latex-writing

Enforce semantic LaTeX environments and label usage in .tex and .nw files.

1|1|Updated Nov 4, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/dbosk/claude-skills --skill latex-writing
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: latex-writing
Source: https://github.com/dbosk/claude-skills/tree/main/latex-writing
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/dbosk/claude-skills --skill latex-writing

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires csquotes, listings.

What problem does it solve?

Users often misuse LaTeX environments or apply manual formatting, leading to inconsistent, non-semantic, and difficult-to-maintain documents. This skill guides you to write semantically correct LaTeX, ensuring professional output, efficient document preparation, and reduced formatting headaches.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Semantic Markup Enforcement: Guides the proper use of environments like description for term-definition pairs and itemize/enumerate for lists, matching content meaning over visual appearance.
  • Best Practices Checklist: Provides guidelines for cross-references (\label/\ref), citations (\cite), quotations (\enquote), and emphasis (\emph), preventing common anti-patterns.
  • Code & Path Handling: Ensures correct formatting for code snippets (listings, \verb) and platform-independent path specifications, maintaining document integrity.
  • Use Case: Instead of manually bolding terms in an itemize list for a glossary, this skill would guide you to use \begin{description}\item[Term] Definition... for correct semantic structure and automatic formatting.

Quick Start

I am writing a LaTeX document. Guide me on best practices for using list environments and semantic markup.

Frequently Asked Questions about latex-writing

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I use semantic markup correctly in LaTeX documents?▼

Semantic markup in LaTeX means choosing environments that match your content's meaning, not appearance. Use `description` for term-definition pairs, `itemize` for unordered lists, and `enumerate` for ordered lists. This ensures consistent formatting, maintainability, and professional output without manual bolding or styling workarounds.

What's the best way to handle cross-references and citations in LaTeX?▼

Use `\label` and `\ref` for internal cross-references, `\cite` for citations, and `cleveref` for automatic reference formatting. Proper labeling prevents broken links and ensures your document structure remains intact during edits, eliminating manual reference updates.

How should I format code snippets and file paths in LaTeX documents?▼

Use the `listings` package for code blocks and `\verb` for inline code to maintain semantic structure and platform-independent formatting. This preserves document integrity and ensures code displays correctly across different LaTeX renderers and outputs.

Can I enforce consistent list formatting across a large LaTeX document?▼

Yes. Define and apply semantic list environments (`description`, `itemize`, `enumerate`) consistently throughout your document. This eliminates formatting inconsistencies, reduces maintenance overhead, and ensures your document follows LaTeX best practices automatically.

Why should I use `csquotes` for quotations instead of manual formatting?▼

`csquotes` with `\enquote` handles language-specific quotation marks and spacing automatically, preventing anti-patterns like straight quotes or manual punctuation placement. It adapts quotation style to your document's language settings for professional, consistent output.

What are common LaTeX formatting mistakes this approach prevents?▼

Common anti-patterns include using `itemize` with manual bolding for glossaries, incorrect `\label` placement breaking cross-references, and inconsistent code formatting. Semantic markup enforcement eliminates these by guiding you to the correct environment for each content type.