LaTeX Build Automation

Self-Evolving Skill: This skill improves through use. If instructions are wrong, parameters drifted, or a workaround was needed — fix this file immediately, don't defer. Only update for real, reproducible issues.

When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when:

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

Quick Reference

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)

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Troubleshooting

Issue	Cause	Solution
latexmk not found	Not in PATH	Add /Library/TeX/texbin to PATH
Undefined control sequence	Missing package	Check \usepackage statements for required packages
References show ??	Need multiple runs	latexmk handles this automatically; ensure no errors
Live preview not updating	Skim auto-reload disabled	Skim Preferences → Sync → Check for file changes
Build hangs	Input prompt in nonstop mode	Use -interaction=nonstopmode flag
PDF not updating	Build error preventing output	Check .log file for specific error
SyncTeX not working	Missing -synctex=1 flag	Add -synctex=1 to build command
Too many aux files	Normal build artifacts	Run latexmk -c to clean (keeps PDF)

Post-Execution Reflection

After this skill completes, check before closing:

1. Did the command succeed? — If not, fix the instruction or error table that caused the failure.
2. Did parameters or output change? — If the underlying tool's interface drifted, update Usage examples and Parameters table to match.
3. Was a workaround needed? — If you had to improvise (different flags, extra steps), update this SKILL.md so the next invocation doesn't need the same workaround.

Only update if the issue is real and reproducible — not speculative.