How can I put XTickLabels properly when using YDir = reverse and XScale = log?

The XTickLabels are not put properly on the graph when I do:

set(gca,'XScale','log','YDir','reverse')

I would like to have the XTicklabels on the right place without overlapping the ticks.

x = [1e-5:0.5:100];
y = x;
subplot(3,1,1)
plot(x,y)
set(gca,'XScale','log','YDir','reverse','TickDir','in')
title(['set(gca,''XScale'',''log'',''YDir'',''reverse'',''TickDir'',''in'')'])
set(gca,'fontsize',14)

subplot(3,1,2)
plot(x,y)
set(gca,'XScale','log','YDir','reverse','TickDir','out')
title(['set(gca,''XScale'',''log'',''YDir'',''reverse'',''TickDir'',''out'')'])

set(gca,'fontsize',14)
subplot(3,1,3)
plot(x,y)
set(gca,'YDir','reverse','TickDir','in')
title(['set(gca,''YDir'',''reverse'',''TickDir'',''in'')'])

Answer 1

[Shubham]

Hi Olaf,

When using logarithmic scales and reversing the Y-axis, MATLAB's automatic tick placement can sometimes lead to overlapping ticks or misaligned labels. Here are some strategies to ensure your XTickLabels are placed correctly without overlapping the ticks:

Approach

1. Manual Tick Placement: Specify the X-ticks manually to ensure they are placed at appropriate positions.
2. Adjust XTickLabel Position: Use the XTickLabel property to manually set the labels if necessary.
3. Increase Figure Size: Sometimes increasing the figure size can help in reducing overlap.

Here's how you can implement these strategies in your code:

x = [1e-5:0.5:100];
y = x;

% Create the first subplot
subplot(3,1,1);
plot(x, y);
set(gca, 'XScale', 'log', 'YDir', 'reverse', 'TickDir', 'in', 'fontsize', 14);
title("set(gca,'XScale','log','YDir','reverse','TickDir','in')");

% Manually setting X-ticks
xticks([1e-5, 1e-3, 1e-1, 1, 10, 100]);
xticklabels({'10^{-5}', '10^{-3}', '10^{-1}', '1', '10', '100'});

% Create the second subplot
subplot(3,1,2);
plot(x, y);
set(gca, 'XScale', 'log', 'YDir', 'reverse', 'TickDir', 'out', 'fontsize', 14);
title("set(gca,'XScale','log','YDir','reverse','TickDir','out')");

% Manually setting X-ticks
xticks([1e-5, 1e-3, 1e-1, 1, 10, 100]);
xticklabels({'10^{-5}', '10^{-3}', '10^{-1}', '1', '10', '100'});

% Create the third subplot
subplot(3,1,3);
plot(x, y);
set(gca, 'YDir', 'reverse', 'TickDir', 'in', 'fontsize', 14);
title("set(gca,'YDir','reverse','TickDir','in')");

% Manually setting X-ticks
xticks([1e-5, 1e-3, 1e-1, 1, 10, 100]);
xticklabels({'10^{-5}', '10^{-3}', '10^{-1}', '1', '10', '100'});

Explanation

• Manual X-Ticks: By using xticks and xticklabels, you have precise control over where the ticks and labels are placed. This helps prevent overlapping and ensures clarity.
• Logarithmic Labels: Using LaTeX-style labels (e.g., '10^{-5}') can make the tick labels more readable and consistent with logarithmic scales.
• Consistency Across Subplots: Ensure that each subplot has the same tick settings for consistency.

By following these steps, you should be able to achieve a clear and well-aligned plot with logarithmic scales and reversed axes.

[Olaf]

Hi Shubham,

thanks for your suggestion!

I saw that the problem was fixed meanwhile by Matlab (the problem was reported 5 years ago). So if I run the original code today, there is no problem (see attached PDF).

[Olaf]

Hi Shubham,

running your code, there is a problem in subplot 3 with the labels (see attached PDF).

Again, thanks a lot for your comment!