LaTeX Build Automation
When to Use This Skill
Use this skill when:
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Compiling LaTeX documents
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Setting up live preview with auto-rebuild
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Managing multi-file projects
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Troubleshooting build failures
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Cleaning build artifacts
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Automating compilation workflows
Quick Reference
Why latexmk?
Industry standard build tool:
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Auto-detects dependencies (bibliography, index, etc.)
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Runs correct number of times (handles cross-references)
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Live preview mode watches for file changes
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Works with Skim for SyncTeX auto-reload
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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
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Verify latexmk installed: which latexmk
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Test basic build: latexmk -pdf document.tex
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Enable SyncTeX: Add -synctex=1 flag
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Test live preview: latexmk -pvc -pdf document.tex
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Configure Skim for auto-reload
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Create Makefile for common tasks (optional)
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Create .latexmkrc for project-specific settings (optional)
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Test clean: latexmk -c removes artifacts
Reference Documentation
For detailed information, see:
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Common Commands - Build options and output formats
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Multi-File Projects - Automatic dependency tracking for complex documents
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Configuration - .latexmkrc and Makefile integration
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Troubleshooting - Common build issues and solutions
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Advanced Patterns - Parallel builds and CI/CD integration
Official Docs: Run man latexmk or latexmk -help for complete reference
See Also:
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Use latex/setup skill for installing LaTeX and configuring environment
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Use latex/tables skill 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)