LaTeX & research

Write and compile LaTeX projects with source, diagnostics, and the rendered PDF in one workspace.

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Choose a view#

LaTeX has three document modes. Click Edit, Split, or Preview in the controls above the document.

Split is useful for a focused edit, but Preview is better for page-level review. Collapse the project sidebar when Split needs more horizontal room, then use PDF zoom to keep the page readable.

Compile a project#

Compile from the LaTeX toolbar or use auto compile while drafting. Nebula Writer detects common entry points and supports multi-file projects, bibliography steps, diagnostics, and a compiled PDF preview.

After a compile:

• Check whether it succeeded, not only whether a PDF is visible.
• Read the first actionable diagnostic and its line reference.
• Confirm the preview reflects the latest source.
• Use SyncTeX navigation where available to move between source and PDF.

The viewer can continue showing the last successful PDF after a later compile fails. The compile status is the authority.

Citations and sources#

Keep .bib files inside the project and use stable citation keys. The agent can help inspect sources and draft bibliography entries, but verify authors, title, venue, year, DOI, and page details against the original source.

Read @sources/interviews.pdf and @references.bib. Propose two paragraphs for the Related Work section with existing citation keys only. List any claim that does not have a matching source, and do not edit the paper yet.

When you approve an edit, ask the agent to preserve commands, labels, and citation keys unless a structural change is intentional.

Tectonic and TeX Live#

Nebula Writer uses a bundled Tectonic workflow for common projects. Projects that depend on a broader package set or auxiliary tools can use the optional managed TeX Live environment.

The Recommended TeX Live option installs common packages and usually finishes in 5–15 minutes. The Full option is roughly 10 GB and often takes 20–60 minutes or more, depending on the machine and network. Install only what the project needs, keep the app open during setup, and ensure there is enough disk space.

Trusted shell escape#

Some projects, including certain minted configurations, require shell escape. Shell escape allows TeX to run external commands with your user permissions.

Warning: Enable Trusted shell escape only for a project whose source and dependencies you trust. A malicious LaTeX project can use it to execute commands or access files. Shell escape requires the TeX Live workflow.

Leave it disabled for downloaded or unfamiliar projects. When compilation reports that shell escape is required, inspect the package and commands before enabling it.

Ask the agent to fix a compile error#

Start with diagnosis:

Explain the first actionable LaTeX diagnostic and the smallest safe fix. Do not edit the source or enable shell escape.

Then scope the change:

Apply only that fix in @paper.tex. Preserve all labels, citation keys, and document structure, then compile and tell me whether the diagnostic is resolved.

Export the PDF#

After a successful compile, export the PDF from the LaTeX toolbar. Check fonts, figures, cross-references, bibliography, page count, and accessibility requirements before submission. Keep the .tex, bibliography, and assets as the editable source of record.