Latex Build

This handles LaTeX compilation using latexmk, which is the right tool because it auto-detects dependencies and reruns builds as needed for cross-references. The live preview mode with `-pvc` is the main reason you'd reach for this. It watches your `.tex` files and auto-recompiles on changes, with Skim integration for PDF reload. Also covers the standard cleanup commands and troubleshooting for common issues like missing packages or stuck builds. The skill is self-documenting with a checklist and reference docs for multi-file projects and CI integration. One honest take: latexmk solves the "how many times do I need to run pdflatex" problem, so if you're still doing that manually, stop.

skills.sh installs: 236
GitHub stars: 2
last updated: Aug 21, 2026

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Install

$ npx -y skills add terrylica/cc-skills --skill latex-build --agent claude-code

Installs into .claude/skills of the current project.

Files

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

SKILL.md on GitHub