\clearpage Does Not Seem To Update Page Counter If Preview Package Is Used

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Incorrect Page Numbering with Preview Package: A Solution to Update Page Counter

When using the preview package in LaTeX, it's not uncommon to encounter issues with page numbering. One such problem is that the \clearpage command does not update the page counter correctly. This can lead to incorrect page numbers in the final output. In this article, we'll explore the issue and provide a solution to update the page counter automatically.

The preview package is designed to allow for on-the-fly previewing of LaTeX documents. However, when used in conjunction with the \clearpage command, it can cause the page counter to become desynchronized. This results in incorrect page numbers being displayed in the final output.

To illustrate this issue, let's consider a simple example:

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{preview}

\begin{document}


\clearpage
\section{First Section}
This is the first section.


\clearpage
\section{Second Section}
This is the second section.


\end{document}

When compiled with the preview package, the output will display incorrect page numbers. This is because the \clearpage command does not update the page counter correctly.

To update the page counter automatically, we can use the \stepcounter command provided by LaTeX. However, as mentioned earlier, we would prefer a more automated solution if possible. One such solution is to use the \cleardoublepage command instead of \clearpage.

The \cleardoublepage command is similar to \clearpage, but it also ensures that the next page is a right-hand page (i.e., an odd-numbered page). This can help to maintain a consistent page layout and avoid issues with page numbering.

Here's an updated example that uses the \cleardoublepage command:

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{preview}

\begin{document}


\cleardoublepage
\section{First Section}
This is the first section.


\cleardoublepage
\section{Second Section}
This is the second section.


\end{document}

By using the \cleardoublepage command, we can ensure that the page counter is updated correctly, even when using the preview package.

The reason why the \clearpage command does not update the page counter correctly when used with the preview package is due to the way the preview package interacts with the LaTeX kernel. The preview package is designed to allow for on-the-fly previewing of LaTeX documents, which can involve temporary modifications to the document's layout and page numbering.

When the \clearpage command is executed, it attempts to update the page counter based on the current state of the document. However, the preview package can cause the document's layout and page numbering to become desynchronized, leading to incorrect page numbers being displayed.

In conclusion, the \clearpage command does not update the page counter correctly when used with the preview package. However, by using the \cleardoublepage command instead, we can ensure that the page counter is updated correctly, even in the presence of the preview package.

We hope this article has provided a useful solution to this common problem. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to ask.

  • When using the preview package, it's a good idea to use the \cleardoublepage command instead of \clearpage to ensure that the page counter is updated correctly.
  • If you're experiencing issues with page numbering, try using the \stepcounter command to manually update the page counter.
  • Consider using the draft option when compiling your LaTeX document to help identify any issues with page numbering.

In our previous article, we discussed the issue of incorrect page numbering when using the preview package in LaTeX. We also provided a solution to update the page counter automatically using the \cleardoublepage command. In this article, we'll answer some frequently asked questions related to this topic.

A: The \clearpage command is used to clear the current page and start a new one. However, it does not ensure that the next page is a right-hand page (i.e., an odd-numbered page). On the other hand, the \cleardoublepage command is used to clear the current page and start a new one, ensuring that the next page is a right-hand page.

A: The preview package is designed to allow for on-the-fly previewing of LaTeX documents. However, this can cause the document's layout and page numbering to become desynchronized, leading to incorrect page numbers being displayed.

A: Yes, you can use the \stepcounter command to manually update the page counter. However, this may not be the most elegant solution, and it's recommended to use the \cleardoublepage command instead.

A: Here are some additional tips:

  • Use the draft option when compiling your LaTeX document to help identify any issues with page numbering.
  • Consider using the twoside option to ensure that the document is typeset in two-sided mode.
  • Use the \cleardoublepage command instead of \clearpage to ensure that the page counter is updated correctly.

A: Yes, you can use the preview package with other page numbering commands, such as \pagestyle and \pagenumbering. However, be aware that the preview package can cause issues with page numbering, and you may need to use the \cleardoublepage command to ensure that the page counter is updated correctly.

A: Yes, there are several other packages that can cause issues with page numbering, including:

  • geometry: This package can cause issues with page numbering if not used correctly.
  • fancyhdr: This package can cause issues with page numbering if not used correctly.
  • titlesec: This package can cause issues with page numbering if not used correctly.

In conclusion, the preview package can cause issues with page numbering, but there are several solutions available to update the page counter automatically. By using the \cleardoublepage command and following some additional tips, you can ensure that your LaTeX document is typeset correctly and that the page numbering is accurate.

  • Issue: Incorrect page numbering when using the preview package.
    • Solution: Use the \cleardoublepage command instead of \clearpage.
  • Issue: Page numbering not updating correctly when using the draft option.
    • Solution: Use the \cleardoublepage command instead of \clearpage.
  • Issue: Page numbering not updating correctly when using the twoside option.
    • Solution: Use the \cleardoublepage command instead of \clearpage.
  • Q: What is the difference between \clearpage and \cleardoublepage?
    • A: The \clearpage command is used to clear the current page and start a new one, while the \cleardoublepage command is used to clear the current page and start a new one, ensuring that the next page is a right-hand page.
  • Q: Why does the preview package cause issues with page numbering?
    • A: The preview package is designed to allow for on-the-fly previewing of LaTeX documents, which can cause the document's layout and page numbering to become desynchronized.
  • Q: Can I use the \stepcounter command to manually update the page counter?
    • A: Yes, you can use the \stepcounter command to manually update the page counter, but it's recommended to use the \cleardoublepage command instead.