Fix "Too many }'s" in LaTeX

This error means LaTeX found a } that closes nothing. You will learn how to find the extra brace.

The message

./main.tex:3: Too many }'s.
l.3 This word is \emph{important}}

LaTeX stopped right after the extra } at the end of the l.3 line.

Why it happens

• An extra } typed by accident, or left behind after deleting a command.
• A { that was deleted or typed as ( or [.
• A } used where you meant \} (a printed brace) or \end{…}.

Example

main.tex (broken)

\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
This word is \emph{important}}.
\end{document}

Fix

Remove the extra brace, or add the missing { where the group should start:

main.tex (fixed)

\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
This word is \emph{important}.
\end{document}

To print a literal brace in text, write \{ or \}.

Tip

Place the cursor next to a brace in the code editor and Luzbase highlights its partner. A brace with no partner is the one to look at.

Not on Luzbase yet? It compiles LaTeX in your browser and links each error to its line, often with the fix. Start writing free.

Related

• Runaway argument, the opposite problem
• Common LaTeX errors