Previewing files using Type 1 fonts

Originally, free TeX previewers were only capable of displaying bitmap (PK) fonts, but free Type 1 font rendering software has been available for some time, and many previewers now use such facilities.

The alternative, for previewers, is automatic generation of the requisite PK files (using gsftopk, or similar, behind the scenes).

In the unlikely event that your previewer isn’t capable of either, you have a couple options:

• Convert the DVI file to PostScript and use a PostScript previewer. Some systems offer this capability as standard, but most people will need to use a separate previewer such as ghostscript or ghostscript-based viewers such as (free) gv or (shareware) gsview.
• If you have the PostScript fonts in Type 1 format, use ps2pk or gsftopk (designed for use with the ghostscript fonts) to make PK bitmap fonts which your previewer will understand (a process similar to the way some browsers for the job “automatically”) This can produce adequate results, also suitable for printing with non-PostScript devices. (Note: if you purchased the fonts, it is advisable to check that their licence permits you to convert them, for private use, in this way.)

FAQ ID: Q-PSpreview