USING TeX AND LaTeX

Other Submission Options for Files from TeX/LaTeX Source

The creation of a PDF file from TeX/LaTeX often involves several steps. The first step is the creation of a DVI file. Users often then convert the DVI file into a PostScript file using, for example, the programs dvips or dvipsk. Conversion to PDF can follow using, for example, Adobe Distiller or Ghostscript. Other options also now exist, but strictly compliant PDF files do not always result.

There are two common problems with this approach:

1. DVI-to-PS converters use, by default, bitmapped (Type 3) fonts. These fonts are fine for most PostScript printers, but the resulting PDF files are difficult to read when viewed on a monitor.
2. Users who have access to PostScript (Type 1) fonts and understand how to get them into their PostScript files may still be using an older version of Ghostscript. Before Ghostscript 6, fonts could not be embedded.

Unless users are sophisticated in their understanding of fonts and are certain that their PDF files strictly comply with standards, FastLane recommends that TeX/LaTeX users stop at the first step in the process and submit their DVI files and associated PostScript figures.