Compiling and fixing errors
Run a compilation, choose the engine, read the log and let the AI diagnose errors.
Compile
- Click Compile above the PDF preview;
- or press Ctrl + Enter;
- or save with Ctrl + S: PrismaTex saves, then recompiles.
On Mac, use ⌘ instead of Ctrl. The bibliography is handled automatically: PrismaTex runs BibTeX or Biber (for biblatex) and the passes needed for citations and references to be up to date.
Auto compile
The arrow next to Compile opens the options. Turn on Auto compile to recompile after each automatic save: the preview follows your typing.
Choose the engine
In the Compile menu, under Compiler:
| Engine | When to use it |
|---|---|
| pdfLaTeX | The default, compatible with most journal and conference templates. |
| XeLaTeX | System (OpenType) fonts with fontspec, non-Latin scripts. |
| LuaLaTeX | OpenType fonts, documents that use Lua. |
| Latexmk | Runs all the passes needed automatically. |
In the same menu, Main document shows which file is compiled.
Read the log
Open View logs in the Compile menu, or the Logs tab of the Tools panel. Errors stop the PDF from being produced; warnings (undefined references, "Overfull hbox" lines…) don't stop compilation but point to a defect.
Let the AI fix it
In the logs, Diagnose and fix compile errors hands the log to the AI: it explains the error, finds the faulty line and proposes a fix to review. You can also ask the assistant in Ask mode: "Why does my compilation fail?".
Common errors
| Message | Likely cause |
|---|---|
Undefined control sequence | Misspelled command or package not loaded. |
Missing $ inserted | Math symbol (_, ^…) outside a math environment. |
File ... not found | File, image or package not found: check the path and the case of the name. |
Citation ... undefined | Key missing from the .bib file, or bibliography not generated yet: recompile. |
Overfull \hbox | Line too long: URL, table or image too wide. |
Move between the PDF and the code
- From the PDF to the code: double-click a spot in the PDF, or use Go to source: the editor jumps to the matching line.
- From the code to the PDF: Ctrl + Shift + Enter, or the Go to PDF button.
Download the PDF
Click Download PDF above the preview. To get the sources too, export the project: see Managing your projects.