Simulink Dragging Lag on macOS with High-Resolution Displays

I have two Macs (M2 Mac Mini and MacBook Air M1), both running the Apple Silicon version of MATLAB 2024B. I have connected external 2K and 4K monitors, and I noticed that when the output screen resolution exceeds around 3000×2000 (or when using HiDPI mode on a 2K monitor), there is a noticeable lag when dragging elements in Simulink. However, this issue does not occur when using a 1080P external monitor or the built-in display of the MacBook Air. Additionally, I have not installed any window snapping-related software.

[Sergio]

I have the same issue. Recently, I started using Simulink to model electric motors, and even with the Apple Silicon-native version of MATLAB 2024b/2024a on my M1 Max, it runs extremely laggy, especially when connected to an external 2K 144Hz monitor.

[TING JU]

Based on the information I’ve found, the issue likely stems from the fact that Simulink’s GUI is built using Java, which has poor support for high-resolution displays. While MATLAB’s main UI has already transitioned to a web-based interface (as of R2025a), it seems that Simulink will still take some time before making the switch.

[ANDREA]

So at the moment we have no fix to this issue? Is there any settings that can be edited to at least make it usable?

[TING JU]

It might take multiple reports before they take the issue seriously, since macOS users are relatively few. I’ve already reported the problem using the in-app feedback feature.

[Saifeldin]

I'm having the same problem on both my macbook with m1 pro and a high end desktop pc, simulink is very slow and laggy on 2024b.

[Oliver]

I have the exact same issue on linux, when using a 4K display, amtlab is ver slow to type and use

[Sergio]

I just discovered that while running your Simulink file, if you move your Simulink Window from your main display to yours macbook display (do some movements) and viceversa now it doesn't feel any laggy at all.

Hope it helps!

Answer 1

[TING JU]

I’ve found a temporary workaround (2025a) that can alleviate the lag when dragging blocks, especially in models with many blocks.

Go to Settings > Simulink Settings > Editor, and check the option “Use classic diagram theme”.

This enables a simpler GUI, which improves the dragging performance. In fact, I personally think the classic GUI even looks better than the current one.

However, I still hope MathWorks can fix this fundamental issue, especially since they promote themselves as a cross-platform software provider.