tlmgr-paper

Show the default paper size used by all TeX Live programs

$ tlmgr paper

$ sudo tlmgr paper [a4]

$ tlmgr [pdftex] paper

$ sudo tlmgr [pdftex] paper [a4]

$ tlmgr [pdftex] paper --list

$ tlmgr paper --json

tlmgr paper [options] PAPERFORMAT

PAPERFORMAT
    Required argument: paper size name (e.g., a4paper, letterpaper)

--help
    Display help message and exit

--version
    Show version information

--no-execute
    Simulate actions without changes

--force
    Overwrite existing files if present

--usermode
    Operate in user mode (no root required)

--no-warn-on-install-either
    Suppress warnings during install

tlmgr paper is a subcommand of the TeX Live package manager (tlmgr) that installs or updates the configuration module for a specific paper format. This module sets default paper dimensions for PDF-generating engines like pdftex, dvipdfmx, and xdvipdfmx.

TeX Live uses these modules to automatically configure output paper sizes in pdftex.cfg and similar files, ensuring documents match regional standards (e.g., A4 in Europe, Letter in North America) without manual tweaks. The command fetches the appropriate module from the TeX Live repository, generates the config snippet, and integrates it into the installation.

It's essential post-installation or when switching paper defaults, especially in multi-user or server environments. Run with elevated privileges if needed. Simulating via --no-execute is recommended first to preview changes.

Supported formats cover standard sizes; unsupported ones will fail gracefully.

Requires active TeX Live repository and internet access. Needs write permissions to TeX tree (sudo often required). Only predefined formats supported; custom sizes unsupported.

a4paper, letterpaper, a5paper, b5paper, executivepaper, legalpaper, tabloidpaper, landscape

tlmgr paper --no-execute a4paper
Simulates A4 paper module install.

sudo tlmgr paper letterpaper
Installs Letter paper module.

Introduced in TeX Live 2009 with tlmgr 1.0 enhancements for automated config management. Evolved to support user mode in TL 2010+; repository integration improved in later releases.

tlmgr(1), pdftex(1), updmap(1), kpsewhich(1)