latex-build

Documents

Builds LaTeX documents using latexmk with live preview and dependency tracking. Use when setting up builds, live preview, or troubleshooting compilation.

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How to use this skill

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I want to install this Agent Skill for this project in Codex.

Source SKILL.md: https://github.com/majiayu000/claude-skill-registry/blob/HEAD/skills/documents/latex-build-terrylica-cc-skills/SKILL.md

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LaTeX Build Automation

Quick Reference

When to use this skill:

Compiling LaTeX documents
Setting up live preview with auto-rebuild
Managing multi-file projects
Troubleshooting build failures
Cleaning build artifacts
Automating compilation workflows

Why latexmk?

Industry standard build tool:

Auto-detects dependencies (bibliography, index, etc.)
Runs correct number of times (handles cross-references)
Live preview mode watches for file changes
Works with Skim for SyncTeX auto-reload
Bundled with MacTeX (no separate install needed)

Basic Usage

One-Time Build

latexmk -pdf document.tex
# Result: document.pdf created

Live Preview (Watch Mode)

latexmk -pvc -pdf document.tex

# What happens:
# - Compiles document initially
# - Watches for file changes
# - Auto-recompiles when files change
# - Auto-reloads PDF in Skim viewer

Stop watching: Press Ctrl+C

Quick Reference Card

# Build once
latexmk -pdf document.tex

# Live preview (watch mode)
latexmk -pvc -pdf document.tex

# Build with SyncTeX
latexmk -pdf -synctex=1 document.tex

# Clean artifacts
latexmk -c              # Keep PDF
latexmk -C              # Remove PDF too

# Force rebuild
latexmk -gg -pdf document.tex

# Non-interactive (for CI)
latexmk -pdf -interaction=nonstopmode document.tex

Build Checklist

Verify latexmk installed: which latexmk
Test basic build: latexmk -pdf document.tex
Enable SyncTeX: Add -synctex=1 flag
Test live preview: latexmk -pvc -pdf document.tex
Configure Skim for auto-reload
Create Makefile for common tasks (optional)
Create .latexmkrc for project-specific settings (optional)
Test clean: latexmk -c removes artifacts

Reference Documentation

For detailed information, see:

Common Commands - Build options and output formats
Multi-File Projects - Automatic dependency tracking for complex documents
Configuration - .latexmkrc and Makefile integration
Troubleshooting - Common build issues and solutions
Advanced Patterns - Parallel builds and CI/CD integration

Official Docs: Run man latexmk or latexmk -help for complete reference

See Also:

Use latex/setup skill for installing LaTeX and configuring environment
Use latex/tables skill for creating tables with tabularray