[OS X TeX] Forcing the use of pdtlatex or dvips

[Herbert Schulz]

On May 24, 2008, at 9:53 AM, Roberto Avanzi wrote:

> I remember reading times ago, maybe in this list, that there is a  
> way to specify format and workflow in the first line of a file.  If  
> it is processed by TeXShop, TeXShop will then call the appropriate  
> programs, regardless of the default configuration of the program.   
> Something like
>
> %!Pdflatex
>
> or similar in the first line of the input. However, I tried a few  
> combinations. I know commands like
>
> %!TEX TS-program = xelatex
>
> but not for avoiding to select the engine each time from a menu (and  
> i do have to do that several times a day since texshop keeps  
> crashing).
>
> best
>  Roberto


Howdy,

The line

%%!TEX TS-program = latex

at the top of the file will force latex+ghostscript (latex->dvips- 
 >ps2pdf) processing while

%%!TEX TS-program = pdflatex

will do the same for pdflatex. These two are internal (to TeXShop)  
engines but xelatex forces the use of an external engine.

Good Luck,

Herb Schulz
(herbs at wideopenwest.com)