latex-setup

Original：🇺🇸 English
Translated

LaTeX environment setup on macOS. TRIGGERS - install LaTeX, MacTeX, Skim viewer, SyncTeX setup.

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Sourceterrylica/cc-skills
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NPX Install

npx skill4agent add terrylica/cc-skills latex-setup

Tags

Translated version includes tags in frontmatter
latex-setupmacos-environmentskim-configurationsynctex-setuptexlive-management

SKILL.md Content

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LaTeX Environment Setup

When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when:
  • Installing LaTeX on a new machine
  • Setting up MacTeX distribution
  • Configuring Skim PDF viewer with SyncTeX
  • Verifying LaTeX installation
  • Troubleshooting missing packages

Quick Reference

Recommended Stack

ComponentPurposeStatus
MacTeX 2025Full LaTeX distribution (TeX Live 2025)✅ Recommended
Skim 1.7.11PDF viewer with SyncTeX support✅ macOS only
TeXShop 5.57Integrated LaTeX IDE (optional)✅ Native macOS

Quick Start

Install MacTeX

bash
brew install --cask mactex
# Size: ~4.5 GB (includes everything)

Verify Installation

bash
tex --version
# Expected: TeX 3.141592653 (TeX Live 2025)

pdflatex --version
latexmk --version

Test Compilation

bash
echo '\documentclass{article}\begin{document}Hello World!\end{document}' > test.tex
pdflatex test.tex
ls test.pdf  # Verify PDF created

Post-Installation Checklist

  • Verify 
    tex --version
    shows TeX Live 2025
  • Verify 
    latexmk --version
    shows 4.86a+
  • Verify 
    pdflatex test.tex
    creates PDF
  • Install Skim if using mactex-no-gui
  • Test SyncTeX: compile with 
    -synctex=1
    flag
  • Configure Skim preferences for editor integration
  • Add 
    /Library/TeX/texbin
    to PATH if needed
  • Test package installation: 
    sudo tlmgr install <package>

Reference Documentation

For detailed information, see:
  • Installation - Full MacTeX vs lightweight options, Skim installation
  • Verification - Check installation, verify PATH, test compilation
  • Package Management - Check, install, search for packages with tlmgr
  • Skim Configuration - Enable SyncTeX, configure preferences for editor integration
  • Troubleshooting - PATH issues, tlmgr problems, permissions
See Also:
  • Build Workflows: Use 
    latex/build
    skill for latexmk automation
  • Table Creation: Use 
    latex/tables
    skill for tabularray usage

Troubleshooting

IssueCauseSolution
tex command not foundPATH not configuredAdd 
/Library/TeX/texbin
to PATH in shell profile
Permission denied (tlmgr)Need sudo for system packagesUse 
sudo tlmgr install <package>
Package not foundMissing from TeX LiveRun 
tlmgr search <package>
to find correct name
Skim not showing PDFSyncTeX not enabledCompile with 
-synctex=1
flag
Outdated TeX LiveOld MacTeX versionRun 
sudo tlmgr update --self --all
Compilation hangsInfinite loop in documentCheck for circular includes or missing \end{}
Missing font errorFont not in TeX distributionInstall with 
tlmgr install <font-package>
Disk space errorFull TeX Live too largeConsider BasicTeX (smaller) if space limited