latex-setup

Configure MacTeX, Skim, and SyncTeX for LaTeX development on macOS.

62|10|Updated Dec 4, 2025

Search Tags:#macOS #setup #latex #tex #latexmk

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/terrylica/cc-skills --skill latex-setup

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: latex-setup
Source: https://github.com/terrylica/cc-skills/tree/main/plugins/doc-tools/skills/latex-setup
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/terrylica/cc-skills --skill latex-setup

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Installs and configures a complete LaTeX development stack on macOS, including MacTeX, Skim, and SyncTeX support.

Core Features & Use Cases

Step-by-step installation guides for MacTeX and optional components
Configuration tips for SyncTeX and Skim
Verification steps to ensure a healthy LaTeX toolchain

Quick Start

Verify TeX installation after setup with tex --version and pdflatex --version

Frequently Asked Questions about latex-setup

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

FAQPage Schema

How do I set up LaTeX on macOS for development?▼

Set up LaTeX on macOS by installing MacTeX, configuring Skim as your PDF viewer with SyncTeX enabled for forward and inverse search, and optionally adding TeXShop. Verify installation by running `tex --version` and `pdflatex --version` to confirm the toolchain is functional.

What is SyncTeX and why do I need it for LaTeX editing?▼

SyncTeX enables bidirectional synchronization between your LaTeX source code and compiled PDF output. It lets you jump from a line in your editor to the corresponding location in the PDF and vice versa, streamlining the edit-compile-review cycle.

Can I use Skim as my LaTeX PDF viewer on macOS?▼

Yes, Skim works excellently as a LaTeX PDF viewer on macOS. Configure it with SyncTeX support to enable forward and inverse search integration with your editor, providing seamless navigation between source and output during development.

How do I configure PATH and tlmgr after installing MacTeX?▼

After MacTeX installation, verify your PATH includes the TeX binaries and ensure tlmgr, the TeX Live package manager, is accessible from the terminal. This enables you to install additional packages and manage your LaTeX distribution from the command line.

What verification steps ensure my LaTeX environment is working correctly?▼

Verify your LaTeX setup by running `tex --version` and `pdflatex --version` to confirm core tools are installed, then test compilation of a sample document. Confirm Skim launches PDFs and SyncTeX synchronization functions between editor and viewer.