How do I install the Latex Doctor skill?

Run npx skillmds@latest add concertonotes/latex-doctor in your terminal (requires Node.js), paste this page's agent-chat prompt into Claude, Cursor, or any MCP-connected agent, or download the SKILL.md file and copy it into your agent's skills directory.

What does the Latex Doctor skill do?

Detect bundled Tectonic plus TeX Live or MacTeX availability, report missing LaTeX tools, and run small compile smoke tests when possible. It is listed under Docs & Writing on SkillMD.

Is Latex Doctor safe to use?

This skill has not completed SkillMD's automated safety review yet. Independent scanners report: SkillSpector: PASS, Skill Scanner: PASS. Capability flags: docs only. SkillMD never runs a skill's scripts for you; review the SKILL.md before installing.

Which AI agents work with Latex Doctor?

This skill is tagged as working with Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex. SKILL.md is an open format, so most agents that read a skills directory can load it too.

Is Latex Doctor free to use?

Yes. Installing skills from SkillMD is free, and the skill stays under its author's original license.

Who published Latex Doctor?

ConcertoNotes (@concertonotes) published this skill. Their other Agent Skills are listed on their SkillMD profile.

Latex Doctor by concertonotes — Agent Skill

Name: Latex Doctor
Rating: 4.5 (4 reviews)
Author: ConcertoNotes

File contents

LaTeX Doctor

Use this skill when the user asks whether LaTeX, Tectonic, TeX Live, MacTeX, latexmk, pdflatex, xelatex, lualatex, biber, or kpsewhich are installed or working.

Run from the plugin root:

python3 scripts/latex_doctor.py

For machine-readable output:

python3 scripts/latex_doctor.py --json

Interpretation

ready: At least one runtime passed a smoke compile. Prefer latex-compile in auto mode.
existing-usable: Use the existing TeX installation. Do not install managed TeX Live.
existing-partial: Report the gaps. Do not install managed TeX Live unless the user explicitly asks to replace or bypass the partial installation.
missing: Managed full TeX Live can be offered through texlive-runtime-installer.

Output Contract

Summarize:

detector status
Tectonic path and smoke-test result when available
detected TeX bin directory
TEXMFROOT when available
missing required or recommended tools
TeX Live smoke-test result when a compile was attempted

Frequently asked questions

Latex Doctor