install-tl

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.

-gui

Start in GUI mode (requires Perl/Tk)

Force text mode installation

Specify package repository (local path or URL)

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

Use settings from profile file for automated installation

Main TeX Live installation directory

Directory for site-wide local files

Directory for user-specific files

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

Run without user interaction (automated installation)

Do not clear screen before output

Display help information

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.

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.

tlmgr(1), pdflatex(1), xelatex(1), lualatex(1), tex(1)