In Unix, how can I view a TeX or LaTeX document without printing it?

In Unix, the usual process for creating and printing TeX and LaTeX documents is to edit some source file (foo.tex, for example), then to compile it as you would a program, for example:

You'll then have a DVI formatted output (e.g., foo.dvi), which you can convert to PostScript and print. For instructions, see Unix printing using enscript, dvips, and psduplex.

The problem with this sequence is that it uses lots of paper if you print many copies in the process of correcting mistakes.

If you are working in an X Window System environment and you would like to avoid wasting paper, use Ghostview. Ghostview is a PostScript viewer that you can use to see your TeX output on the computer screen. To use Ghostview, in a terminal window, enter:

Versions of Ghostview are available for both MS-DOS and Mac OS. Ghostview is not the only option available, but it is the one UITS currently supports.

At Indiana University, for personal or departmental Linux or Unix systems support, see At IU, how do I get support for Linux or Unix?

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