All, If the file doesn't exist, here is what happens: figures $ texexec --pdf --use=fig-make --mode=letter figlibSection3.xml TeXExec 5.4.3 - ConTeXt / PRAGMA ADE 1997-2005 fixing engine variable : pdfetex total run time : 1 seconds figures $ Would it not be better if texexec reported "$filename not found" or some such thing?