pdf and bib file outside build_dir

[xarthurx]

I've set the build_dir as suggested in the help folder, but have a question relating to separate pdf/bib file from all the other files.

Once I set the build_dir, all compiled files except for the original *.tex file will be generated in that folder, and I also have to put reference files in that folder too.

My question is, is it possible to get another variables so that all the compile-related file is put into the build_dir folder, while make *.pdf and *.bib or whatever I need to the same location of the *.tex file?

In this way, I can make the project really clean for large projects.

[lervag]

and I also have to put reference files in that folder too.

No, you don't. Move this file to the same folder as the .tex file.

My question is, is it possible to get another variables so that all the compile-related file is put into the build_dir folder, while make *.pdf and *.bib or whatever I need to the same location of the *.tex file?

Yes, partly. You can use g:vimtex_view_use_temp_files, which will make a copy of the generated PDF file on successful compiles.

IMHO: Although I understand that you like to get the PDF file in the same location as the .tex file, you should remember that this file is also purely a generated file. As such, it makes sense to keep it in the same build directory, so as to keep the source files separated from the built files.

[xarthurx]

@lervag Hi, thank you for your quick respond and thorough explanation.
Yes, the bib part works, as I don't need to put it in the build_dir folder.
And I agree that *.pdf is also generated from compilation and should be put into the build_dir folder.

One last question: I tried to set the g:vimtex_view_use_temp_files to either 1 or 2, but nothing seems happened...

[xarthurx]

@lervag
Hi, After rebooting neovim, now it seems everything works fine.
Thx.

[lervag]

Great, happy to hear things work for you now!

[xarthurx]

The only issue left is:
vimtex will not automatically open the pdf after compilation. And when conducting vimtexview command, it will then report cannot find the pdf file, but the sumatraPDF do open the xxx_vimtex.pdf file in the main folder.

I'm not sure if this is a vimtex bug.

I feel it make more sense to open the pdf in the build folder as it will help with automatic updates.

[lervag]

I can confirm that with these settings, vimtex does not automatically open the pdf after compilation with the general viewer. However, it should work when you do \lv or :VimtexView. What do you mean with the following?

And when conducting vimtexview command, it will then report cannot find the pdf file, but the sumatraPDF do open the xxx_vimtex.pdf file in the main folder.

If you turn off the g:vimtex_view_use_temp_files option (it is off by default, so simply remove from your config), then I would assume that things work as expected. Right?

Note: When you update vimtex settings, please restart Vim/neovim.

[xarthurx]

I mean:

So on my computer, after successful compilation, no file is copied out of the build_dir.
But when using :VimtexView, vim report the above command, and it seems will automatically copy the pdf and synctex.gz two files out into the project folder, and open the pdf accordingly.

[lervag]

I've tried to fix this, can you test latest version?

[xarthurx]

Thank you for this instant respond.

Got this during the compilation process:

The :VimtexView command works the same as my last comment.

[lervag]

Sorry, my mistake. Try again?

[xarthurx]

Yes, now it works.

1. pdf is open automatically.
2. The file.pdf inside build_dir got updated every time new changes are made.
3. The file_vimtex.pdf inside project folder cannot get updated.

Are 3 normal?
How about the pdf viewer open the pdf inside build_dir rather than the copied one?

Besides, may I ask why file_vimtex.synctex.gz also got copied out?

Sorry for so many questions.

[lervag]

No, 3 is not normal, file_vimtex.pdf is supposed to be updated according to the g:vimtex_view_use_temp_files setting (see help).

If you want to open the pdf inside the build_dir, then disable g:vimtex_view_use_temp_files (i.e., remove the option).

Besides, may I ask why file_vimtex.synctex.gz also got copied out?

Of course. It is copied in order for backward and forward search to work, because this relies on synctex, and the synctex file must be present.

Sorry for so many questions.

No problem! :)

[xarthurx]

Well, then I guess it is a bug?
When changing the text and vimtex auto compile and refresh the pdf, the pdf viewer DO pop-up and highlights the line I changed, but the text is not modified and remained the same.

The pdf in the build_dir is changed though.

I guess there's something wrong either with vimtex or sumatraPDF...

[lervag]

If so, please open a new issue to describe the problem in a reproducible manner, and please adhere to the issue template.