Document 684

PDFLaTeX format files

Version: 5.x - Scientific WorkPlace & Scientific Word

LaTeX format files contain information that defines LaTeX commands, hyphenation patterns, and font metrics (.tfm) information for preloaded fonts. TeX uses format files to create a precompiled memory image of LaTeX, thus saving time when you compile your document. Format files are created specifically for each different implementation of TeX.

This version of SWP and SW includes two LaTeX format files created for TrueTeX and these format files created for PDFLaTeX. All are in the TCITeX/web2c directory of your program installation:

• pdflatex.efmt

• pdflatex_ml.efmt

Version 5.5 of SWP and SW automatically defaults to pdflatex_ml.efmt.

New format files

Under some circumstances, you may need to create a new pdfLaTeX format file for your program installation. For example, you may want to

• Add a hyphenation pattern for a different language.

• Update to a newer version of LaTeX or Babel.

• Change the set of preloaded fonts.

Creating a new pdflatex format file involves working from a command prompt, using an ASCII editor., and working directly with the pdfLaTeX formatter and requires a knowledge of TeX and LaTeX.

ImportantUse caution when working with format files. Changing format files or LaTeX source files can cause irreparable damage to your installation.

Creating a new PDFLaTeX format file

These instructions describe how to create a new pdfLaTeX format file to add a hyphenation pattern for a different language. Use these instructions as a model.

1. Tailor the hyphenation patterns to your needs.

2. Generate a new format file:

   1. Open a command prompt.

   2. Using the cd command, set the default directory of the command prompt to TCITeX\TeX\LaTeX\base.

   3. Enter this command line:

      ..\..\..\TrueTeX\runpdflatex -ini latex.ltx

      The program creates the files latex.efmt and latex.log in the current directory. The log file provides a record of how the .efmt file was created.

   4. Rename the format file:

      • If you are regenerating the existing multilingual format file, rename latex.efmt to pdflatex_ml.efmt.

      • If you are creating a format file for a specific hyphenation pattern, rename the two files conveniently. For example, you might use pdflatex_hu.efmt and pdflatex_hu.log for Hungarian hyphenation.

3. Move the files to the TCITeX\web2c directory of your program installation.

4. Add a new format file to the list of available format files that can be selected:

   1. Modify TrueTeX.ini:

      1. Using an ASCII editor, open the TCITeX\TrueTeX\TrueTeX.ini file.

      2. Find this group:

         [LaTeX-PDG]
         TABS=pdfLaTeX/Process
         EXE="C:\swp55\TCITeX\web2c\pdfLaTeX.exe &pdflatex_ml"
         TEXMF=C:\swp55\TCITeX
         TEXMFCNF=C:\swp55\TCITeX/web2c
         ARRANGE=maximize
         FINISHMSG="[pdfLaTeX finished]"

         The directory names for your installation may differ.

      3. Copy the LaTeX-PDG lines to the clipboard.

      4. Scroll to the end of the TrueTeX.ini file and press Enter to start a new line.

      5. Paste the LaTeX-PDG lines to the end of the file.

      6. Change the group name in the new section.

         For example, you might use LaTeX-PDH.

      7. In the third line of the new section, change the name of the format file to the file you created in step 2.d, above.

         Continuing our example, you would have these lines:

         [LaTeX-PDH]
         TABS=pdfLaTeX/Process
         EXE="C:\swp55\TCITeX\web2c\pdfLaTeX.exe &pdflatex_hu"
         TEXMF=C:\swp55\TCITeX
         TEXMFCNF=C:\swp55\TCITeX/web2c
         ARRANGE=maximize
         FINISHMSG="[pdfLaTeX finished]"

      8. Save TrueTeX.ini

   2. Modify SWP or SW so that it will use the new group in truetex.ini:

      1. Open the program.

      2. From the Typeset menu, choose Expert Settings and then choose the PDF Format Settings tab.

      3. Set the formatter to TrueTeX pdfTeX Multilingual.

      4. Choose Add/Modify.

      5. In the Name for TeX to PDF formatter area, enter a new name.

         In this example, you might choose TrueTeX pdfTeX Hungarian.

      6. Change the entry in the Command line to invoke formatter area from

         LaTeX-PDG %f

         to

         LaTeX-PDH %f

      7. Choose OK and then choose Yes when the program asks if you want to add a new formatter.

      8. Make sure the new formatter is selected in the Typeset Options dialog box, and choose OK.

5. Test the format file by creating and checking a PDF file.

Last revised 05/25/06