name: latex-compilation description: Use when LaTeX documents fail to compile, have undefined references, duplicate labels, or citation errors
LaTeX Compilation
Overview
Fix common LaTeX compilation errors systematically by running the full build sequence and addressing errors in order of dependency.
When to Use
- Document won't compile (pdflatex errors)
- "Undefined reference" or "multiply-defined labels" warnings
- Citations showing as
[?]or undefined - Cross-references not resolving
Quick Reference
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Undefined citations | Run: pdflatex → bibtex → pdflatex → pdflatex |
| Duplicate labels | Each \label{name} must be unique across document |
Empty \cite{} | Remove or fill in citation key |
| Citation key mismatch | Ensure .tex keys match .bib entry names exactly |
| Cross-refs not updating | Run pdflatex twice after changes |
Full Compilation Sequence
pdflatex -interaction=nonstopmode paper.tex
bibtex paper
pdflatex -interaction=nonstopmode paper.tex
pdflatex -interaction=nonstopmode paper.tex
Common Mistakes
Duplicate \label{} tags - Copy-pasting figures often duplicates labels. Search with:
grep -n 'label{' paper.tex | sort -t'{' -k2 | uniq -d -f1
Citation key typos - altabaa2025co vs altabaa2025cot causes undefined citation. Always verify keys match the .bib file exactly.
Running pdflatex only once - Cross-references and citations need multiple passes to resolve.
Empty citations - \cite{} causes warnings. Remove or add proper key.