latex-build_skill

Overview

This skill automates LaTeX builds using latexmk and provides a live preview workflow for fast iteration. It handles dependency detection, correct multi-pass compilation, SyncTeX integration, and artifact cleanup to keep projects tidy. Use it to add repeatable, CI-friendly LaTeX compilation and reliable local live-preview capabilities.

How this skill works

The skill runs latexmk with configurable flags to perform one-time builds or a persistent watch (-pvc) that auto-recompiles on file changes and triggers viewer reloads. It supports SyncTeX for source↔︎PDF synchronization, non-interactive modes for CI, force-rebuilds, and cleaning commands to remove auxiliary files. Project-level settings can be supplied via a .latexmkrc or Makefile to standardize behavior.

When to use it

• Compile a single LaTeX document to PDF reliably
• Set up live preview while editing complex documents
• Automate multi-file project builds with correct dependency handling
• Run non-interactive builds in CI/CD pipelines
• Clean build artifacts before packaging or commit

Best practices

• Verify latexmk is in PATH before automating builds (which latexmk)
• Enable SyncTeX (-synctex=1) for editor↔︎PDF sync and accurate jumps
• Use -interaction=nonstopmode for CI to avoid prompts and capture logs
• Create a .latexmkrc for project-specific flags and a Makefile for common tasks
• Regularly run latexmk -c or -C to remove stale auxiliary files and keep repo clean

Example use cases

• Quick one-off build: latexmk -pdf document.tex to produce a PDF
• Live preview during drafting: latexmk -pvc -pdf document.tex to auto-recompile on edits
• CI job: latexmk -pdf -interaction=nonstopmode document.tex to build without user interaction
• Force a full rebuild when dependencies change: latexmk -gg -pdf document.tex
• Clean artifacts before release: latexmk -C to remove PDF and auxiliary files