---
name: overleaf
description: "Sync and manage Overleaf LaTeX projects from the command line. Pull projects locally, push changes back, compile PDFs, and download compile outputs like .bbl files for arXiv submissions. Use when working with LaTeX, Overleaf, academic papers, or arXiv."
---

# Overleaf Skill

Manage Overleaf LaTeX projects via the `olcli` CLI.

## Installation

```bash
# Homebrew (recommended)
brew tap aloth/tap && brew install olcli

# npm
npm install -g @aloth/olcli
```

## Authentication

Get your session cookie from Overleaf:

1. Log into [overleaf.com](https://www.overleaf.com)
2. Open DevTools (F12) → Application → Cookies
3. Copy the value of `overleaf_session2`

```bash
olcli auth --cookie "YOUR_SESSION_COOKIE"
```

Verify with:
```bash
olcli whoami
```

## Common Workflows

### Pull a project to work locally

```bash
olcli pull "My Paper"
cd My_Paper/
```

### Edit and sync changes

```bash
# After editing files locally
olcli push              # Upload changes only
olcli sync              # Bidirectional sync (pull + push)
```

### Compile and download PDF

```bash
olcli pdf                      # Compile and download
olcli pdf -o paper.pdf         # Custom output name
olcli compile                  # Just compile (no download)
```

### Download .bbl for arXiv submission

```bash
olcli output bbl               # Download compiled .bbl
olcli output bbl -o main.bbl   # Custom filename
olcli output --list            # List all available outputs
```

## Commands Reference

| Command | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| `olcli auth --cookie <value>` | Authenticate with session cookie |
| `olcli whoami` | Check authentication status |
| `olcli list` | List all projects |
| `olcli info [project]` | Show project details |
| `olcli pull [project] [dir]` | Download project files |
| `olcli push [dir]` | Upload local changes |
| `olcli sync [dir]` | Bidirectional sync |
| `olcli upload <file>` | Upload a single file |
| `olcli download <file>` | Download a single file |
| `olcli zip [project]` | Download as zip archive |
| `olcli compile [project]` | Trigger compilation |
| `olcli pdf [project]` | Compile and download PDF |
| `olcli output [type]` | Download compile outputs |

## Tips

- **Auto-detect project**: Run commands from a synced directory (contains `.olcli.json`) to skip the project argument
- **Dry run**: Use `olcli push --dry-run` to preview changes before uploading
- **Force overwrite**: Use `olcli pull --force` to overwrite local changes
- **Project ID**: You can use project ID instead of name (24-char hex from URL)

## Troubleshooting

### Session expired
Get a fresh cookie from the browser and run `olcli auth` again.

### Compilation fails
Check the Overleaf web editor for detailed error logs.

## Links

- [GitHub](https://github.com/aloth/olcli)
- [npm](https://www.npmjs.com/package/@aloth/olcli)