paperconf

paperconf [paper-size]

paper-size
    The desired paper size (e.g., a4, letter, legal). If omitted, the current paper size is displayed.

The paperconf command is a simple utility used to configure the default paper size for PostScript printers and other applications that rely on the system's paper size settings. It primarily manipulates the /etc/papersize file, which contains the width and height of the default paper size. This file is consulted by various programs, especially those that generate PostScript output, to determine the appropriate page dimensions.

By using paperconf, users can easily specify the paper size they prefer, such as 'a4' or 'letter', without needing to manually edit configuration files. The command interacts with the system's paper size database to resolve paper size names to their corresponding dimensions. This ensures consistency across different applications and avoids potential errors caused by manual configuration mistakes. It contributes to a streamlined printing experience by ensuring applications use the correct paper dimensions from the outset.

The paperconf command only modifies the /etc/papersize file. Applications must be designed to consult this file to respect the configured paper size. Some applications may have their own independent paper size settings that override the system's default.
Also, this command has been deprecated in many newer systems and has been replaced by other tools.

/etc/papersize: Contains the default paper size settings (width and height).

To set the paper size to A4:
paperconf a4

To view the current paper size:
paperconf (without arguments)

lpoptions(1), cups(1), lpr(1)