Latex Build

Documents

latex-build

Latex Build is an Agent Skill for documents published in the majiayu000/claude-skill-registry repository on GitHub: a SKILL.md instruction file an AI agent can load to do this task.

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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QUICK START

How to use this skill

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Prompt to paste

Inspect the Agent Skill at https://github.com/majiayu000/claude-skill-registry/blob/HEAD/skills/documents/latex-build-terrylica-cc-skills/SKILL.md and all supporting files. Report provenance, permissions, scripts, dependencies, and security risks. Propose an exact installation into .agents/skills/latex-build, but wait for my approval before writing files or running scripts.

Copying this prompt does not install or run the skill. Review third-party files before use.

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