Our review
This skill installs and configures a complete LaTeX environment on macOS, including MacTeX, Skim viewer, and SyncTeX.
Strengths
- Automated installation of the full MacTeX distribution via Homebrew
- Integrated Skim viewer setup with SyncTeX for inverse search
- Comprehensive verification and test compilation steps
- Package management via tlmgr after installation
Limitations
- macOS only, no Linux or Windows support
- Large download (~4.5 GB)
- Requires sudo for some commands like tlmgr install
When you need to set up a full LaTeX environment on a new Mac, including PDF viewing and source-PDF syncing.
If you need a lightweight distribution (e.g., BasicTeX) or a cross-platform solution for other operating systems.
Security analysis
SafeThe skill only provides safe, standard LaTeX setup commands (e.g., brew install, tex --version, pdflatex). No destructive or exfiltrating actions, no obfuscated code, and no disabling of security features.
No concerns found
Examples
I need to install LaTeX on my new Mac. Please set up MacTeX, Skim, and SyncTeX for me.Check my LaTeX installation: run tex --version, pdflatex --version, and compile a test document.Configure Skim with SyncTeX for LaTeX editing. Install Skim if needed and enable inverse search.name: latex-setup description: LaTeX environment setup on macOS. TRIGGERS - install LaTeX, MacTeX, Skim viewer, SyncTeX setup. allowed-tools: Read, Edit, Bash
LaTeX Environment Setup
Quick Reference
When to use this skill:
- Installing LaTeX on a new machine
- Setting up MacTeX distribution
- Configuring Skim PDF viewer with SyncTeX
- Verifying LaTeX installation
- Troubleshooting missing packages
Recommended Stack
| Component | Purpose | Status | | ---------------- | --------------------------------------- | --------------- | | MacTeX 2025 | Full LaTeX distribution (TeX Live 2025) | ✅ Recommended | | Skim 1.7.11 | PDF viewer with SyncTeX support | ✅ macOS only | | TeXShop 5.57 | Integrated LaTeX IDE (optional) | ✅ Native macOS |
Quick Start
Install MacTeX
brew install --cask mactex
# Size: ~4.5 GB (includes everything)
Verify Installation
tex --version
# Expected: TeX 3.141592653 (TeX Live 2025)
pdflatex --version
latexmk --version
Test Compilation
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 --versionshows TeX Live 2025 - [ ] Verify
latexmk --versionshows 4.86a+ - [ ] Verify
pdflatex test.texcreates PDF - [ ] Install Skim if using mactex-no-gui
- [ ] Test SyncTeX: compile with
-synctex=1flag - [ ] Configure Skim preferences for editor integration
- [ ] Add
/Library/TeX/texbinto 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/buildskill for latexmk automation - Table Creation: Use
latex/tablesskill for tabularray usage
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