Document Classes ⇒ Passing Option to a new Class

[jamesm]

Hi

I'm writing a new class, based on 12pt article, but with one option which I'll call [large] which will load [17pt]{extarticle}. Thus:

Near the start of my class I have
\LoadClass[12pt]{article}
followed be a load of minor modifications and new definitions.

But if I start my latex file with \documentclass[large]{myclass} I need the class to execute instead
\LoadClass[17pt]{extarticle}

I have The LaTeX Companion in front of me, but I can't figure out how to do this. Any suggestions?

Thanks for any help

James

[localghost]

I suggest to take a look at the document "LaTeX2e for Class and Package Writers", also know as the »Class Guide«.


Thorsten

[jamesm]

I had a look at the class guide but it doesn't seem to solve my problem. I can't see anywhere how to choose between two different document classes.

I want something equivalent to,

if option = large then
\LoadClass[17pt]{extarticle}
else
\LoadClass[12pt]{article}
end if

But I don't see how to do that.

James

[nlct]

Something like the following should work (although I think extarticle also allows 12pt as an option):

Code: Select all

\NeedsTeXFormat{LaTeX2e}

\newcommand*\myfontsize{12pt}
\newcommand*\parentclass{article}

\DeclareOption{large}{%
  \renewcommand*\myfontsize{17pt}%
  \renewcommand*\parentclass{extarticle}%
}
\DeclareOption{standard}{%
  \renewcommand*\myfontsize{12pt}%
  \renewcommand*\parentclass{article}
}

\ProcessOptions

\LoadClass[\myfontsize]{\parentclass}

\endinput

Regards
Nicola Talbot

[jamesm]

Brilliant! Thanks Nicola.

James

ps Indeed, extarticle does allow the 12pt option. However, the 17pt option is only going to be used on rare occasions, so I wanted to avoid using extarticle unless necessary in case some users didn't have it installed.

[localghost]

Then please mark the topic (not only the last post) accordingly as written in Section 3 of the Board Rules (to be read before posting) and as you already have been asked for.