How do I create one legend for several subplots?

I have a 4 subplots in a 2x2 grid. They display similar data, so I need only one legend for them. How do I set an overall legend for all 4 subplots? These subplots have exactly the same legend. When I try to add a legend to the last subplot, it is always inside the 4th axis. I need to move the overall legend out of the last subplot.

Answer 1

[MathWorks Support Team]

The issue here is that each legend needs to be associated with an axis. There is no built-in way to create an "overall legend". But it is perfectly fine to use a legend associated with the 4th subplot as an overall legend. You will have to play with the legend's position to achieve the desired look.

The easiest way to do it is manually, by dragging the legend inside the figure.

It is a bit more involved programmatically. Here is an example:

subplot(2, 2, 1)
A = rand(10, 3);
plot(A, '-o')
hold on
b = rand(10, 1);
plot(b, '-k', 'LineWidth', 3)

subplot(2, 2, 2)
A = rand(10, 3);
plot(A, '-o')
hold on
b = rand(10, 1);
plot(b, '-k', 'LineWidth', 3)

subplot(2, 2, 3)
A = rand(10, 3);
plot(A, '-o')
hold on
b = rand(10, 1);
plot(b, '-k', 'LineWidth', 3)

subplot(2, 2, 4)
A = rand(10, 3);
plot(A, '-o', 'DisplayName', 'Data')
hold on
b = rand(10, 1);
plot(b, '-k', 'LineWidth', 4, 'DisplayName', 'Trend')

% add a bit space to the figure
fig = gcf;
fig.Position(3) = fig.Position(3) + 250;

% add legend
Lgnd = legend('show');
Lgnd.Position(1) = 0.01;
Lgnd.Position(2) = 0.4;

Answer 2

[Bill Tubbs]

This is a good answer:

• Raghu S on 30 Aug 2018