---
name: latex-build
description: LaTeX builds with latexmk and live preview. TRIGGERS - latexmk, LaTeX build, live preview, compilation.
allowed-tools: Read, Edit, Bash
---

# LaTeX Build Automation

## Quick Reference

**When to use this skill:**

- Compiling LaTeX documents
- Setting up live preview with auto-rebuild
- Managing multi-file projects
- Troubleshooting build failures
- Cleaning build artifacts
- Automating compilation workflows

## 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

```bash
latexmk -pdf document.tex
# Result: document.pdf created
```

### Live Preview (Watch Mode)

```bash
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

```bash
# 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](./references/common-commands.md) - Build options and output formats
- [Multi-File Projects](./references/multi-file-projects.md) - Automatic dependency tracking for complex documents
- [Configuration](./references/configuration.md) - .latexmkrc and Makefile integration
- [Troubleshooting](./references/troubleshooting.md) - Common build issues and solutions
- [Advanced Patterns](./references/advanced-patterns.md) - 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