MCPInstall

latex-build

by terrylica

LaTeX builds with latexmk and live preview. TRIGGERS - latexmk, LaTeX build, live preview, compilation.

Installs
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Install

Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.

npx skills add https://github.com/terrylica/cc-skills --skill latex-build
  1. 01

    Install

    Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.

  2. 02

    Describe the task

    Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads latex-build automatically when relevant.

  3. 03

    Review the result

    The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.

SKILL.md

The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.

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)

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

Troubleshooting

IssueCauseSolution
latexmk not foundNot in PATHAdd /Library/TeX/texbin to PATH
Undefined control sequenceMissing packageCheck \usepackage statements for required packages
References show ??Need multiple runslatexmk handles this automatically; ensure no errors
Live preview not updatingSkim auto-reload disabledSkim Preferences → Sync → Check for file changes
Build hangsInput prompt in nonstop modeUse -interaction=nonstopmode flag
PDF not updatingBuild error preventing outputCheck .log file for specific error
SyncTeX not workingMissing -synctex=1 flagAdd -synctex=1 to build command
Too many aux filesNormal build artifactsRun 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.

FAQ

What does the latex-build skill do?

LaTeX builds with latexmk and live preview. TRIGGERS - latexmk, LaTeX build, live preview, compilation.

How do I install latex-build?

Run npx skills add https://github.com/terrylica/cc-skills --skill latex-build in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/latex-build/ (personal) or .claude/skills/latex-build/ (project).

Which AI agents can use latex-build?

Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.

Is latex-build safe to install?

No partner security audit is available yet. Skills can run commands and scripts, so read the SKILL.md and any bundled files before installing.

Who maintains latex-build?

It is published by terrylica in terrylica/cc-skills. It has 232 recorded installs.

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