install-tl
Install TeX Live distribution
TLDR
Start the text-based installer (default on Unix systems)
Start the GUI installer (default on macOS and Windows, requires Tcl/Tk)
Install TeX Live as defined in a specific profile file
Start the installer with the settings from a specific profile file
Start the installer for installation on a portable device, like a USB stick
Display help
SYNOPSIS
install-tl [options]
PARAMETERS
-gui
Starts the installation in graphical mode using Tcl/Tk.
-text
Forces text mode installation, even if a graphical environment is available.
-v
Verbose output; increases the amount of information displayed during installation.
-version
Prints the version number of the installer.
-location
Specifies the location of the TeX Live distribution (e.g., a CTAN mirror URL or a local directory containing the ISO image).
-scheme
Specifies the installation scheme to use (e.g., basic, full, minimal). If not specified, the installer presents a menu to choose from.
-repository
Override the default CTAN mirror and specify a custom repository.
Can also specify a path to a local repository.
-init-by-cwd
Initialize the installation configuration based on the current working directory.
-portable
Install in portable mode (without system integration).
-sys-bin
The directory where the binaries are installed.
DESCRIPTION
The install-tl
script is the primary installation tool for the TeX Live distribution on Unix-like operating systems. It provides a command-line interface for configuring and installing TeX Live, including selecting installation schemes (e.g., basic, full), choosing installation directories, and managing package repositories. It can download necessary components from the internet or install from a local ISO image. The installer aims to be comprehensive, offering options for creating symbolic links to system directories and configuring the system environment for TeX Live usage. It supports graphical (Tcl/Tk) and text-based interfaces. It's crucial for setting up a complete TeX environment, providing tools for compiling LaTeX documents and related tasks. The script is designed to handle various dependencies and configurations automatically, simplifying the installation process for users of all levels.
CAVEATS
The installer requires internet access (unless using a local ISO). Administrator privileges may be needed for system-wide installation. Configuration files might need manual adjustment after installation depending on specific system requirements. Incorrect installation path can lead to errors and breakages in future TeX Live updates.
INSTALLATION SCHEMES
Basic: Installs a minimal TeX Live system.
Full: Installs the entire TeX Live collection.
Medium: Installs a collection of packages suitable for general use.
Small: A smaller collection than medium.
Minimal: An extremely small collection, useful for embedded systems.
ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES
install-tl
typically sets environment variables like PATH
, INFOPATH
, and MANPATH
to include the TeX Live binaries, documentation, and manual pages. These variables are essential for TeX Live to function correctly.
POST-INSTALLATION
After installation, it's often necessary to update the TeX Live system using tlmgr
to ensure you have the latest package versions and bug fixes.
HISTORY
install-tl
has been the standard installation tool for TeX Live since its inception as the successor to teTeX. It has been continuously developed to improve installation speed, reliability, and ease of use. Initially, it was primarily a command-line tool, but the introduction of a graphical interface significantly broadened its appeal. The script has evolved to support various platforms and installation scenarios, becoming more robust and flexible over time. Over time the user interface improved from a basic terminal interface to a fully fledged GUI application on the modern TeX Live versions.
SEE ALSO
tlmgr(1)