# Latex Doctor

> Detect bundled Tectonic plus TeX Live or MacTeX availability, report missing LaTeX tools, and run small compile smoke tests when possible.

- Skill: `concertonotes/latex-doctor` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add concertonotes/latex-doctor`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/concertonotes/latex-doctor/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Docs & Writing
- Author: ConcertoNotes (https://skillmd.com/u/concertonotes)
- Updated: 2026-09-08
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/concertonotes/latex-doctor

---


# 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:

```bash
python3 scripts/latex_doctor.py
```

For machine-readable output:

```bash
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