unix> dvips MyDoc.dvi -oto create the file MyDoc.ps. The ``-o'' option insures that the computer sends the PostScript to a file rather than straight to a printer.
A most important option is -Ppdf, which creates a PostScript file which can later be converted (ps2pdf) to a quality PDF file. Without the -Ppdf option, the fonts in the PDF file will be crummy. Additionally, if your document is formatted for letter-size paper (8½"×11") then it is wise to inform dvips explicitly using the -t letter option, since many computer systems assume the metric A4 paper size by default.
unix> dvips -Ppdf -t letter MyDoc.dvi -o
Like most Unix commands there are a bunch of options you can use to refine the dvips command. Here are several versions of the basic command shown above.
unix> dvips -pp7-12 MyDoc.dvi -o
...the -pp option is used to create PostScript document MyDoc.ps containing only pages 7-12 of the original document.
unix> dvips MyDoc.dvi -o doc17.ps
...creates a PostScript files named ``doc17.ps'' rather than the default name ``MyDoc.ps''
unix> dvips -t a4 -t landscape MyDoc.dvi -o
...the -t option is used twice, to specify the ``A4'' paper size (instead of the usual ``letter'' size, 8½"×11") and also to specify landscape mode -- rotated 90° on the paper.
unix> dvips -pp7,9,11-12 -t a4 MyDoc.dvi -o doc19.ps
...combining several options to create file "doc19.ps" containing pages 7, 9, 11, 12 of MyDoc, for printing to A4 paper.
A list of current dvips options is below.
| USAGE: dvips [options] filename[.dvi] | |
| OPTION | function |
|---|---|
| -Ppdf |
include scalable Type-1 fonts, so that the PostScript file can be converted (ps2pdf) to good-looking PDF |
| -A | Print only odd (TeX) pages |
| -a | Conserve memory, not time |
| -B | Print only even (TeX) pages |
| -b # | Page copies, for posters e.g. |
| -C # | Collated copies |
| -c # | Uncollated copies |
| -d # |
Debugging (sum of 1=specials, 2=paths, 4=fonts, etc. See full dvips documentation.) |
| -D # | Resolution (DPI) |
| -e # | Maxdrift value (pixels) |
| -E | Try to create EPSF |
| -f | Run as filter |
| -F | Send control-D at end |
| -G | Shift low chars to higher pos. |
| -h filename | Add header file |
| -i | Make a separate PostScript file for each section |
| -j | Download fonts partially |
| -k | Print crop marks |
| -K | Pull comments from inclusions |
| -l # |
Last page to be printed (according to the document's own page numbering) |
| -M | Don't make fonts |
| -m | Manual feed |
| -n # | Maximum number of pages |
| -N | No structured comments |
| -O x,y |
Set/change paper offset; x,y is a comma-separated dimension pair, e.g., 3.2in,-32.1cm |
| -o filename | Output file |
| -p # |
First page to be printed (according to the document's own page numbering) |
| -P string | Load config.$string |
| -pp pages |
Print only pages listed, e.g., -pp13-16 or -pp2,4,8 or -pp2,4-5,8 |
| -q | Run quietly |
| -r | Reverse order of pages |
| -R | Run securely |
| -S # | Max section size in pages (see -i) |
| -s | Enclose output in save/restore |
| -T w,h |
Specify desired page size; w,h is a comma-separated dimension pair, e.g., 8.5in,27.2cm |
| -t papertype | Paper format (letter, a4, legal, ledger, a3) |
| -u string | PS mapfile |
| -U | Disable string param trick |
| -v | Print version number and quit |
| -V | Send downloadable PS fonts as PK |
| -X # | Horizontal resolution (DPI) |
| -x # |
Override dvi (horizontal) magnification; set to #/1000, e.g., -x 800 means horizontal magnification=80% |
| -y # |
Override dvi magnification; set to #/1000, e.g., -y 1200 means vertical magnification=120% |
| -Y # | Vertical resolution (DPI) |
| -Z | Compress bitmap fonts |
| -z |
Pass ``Hyper PS'' (html hyperdvi specials) for eventual distillation into PDF. |