# Compile Latex

> Compile a LaTeX manuscript with pdflatex (3 passes + bibtex). Use when compiling the research paper.

- Skill: `brycewang-stanford/compile-latex-3` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add brycewang-stanford/compile-latex-3`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/brycewang-stanford/compile-latex-3/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Research & Search
- Author: brycewang-stanford (https://skillmd.com/u/brycewang-stanford)
- Updated: 2026-09-09
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/brycewang-stanford/compile-latex-3

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## Compile LaTeX Manuscript

Compile a LaTeX manuscript using the standard 3-pass sequence for full citation resolution.

### Steps

1. **Identify the file**: Use `$ARGUMENTS` as the base name (without `.tex`). If no argument, look for the main `.tex` file in the paper folder.

2. **Compile** (from the paper folder):
   ```bash
   pdflatex -interaction=nonstopmode $ARGUMENTS.tex
   bibtex $ARGUMENTS
   pdflatex -interaction=nonstopmode $ARGUMENTS.tex
   pdflatex -interaction=nonstopmode $ARGUMENTS.tex
   ```

3. **Check results**:
   - Grep for `Overfull \\hbox` warnings -- count them
   - Grep for `undefined citations` or `missing references`
   - Verify PDF was generated with non-zero size: `ls -la $ARGUMENTS.pdf`
   - Report page count if `pdfinfo` is available

4. **Report**:
   - Compilation: PASS / FAIL
   - Warnings: N overfull hbox, N undefined citations
   - PDF: exists, N pages, X KB

### Notes
- Uses `pdflatex` by default. Change to `xelatex` or `lualatex` if your project requires it.
- The `.bib` file should be in the same directory or referenced with a relative path.
- Parameter estimates loaded via `\input{}` must exist at their referenced paths.