UK TeX FAQ -- question 34

### What is a DVI file?

A DVI file (that is, a file with the type or extension `.dvi`) is TeX's main output file, using TeX in its broadest sense to include LaTeX, etc. 'DVI' is supposed to be an acronym for DeVice-Independent, meaning that the file can be printed on almost any kind of typographic output device. The DVI file is designed to be read by a driver (DVI drivers) to produce further output designed specifically for a particular printer (e.g., a LaserJet) or to be used as input to a previewer for display on a computer screen. DVI files use TeX's internal coding; a TeX input file should produce the same DVI file regardless of which implementation of TeX is used to produce it.

A DVI file contains all the information that is needed for printing or previewing except for the actual bitmaps or outlines of fonts, and possibly material to be introduced by means of `\special` commands.

The canonical reference for the structure of a DVI file is the source of dvitype.

`dvitype`
  systems/knuth/texware/dvitype.web