[OS X TeX] Invoking latex with tex + ghostscript option?

[Herbert Schulz]

On Jul 8, 2009, at 1:11 AM, Robert Morelli wrote:

> I'm trying to compile LaTeX files using pstricks.
>
> As I know, pstricks is not compatible with pdflatex.
> I use MacTeX-2008, which defaults to pdflatex, so I'm encasing all the
> pstricks code in pdftricks, which is supposed to restore  
> compatibility.
>
> Now, pdftricks uses shell-escape to compile automatically generated
> LaTeX files of the pstricks graphics. Unfortunately, when latex is
> invoked on these, it's just using pdflatex as always, which doesn't
> work.
>
> I need to invoke the "ordinary" latex on the generated files, not
> pdflatex.
>
> I was told that I need to invoke latex with the "tex + ghostscript"
> option. How do I do that?
>
> Also, is there a way to arrange it so the latex command used on
> the files pdftricks generates has that option?


Howdy,

The latex command has been for quite a while now pdflatex in DVI mode  
so you'll still see pdftex as the command:

This is pdfTeXk, Version 3.1415926-1.40.9 (Web2C 7.5.7)
  %&-line parsing enabled.
entering extended mode

which is normal behavior.

If you are using TeXShop you can invoke `TeX and DVI' via the Typeset  
menu and it will stay that way until you restart TeXShop. YOu can also  
change the default compile method in TeXShop->Preferences->Typesetting- 
 >Default Script in which case all files will be compiled use the TeX  
+ DVI method. My favorite way is to place the line

% !TEX TS-program = latex

at the top of your file (replace `latex; by `pdflatex' to use pdflatex  
instead) since you can then ``tell'' TeXShop which method to use on a  
file by file basis.

Good Luck,

Herb Schulz
(herbs at wideopenwest dot com)