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] [size]

Commands:
tlmgr paper list
tlmgr paper get
tlmgr paper set size

list
    Lists all recognized paper sizes available for use.

get
    Shows the currently configured default paper size.

set
    Sets the default paper size to size (e.g., a4, letter). This updates configuration files for relevant TeX tools.

--force
    Force the action, for example, to override warnings or non-standard configurations. Use with caution.

--all
    When used with the set command, applies the paper size setting to all relevant configuration files and programs, ensuring comprehensive application.

--config-only
    Updates only the configuration files without attempting to apply changes to programs or regenerate format files. Useful for specific setup scenarios.

The tlmgr-paper command is a subcommand of TeX Live's package manager, tlmgr. It provides a convenient way to manage the default paper size used by various TeX utilities such as dvips, pdfTeX, XeTeX, and LuaTeX. Instead of manually editing configuration files, tlmgr-paper allows users to list available paper sizes, retrieve the currently set default, or set a new global default. This ensures consistency across different TeX output drivers and tools. It primarily modifies system-wide configuration files to reflect the chosen paper size.

Changes made by tlmgr-paper are typically system-wide. For changes to take full effect, dependent programs might need to be re-run, or in some cases, formats might need to be rebuilt, although tlmgr usually handles the necessary rebuilds. Users might need administrative privileges (e.g., `sudo`) to modify system-wide settings.

tlmgr-paper primarily modifies configuration files like texmf.cnf and settings for programs such as dvips, pdftex, xetex, luatex, and xdvi, ensuring they adhere to the chosen paper size default.

tlmgr was introduced to simplify the management of TeX Live installations, replacing older, less integrated tools. The paper subcommand was included to centralize the historically fragmented process of setting default paper sizes across various TeX components, ensuring a more consistent user experience within the TeX Live ecosystem.

tlmgr(1)