compile-latex

Compile LaTeX and Beamer documents with latexmk and diagnose build failures.

Updated Sep 11, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/cameronbracken/waterology-research --skill compile-latex-cameronbracken
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: compile-latex
Source: https://github.com/cameronbracken/waterology-research/tree/main/skills/compile-latex
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/cameronbracken/waterology-research --skill compile-latex-cameronbracken

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) components.

What problem does it solve? Building LaTeX documents requires multiple XeLaTeX and BibTeX passes to stabilize citations and cross references, and failures like undefined references or overfull boxes are easy to miss in verbose logs. This Skill automates the full compile-and-verify cycle so you get a correct PDF or a precise diagnosis. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Automated multi-pass builds: Runs latexmk with XeLaTeX and BibTeX until citations and cross references stabilize, replacing hand-maintained 3-pass sequences. - Log diagnostics: Checks the .log file for undefined citations, undefined references, missing files, font substitutions, and rerun requests. - Overfull box detection: Uses a bundled Python script to parse overfull hbox/vbox messages, classifying overflow above 10 pt as major. - Use Case: You are preparing a Beamer presentation or research paper and the PDF fails to render. Invoke this Skill to build main.tex, inspect the log, and get a report of every material layout overflow before sharing the document. ## Quick Start Compile main.tex with the compile-latex skill and report any undefined references or overfull boxes in the output PDF.

Frequently Asked Questions about compile-latex

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I compile a LaTeX document with bibliography and cross references?▼

Run latexmk with the -xelatex and -bibtex flags on your main.tex file. latexmk automatically repeats XeLaTeX and BibTeX passes until citations and cross references stabilize, replacing a manual 3-pass sequence.

How to detect overfull hbox warnings in LaTeX logs?▼

Parse the .log files with the bundled overfull_boxes.py script, which matches overfull hbox and vbox messages of at least one point. It classifies overflow above 10 pt as major and reports the location for each finding.

Does latexmk work with XeLaTeX and BibTeX together?▼

Yes, latexmk coordinates XeLaTeX and BibTeX in a single command using the -xelatex and -bibtex options. The bundled latexmkrc template sets pdf_mode to 5 and configures the output directory and repeat limit.

Why does my LaTeX build show undefined citations after compiling?▼

Undefined citations appear when BibTeX has not run or when citation keys are missing from the .bib file. Check the .log for undefined citation and rerun messages, then let latexmk repeat passes until references stabilize.

When should I inspect rendered PDF pages after a LaTeX build?▼

Render pages to images and inspect layout whenever the PDF will be shared or published. A successful exit status alone does not catch visual problems like major box overflow or font substitutions.