> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://overleaf-pro.ayaka.space/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://overleaf-pro.ayaka.space/latex/knowledge-base/028-clearing-the-cache.md).

# Clearing the cache

When you compile your project, LaTeX generates numerous auxiliary files which are stored user-by-user in a 'cache' as opposed to with the project. Those generated files typically include **`.aux`**, **`.log`** and **`.toc`** files, which are used for cross referencing, generating bibliographies, and making tables of contents. LaTeX's generated (auxiliary) files are not listed, i.e., visible, within your project but remain "behind the scenes" within the cache, to be regenerated as required the next time you recompile the document.

If you find that one of your collaborators is able to compile your project without errors, but you experience errors when compiling on your computer, recompiling from scratch (also known as clearing the cache) may help. Additionally, you may want to recompile from scratch if you encounter error messages related to the generated files, or if you simply want to delete the generated files for some other reason.

## Recompile from scratch

The **Recompile from scratch** menu action deletes the generated files and immediately recompiles your project. This button is found by opening the Recompile menu and clicking Recompile from scratch.

![Screenshot of the Recompile menu](/files/hGh6yfPtrh9qPTp1VgOA)

## Clear cached files

The **Clear cached files** button deletes the generated files, but does not immediately recompile your project. This button is found by first clicking the **Logs and output** files button, and then clicking the red Clear cached files button at the bottom.

![Screenshot of the Clear cached files button](/files/TN11dIeTaHOXzsHRLIVL)


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://overleaf-pro.ayaka.space/latex/knowledge-base/028-clearing-the-cache.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.