentation using the "openExample" command, I encounter the following error: 

>> openExample('someProduct/someExample')
Error using findExample
Unable to find "someProduct/someExample". Check the example name and try again.

Error in setupExample (line 6)
metadata = findExample(arg);

Error in openExample (line 30)
[workDir,metadata] = setupExample(exampleId, workDir);

Answer 1

[MathWorks Support Team]

This error typically occurs when the example you're trying to open is not available in your installed version of MATLAB. The online documentation defaults to the latest release, which may include examples not present in older versions.

To ensure compatibility, follow these steps: 

1. Use the Version-Specific Documentation Link

If you're using an older version of MATLAB, modify the documentation URL to match your release. For example, if you're using R2024b, change:

https://www.mathworks.com/help/product/ug/example.html

to:

https://www.mathworks.com/help/releases/R2024b/product/ug/example.html

and search the commands to open the example in your MATLAB release.

2. Search the Documentation Archive

If the modified URL doesn’t work, for releases that are less than 4 years old, go to the MathWorks Documentation Archive and select your MATLAB version:

MATLAB Documentation Archive

Then use the search bar to find the example by name or topic.

Going forward, always make sure you're using the online documentation for your specific MATLAB release to ensure the examples and commands are compatible.

NOTE: For releases older than 4 years that are no longer available through our online doc archive, see: Where can I find the documentation for older releases of MATLAB?

3. Consider Alternative Options

Not all examples are available in every release. If the example doesn’t exist in your version, consider updating MATLAB or looking for an alternative example. If you have a current subscription to MathWorks Software Maintenance Service (SMS), you can also reach out to MathWorks Technical Support to request help with finding the example in your release:

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