Zotero Plugins Atlas
Plugins / AI & summaries

Zotero AI Explain

by vishnutskumar · github.com/vishnutskumar/zotero-ai-explain

Zotero plugin for selected-text AI explanations and sidebar chat

AI & summaries
View source
Downloads a .xpi file (0.1 MB). In Zotero, open Tools → Plugins and install it from the file.
StarsPeople who starred the repository on GitHub: a rough measure of interest.
5
DownloadsAll-time downloads of its release files from GitHub. Installs from elsewhere aren't counted.
110
ContributorsPeople who have committed code to the repository.
2
LicenceThe licence the code is published under, as GitHub reports it.
None stated
B
Atlas gradeUse with care
because it launches programs on your computer, and 1 more finding
Applies to v0.4.0, released 28 May 2026Code checked · tested installed in Zotero 9.0.6 on 27 Sep 2026
Doesn't work with the current Zotero (10)Works with Zotero 8, 9.
What we found in the codeSets the gradeThe worst finding in these three areas sets the grade.
Code transparencyReadable code; not yet checked against the published sourceThe developer uploaded the release file from the vishnutskumar account. We haven't yet checked whether this file matches the public source code.UnknownWe couldn't check this yet.
Updates
Updates come from this project's GitHub repositoryThe update address offers this version
Where your data goesOnly contacts services we could identify7 addresses in 2 groups.LowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
AI services (5)
Claude Code (Anthropic)Codex CLI (OpenAI)api.anthropic.comapi.openai.comnamed in its codeThe address is in its code, but we didn't trace a request to it. It may be a link or unused.generativelanguage.googleapis.com
On your computer (2)
127.0.0.1localhost
Where we found it
api.anthropic.comcontent/zotero-ai-explain.js · line 1420
anthropic: "https://api.anthropic.com/v1"
generativelanguage.googleapis.comcontent/zotero-ai-explain.js · line 8024
const url = `https://generativelanguage.googleapis.com/v1beta/models?key=${encodeURIComponent(apiKey)}`;
Powerful capabilitiesLaunches programs on your computer, and 3 moreMediumMedium concern: worth reading before you install. One medium finding makes the grade B.
Launches programs on your computermediumMedium concern: worth reading before you install.Reuses a sign-in you saved in another programmediumMedium concern: worth reading before you install.Works with files on your computerlowLow concern.Runs its own server for programs on this computerlowLow concern.
Where we found it
Launches programs on your computercontent/zotero-ai-explain.js · line 10186
const mod = chromeUtils.importESModule("resource://gre/modules/Subprocess.sys.mjs");
Reuses a sign-in you saved in another programllm-proxy/backends/codex.mjs · line 237

Reuses the sign-in you saved in Codex CLI

const configPath = opts.configPath ?? join(homedir(), ".codex", "config.toml");
Before you installShown, not gradedFacts to help you decide. They don't change the grade.
Works withZotero 8, 9 · not 10, 11 betaDoesn't work with the current Zotero (10)MediumMedium concern: worth reading before you install. One medium finding makes the grade B.
Zotero 8 ✓ worksZotero 9 ✓ worksZotero 10 ✗ doesn't workZotero 11 beta ✗ doesn't work
What you'll needAn API key for some featuresDetected automatically from its code
No further detail for this area yet.
MaintenanceActive · last release 28 May 20262 contributors
No further detail for this area yet.
LanguagesDocumentation in EnglishInterface language not declared
No further detail for this area yet.
We report what we found in the code. Open any area for the evidence.How we gradeReport a problem

What it does

Description coming soon. We haven't written a summary yet. The line above is the developer's own description; the developer's README is linked above.

What you'll need

Detected automatically
  • An API key for some featuresWorks without one: Local Ollama, or a ChatGPT/Claude subscription via local CLI proxy, needs no API key. Needs a key (OpenAI, Anthropic and Google Gemini): OpenAI, Anthropic and Gemini API presets need the user's own key.
  • Or: a model on your own computerIt can use a local model such as Ollama
  • Zotero 8, 9Not working with Zotero 10

Where your data goes

We found: only contacts services we could identify. 7 addresses in 2 groups.

AI services (5)
Claude Code (Anthropic)Codex CLI (OpenAI)api.anthropic.comapi.openai.comnamed in its codegenerativelanguage.googleapis.com
On your computer (2)
127.0.0.1localhost
Evidence · file and line
api.anthropic.comcontent/zotero-ai-explain.js · line 1420
anthropic: "https://api.anthropic.com/v1"
generativelanguage.googleapis.comcontent/zotero-ai-explain.js · line 8024
const url = `https://generativelanguage.googleapis.com/v1beta/models?key=${encodeURIComponent(apiKey)}`;

Forks and alternatives

No forks listed.

Plugins for the same job
  • Add Items from TextAI & summaries · Import & metadataA+Recommended, tested in Zotero
  • MkteroReading & PDFs · Citing & writing · AI & summariesA+Recommended, tested in Zotero
  • Zotero 阅读模式沉浸式双语Reading & PDFs · Translation · AI & summariesA+Recommended, tested in Zotero
  • Zotero 标题翻译Reading & PDFs · Translation · Organising & tags · AI & summariesA+Recommended, tested in Zotero

The developer's response

The developer hasn't responded. Developers can reply here, and their reply sits next to our findings.I'm the developer
Install Zotero AI Explain
BUse with care
Before you install: It launches programs on your computer, and 1 more finding.Read the finding
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