Best for
- Compiling LaTeX documents
- Setting up live preview with auto-rebuild
- Managing multi-file projects
Source profileQuality 92/100
terrylica/cc-skills/plugins/doc-tools/skills/latex-build/SKILL.md
latex-build
LaTeX builds with latexmk and live preview. TRIGGERS - latexmk, LaTeX build, live preview, compilation.
- Source repository stars
- 61
- Declared platforms
- 0
- Static risk flags
- 0
- Last source update
- 2026-08-26
- Source checked
- 2026-08-28
Decision brief
What it does: where it fits
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.
Not for
- Tasks that require unconfirmed production actions or broad system permissions.
- Environments where the pinned source and install steps cannot be inspected.
Compatibility matrix
Platform support, with evidence labels
| Platform | Status | Evidence | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Codex | Not declared | No explicit evidence | Portability before use |
| Claude Code | Not declared | No explicit evidence | Portability before use |
| Cursor | Not declared | No explicit evidence | Portability before use |
| Gemini CLI | Not declared | No explicit evidence | Portability before use |
Installation
Inspect first. Install second.
The source command is displayed only when detected. A safe inspection prompt is always available so your agent can explain every action before execution.
Source-detected install commandSource
npx skills add https://github.com/terrylica/cc-skills --skill "plugins/doc-tools/skills/latex-build"Safe inspection promptEditorial
Inspect the Agent Skill "latex-build" from https://github.com/terrylica/cc-skills/blob/05f53c5b24a445c1895e9b0590212e66cd70f39e/plugins/doc-tools/skills/latex-build/SKILL.md at commit 05f53c5b24a445c1895e9b0590212e66cd70f39e. List every install step, command, network request, credential, file read/write, external action, and rollback step. Explain whether it fits my task. Do not install or execute anything until I approve.
Workflow
What the source asks the agent to do
- 01
Basic Usage
bash latexmk -pdf document.tex
bash latexmk -pdf document.tex - 02
When to Use This Skill
Compiling LaTeX documents
Compiling LaTeX documentsSetting up live preview with auto-rebuildManaging multi-file projects - 03
Quick Reference
Review the “Quick Reference” section in the pinned source before continuing.
Review and apply the “Quick Reference” source section. - 04
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 - 05
One-Time Build
bash latexmk -pdf document.tex
bash latexmk -pdf document.tex
Permission review
Static risk signals and limitations
No configured static risk pattern was detected
This is not proof of safety. Runtime behavior, indirect dependencies, and hidden external systems are outside the static scan.
Evidence record
Why each signal appears
EvidenceSourceComputedTestedEditorial
| Signal | Value | Evidence type | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality score | 92/100 | Computed | Documentation, specificity, maintenance, and trust rules |
| Repository stars | 61 | Source | Repository attention, not individual Skill quality |
| Compatibility | 0 platforms | Source | Declared in the catalog source record |
| Usage guide | automated source guide | Editorial | Generated or reviewed according to the visible evidence level |
Pinned source
Provenance and original SKILL.md
- Repository
- terrylica/cc-skills
- Skill path
- plugins/doc-tools/skills/latex-build/SKILL.md
- Commit
- 05f53c5b24a445c1895e9b0590212e66cd70f39e
- License
- MIT
- Collected
- 2026-08-28
- Default branch
- main
View the original SKILL.md
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=1flag - 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 -cremoves 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/setupskill for installing LaTeX and configuring environment - Use
latex/tablesskill for creating tables with tabularray
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:
- Did the command succeed? — If not, fix the instruction or error table that caused the failure.
- Did parameters or output change? — If the underlying tool's interface drifted, update Usage examples and Parameters table to match.
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
What to verify before installation and use
What does the latex-build source document cover?
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.
How do I install latex-build?
The source record exposes this install command: npx skills add https://github.com/terrylica/cc-skills --skill "plugins/doc-tools/skills/latex-build". Inspect the command and pinned source before running it.
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