How to Create a Project in MATLAB Simulink

Creating a project in MATLAB Simulink helps you organize your files, manage dependencies, and integrate with source control.

One common method for creating a Simulink Project, particularly when you already have an existing model you want to organize, is initiated directly from within the Simulink environment.

Creating a Simulink Project from an Existing Model

If you've been working on a model and want to structure it into a formal project, Simulink provides a straightforward way to do this. This process helps ensure all files needed for your model to run (like M-files, data files, referenced models, etc.) are included and correctly located within the project structure.

Here are the steps:

1. Open Your Simulink Model: Start by opening the .slx or .mdl file you wish to base your project on.
2. Navigate to the Simulation Tab: With the model window active, look for the 'Simulation' tab in the Simulink toolstrip at the top of the window.
3. Initiate Project Creation: According to the reference, in a Simulink® model, on the Simulation tab, select New > Project > New Project from this Model.
4. Dependency Analysis: Once you select "New Project from this Model," Simulink automatically runs dependency analysis on your model. This means it scans your model and any files it references to identify all necessary components. It aims to identify required files and a project root location that contains all dependencies.
5. Review and Save: Simulink will suggest a location and the files it found during the analysis. You will typically be prompted to review the list of files and choose a project location before finalizing the creation of the project file (.prj).

This method is excellent for quickly consolidating an existing model and its associated files into a manageable project structure.

Why Create a Project?

Using projects, especially when working with complex models or teams, offers several benefits:

• Organization: Keeps all related files in one place.
• Dependency Management: Helps track and manage all the files your model needs.
• Source Control Integration: Projects are designed to work well with Git, SVN, and other source control systems.
• Startup and Shutdown: Allows you to define scripts that run when you open or close the project.
• File Shortcuts: Provides quick access to important project files.

While creating a project from an existing model is a common workflow described in the reference, MATLAB also allows you to create new, empty projects and add files to them manually.