install-tl

official installer for TeX Live, a comprehensive TeX distribution including

TLDR

Start the TeX Live installer interactively

$ install-tl

Install TeX Live in unattended mode with default settings

$ install-tl --no-interaction

Install from a local ISO or directory

$ install-tl --repository [/path/to/texlive/iso]

Install a minimal scheme (basic packages only)

$ install-tl --scheme=small

Specify custom installation directory

$ install-tl --texdir=[/opt/texlive/2024]

Install with a specific profile file

$ install-tl --profile=[texlive.profile]

SYNOPSIS

install-tl [-gui] [-no-gui] [-repository URL] [-scheme SCHEME] [-profile FILE] [-texdir DIR] [-no-interaction] [-help]

install-tl is the official installer for TeX Live, a comprehensive TeX distribution including LaTeX, fonts, and related programs. The installer can run in GUI, text, or fully automated mode depending on available dependencies and command-line options.
The installer downloads packages from CTAN mirrors or uses a local repository. Installation schemes range from minimal (~100MB) to full (~7GB). Post-installation, use tlmgr (TeX Live Manager) to update and manage packages.

PARAMETERS

-gui

Start in GUI mode (requires Perl/Tk)

-no-gui

Force text mode installation

-repository URL

Specify package repository (local path or URL)

-scheme SCHEME

Installation scheme: full, medium, small, basic, minimal, etc.

-profile FILE

Use settings from profile file for automated installation

-texdir DIR

Main TeX Live installation directory

-texmflocal DIR

Directory for site-wide local files

-texmfhome DIR

Directory for user-specific files

-portable

Install for portable use (USB drive, no system integration)

-no-interaction

Run without user interaction (automated installation)

-no-cls

Do not clear screen before output

-help

Display help information

CAVEATS

Full installation requires several gigabytes of disk space. Network installations depend on CTAN mirror availability. GUI mode requires Perl/Tk which may not be installed by default. Annual releases mean reinstallation is typically needed each year rather than upgrades.

HISTORY

TeX Live was first released in 1996 as a collaboration between TeX user groups worldwide to provide a consistent, cross-platform TeX distribution. The install-tl script has evolved alongside, with the Perl-based installer becoming standard around 2008. It replaced earlier platform-specific installers and continues to be actively maintained by the TeX Live team.