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@small... Block Commands

In addition to the regular @example and @lisp commands, Texinfo has "small" example-style commands. These are @smalldisplay, @smallexample, @smallformat, and @smalllisp. All of these commands are designed for use with the @smallbook command (which causes TeX to format a printed book for a 7 by 9.25 inch trim size rather than the default 8.5 by 11 inch size).

In TeX, the @small... commands typeset text in a smaller font for the smaller @smallbook format than for the 8.5 by 11 inch format. Consequently, many examples containing long lines fit in a narrower, @smallbook page without needing to be shortened. Both commands typeset in the normal font size when you format for the 8.5 by 11 inch size. Indeed, in this situation, the @small... commands are equivalent to their non-small versions.

In Info, the @small... commands are also equivalent to their non-small companion commands.

Mark the end of an @small... block with a corresponding @end small.... For example, pair @smallexample with @end smallexample.

Here is an example written in the small font used by the @smallexample and @smalllisp commands:

The @small... commands make it easier to prepare smaller format manuals without forcing you to edit examples by hand to fit them onto narrower pages.

As a general rule, a printed document looks better if you use only one of (for example) @example or in @smallexample consistently within a chapter. Only occasionally should you mix the two formats.

See section Printing "Small" Books, for more information about the @smallbook command.

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