Should I always specify -sPAPERSIZE=a4 when invoking ps2pdf for paper size other than A4?

Question

When I compile a document with paper size other than A4 as follows:

\documentclass{scrbook}
\usepackage[A6paper]{geometry}

\begin{document}
 something
\end{document}

using latex-dvips-ps2pdf steps, should I use -sPAPERSIZE=a4 switch when invoking ps2pdf?

I don't know why TeXnicCenter setup the output profile for ps2pdf with -sPAPERSIZE=a4 switch by default as follows.

ps2pdf -sPAPERSIZE=a4 -dSAFER -dBATCH -dNOPAUSE -sDEVICE=pdfwrite -sOutputFile="%bm.pdf" -c save pop -f "%bm.ps"

Answer 1

Since you are using a KOMA Script class, you should try the pagesize document class option. It allows to specify the output driver for writing information about paper size into the document. The comprehensive manual has the necessary details.

Answer 2

I answer based on my experience. I don't know whether or not it is a general truth.

• Using ps2pdf from Miktex

  Unless you want the top margin to get cropped, you must use -sPAPERSIZE=a4 when compiling A4 paper. But for other paper size, you can omit this switch without negative effect.

• Using ps2pdf from TeX Live

  This switch is no longer needed for any paper size.