Document 370

How to change the typeset margin settings

Version: 3.x, 4.x, 5.x - Scientific WorkPlace & Scientific Word

Margins for typesetting are generally set in the document class specifications file (.cls file). The .cls file usually contains different margin defaults for each paper size, so changing the paper size default automatically changes the margin defaults. The LaTeX article class defines margins of about inches on all sides when x inch paper is specified.

Regardless of the paper size, you can modify the margin settings for most but not all shells by adding the geometry package. This technique may not work with Style Editor documents.

You can use the default margins for the geometry package, or you can specify the margins you want by adding a command to the preamble of your document:

1. Add the geometry package to your document.
2. From the Typeset menu, choose Preamble.
3. Click the mouse in the entry area.
4. On a new line at the end of the entries, type:

   \geometry{left=win,right=xin,top=yin,bottom=zin}

   where w and x are the left and right margins, y is the top margin, and z is the bottom margin.

   You can use any of the usual TeX measurement units in the command:

   Unit	Value
   sp	Scaled point (65536 sp = 1 pt)
   pt	Point ( in)
   bp	Big point ( in)
   dd	Didôt point (0.376 mm)
   mm	Millimeter
   pc	Pica (12 pt)
   cc	Cicero (12 dd)
   cm	Centimeter
   in	Inch

5. Choose OK.

Save a copy of your document before you attempt to modify it. Don't attempt extensive modification of the typesetting specifications unless you're very familiar with TeX and LaTeX.

This technique may not work with Style Editor documents.

Last revised 02/15/06

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