Does the save function have a size limit?

I am working with a massive amount of data and have been able to save just fine the entire time I have been doing this project. I recently added an extra 1/3 of my total size and suddenly the save function no longer works. When I call the function, matlab goes unresponsive to ctrl + C, any commands, and the only way to stop it from grinding is to force quit the program. Is there a reason it does this? I am working on an older computer, so that could be the issue, but since it just started with a recent increase in data, I'm not sure I'm convinced.

Answer 1

[Walter Roberson]

Most people have save() set to default to the -v7 option. That option has a limit of 2 Gb. To save more than 2 Gb you need the -v7.3 option.

[Max Gawryla]

I hadn't changed the defaults, so I would assume this answers my question! How would I go about changing this?

[Walter Roberson]

Preferences -> General -> MAT-Files

However in general the -v7.3 files are larger and slower, so you usually want to change the source to use the -v7.3 flag for the save() that need it.