# How can I specify the font for a LaTeX mathematical expression in MATLAB?

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MathWorks Support Team on 8 Apr 2020
Commented: Kissan Mistry on 16 Feb 2022
I am using LaTeX to create an "xlabel" in my figure. How do I select Helvetica as the font for the label?

MathWorks Support Team on 8 Dec 2020
Edited: MathWorks Support Team on 8 Dec 2020
The LaTeX processor included in MATLAB is primarily designed for creating mathematical expressions, meaning that some functionality related to fonts or document processing is not supported.
As of R2020b you cannot specify a font when using LaTeX in MATLAB. However, some commands provide a similar degree of customization. In this case, a font similar to Helvetica is achieved by using '\textsf{}', which makes the font sans-serif. An example of '\textsf{}' being implemented is shown below:
str = ['$\frac{\Delta\textsf{var1}}{\Delta\textsf{var2}}$'];
xlabel(str,'Interpreter','latex','fontsize',12);
Note that '\textsf{}' needs to be applied separately to 'var1' and 'var2' as the '\Delta' character is not compatible. This implementation may also generate the following warning when executed:
Warning: Error updating Text.
Font cmss10 is not supported.
This occurs when using the LaTeX interpreter for sans-serif fonts but should not be of any concern.
Kissan Mistry on 16 Feb 2022
when using \textsf the font appears squished together. How do i fix this?

R2020b

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