Getting Started

How to Compile LaTeX to PDF

Compilation is the process that turns your .tex source code into a finished PDF. Unlike a word processor, LaTeX doesn't show you the result in real time—you write the source, then compile it. Understanding this workflow is key to working effectively with LaTeX.

What Compilation Means

LaTeX is a markup language. A compiler reads your .tex file, processes all commands, resolves references, and produces a PDF. Think of it like compiling code: source in, finished document out.

% Your source file (main.tex)
\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
Hello, world!
\end{document}

Output: A PDF containing 'Hello, world!' with default article formatting.

Using pdfLaTeX from the Command Line

The most common compiler is pdfLaTeX. Open a terminal, navigate to your file's directory, and run:

% In your terminal / command prompt:
% pdflatex main.tex
%
% This produces main.pdf in the same directory.
% You will also see auxiliary files: main.aux, main.log

Output: main.pdf appears in the same folder as main.tex.

Cloud Compilation with Overleaf or Bibby AI

Online editors compile for you with a single click. Upload or paste your .tex code and hit the compile button—no local installation required.

% In Overleaf / Bibby AI:
% 1. Create or open a project
% 2. Edit your .tex file in the browser
% 3. Click "Compile" (or press Ctrl+S / Cmd+S)
% 4. The PDF preview updates automatically

Output: The compiled PDF appears in the preview pane next to the editor.

Multi-Pass Compilation for Citations & References

Cross-references (\ref, \cite) need multiple passes. The first pass collects labels; subsequent passes resolve them. BibTeX/Biber adds an extra step for bibliographies.

% Full build sequence when using citations:
% pdflatex main.tex    (1st pass — collects labels)
% bibtex main          (processes .bib file)
% pdflatex main.tex    (2nd pass — inserts citations)
% pdflatex main.tex    (3rd pass — finalises references)

Output: All \ref{} and \cite{} commands now display correct numbers instead of [?].

Troubleshooting Compilation Errors

When compilation fails, check the .log file for the first error. Common issues include missing packages, unmatched braces, and math-mode mistakes.

% Common fixes:
% 1. "Undefined control sequence"  → check spelling or add \usepackage{}
% 2. "Missing $ inserted"         → wrap math in $...$
% 3. "File not found"             → verify file names & paths
% 4. "Too many }'s"               → count your braces
%
% Tip: search the .log file for lines starting with "!"

Output: A clean compilation produces 0 errors and generates a valid PDF.

💡 Tips

•Use latexmk to automate multi-pass builds: latexmk -pdf main.tex
•Cloud editors handle multi-pass compilation automatically
•Delete auxiliary files (.aux, .log, .toc) and recompile if you encounter strange errors
•XeLaTeX and LuaLaTeX are alternative compilers with full Unicode and system font support

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