Document 670

Message: Undefined control sequence

Version: 3.5x, 4.x, 5.x - Scientific WorkPlace & Scientific Word

Problem

When you are compiling a document, you see this message in the LaTeX or PDFLaTeX window and in the .log file:

! Undefined control sequence.

Explanation

This common LaTeX error has many potential causes. It can occur when a LaTeX package is missing from the document or when the document uses a command name that hasn't been defined. The error can also occur when the command name in a TeX field or in the document preamble has been mistyped. Also, if you've opened a document from an outside source, the document may include a macro that is undefined on your system.

Solution

Use the .log file to help isolate the error and resolve the problem.

Last revised 06/15/06