LaTeX - how do I force PDF page height/width?

Question

I am attempting to finish my LaTeX project, and I can't seem to get the PDF to compile to the right size no matter what I do.  In my .cls file I have this set:

paperheight 11in
paperwidth 8.5in

But no matter what I change it to, it compiles to about 8.25x11.7".

I can post my .cls files or anything else for that matter if someone knows hat I am doing 
Here is my .cls file: usfmanus.cls - I am using BakomaTex Word for my editor.  When I compile my PDF, I am still getting strange dimensions.  I really appreciate this, thank you.

egreg · Accepted Answer

The correct parameters to set are pdfpageheight and pdfpagewidth:

pdfpageheight=11in
pdfpagewidth=8.5in

However, this won't work in the "latex+dvips+ps2pdf" cycle. A code for both cases is

usepackage{ifpdf}
ifpdf
  pdfpageheight=11in
  pdfpagewidth=8.5in
else
  special{papersize=11in,8.5in}
fi

The geometry way is better:

usepackage[pass,letterpaper]{geometry}

or, if one wants a different paper size, (I'll use Letter paper sizes as example)

usepackage[pass,paperwidth=8.5in,paperheight=11in]{geometry}

With the pass option, geometry won't change the class parameters for pagination, as it would do without it.

Note for BakomaTeX

As far as I know, BakomaTeX doesn't use pdflatex, so the

usepackage[pass,letterpaper]{geometry}

should be the one to follow.

phimuemue · Answer

Try the following:

usepackage{geometry}
geometry{letterpaper}

Here you'll find the documentation for the geometry package.

cmhughes · Answer

The geometry package might be useful here

usepackage[paperheight=11in,paperwidth=8.5in]{geometry}

MWE:

documentclass{article}
    usepackage[paperheight=11in,paperwidth=8.5in]{geometry}

begin{document}

hello world

end{document}

pluton · Answer

you should probably use the geometry package:

usepackage[letterpaper]{geometry}

and compile with pdflatex. If you compile with dvips and ps2pdf, pay attention to the driver settings

Steven Penny · Answer

Here is method without using a package:

pdfpagewidth 8.5in
pdfpageheight 11in

Guest · Answer

This might require the vmargin package, but using:

setpapersize{USletter}

works too.

Scot Parker · Answer

If you are using the layout package, you should call usepackage{layout} after setting all your page parameters or layout won't display correctly.

LaTeX - how do I force PDF page height/width?

7 Answers

Note for BakomaTeX

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