a2gs(1)

Usage

a2gs [-TBLRwlpHtabsdnfmhH1234567890] [--across --portrait --width # --length # --no-header --truncate --balance --show --double-space --number --file file --many-columns # --(top,bottom,left,right)-margin # --media type --help --(one,two, ... )-column(s) --header header] file

Overview

a2gs formats a file for filtering through ghostscript; if no file is given, a2gs reads from the standard input. The format is completely variable by the user, with a default of: two columns on each landscape page, pr headers with useful information (page number, printing date, file name). Very useful for draft copies.

Options offered by a2gs are the following:

-T,--(top,bottom,left,right)-margin #: Specify the margins you want in inch, cm, or pixels. A default of inches is assumed if you fail to specify units. i.e. --top-margin 2.5cm

-w,--width #: Specify the number of characters you wish to print per line.

-l,--length #: Specify the number of lines you want on each page of paper.

-p,--portrait: Specify portrait instead of landscape.

-N,--no-header: Don't include a header and five footer lines normally appended by pr.

-t,--truncate: Don't wrap lines.

-a,--across: Print columns across rather than down.

-b,--balance: Balance columns on the last page.

-s,--show: Show non-printable characters

-d,--double-space: Use double spacing.

-n,--number: Number each line.

-f,--file file: Specify the input file. Only needed if your file name begins with a -.

-H,--header header: Specify a header to use instead of the file name.

-[1-9],--one-column,--two-columns,...: Specify how many columns you want per page.

-0,--many-columns: Specify a number of columns per page greater than ten.

-m,--media type: Set paper size. Valid types are: letter, legal, ledger, tabloid, statement, executive, a3, a4, a5, b4, b5, quarto, 10x14, folio

Paper size

The paper size is determined in the following order, with the first taking priority. Command line option, PAPERSIZE environment variable, contents of the /etc/papersize file, and finally the default, which is a4.

Warning

This filter must be used only with text files. Avoid specially output from TeX, troff or any other such text formatters.

Files

/etc/papersize: File containing one of the valid paper sizes.

Environment

PAPERSIZE: May be set to one of the valid paper sizes.

Reference

Ed Casas <[email protected]> wrote the original postscript header. Kenneth MacDonald <[email protected]> expanded paper size selection, cleaned and packaged a2gs for Debian/GNU Linux.

Releases

Unchanged in 4 releases since Debian 1.1 (Buzz).

1.1–2.0