Zotero Plugins Atlas
Plugins / AI & summaries

Zotero AI Reader

by kcodea516 · github.com/kcodea516/zotero-ai-reader

A reader sidebar for asking an OpenAI-compatible model about the open PDF.

Zotero AI Reader isn't graded yet: we're still checking where its network code sends data. It works with Zotero 10. Last checked 6 Nov 2026.

AI & summariesReading & PDFs
View source
Downloads a .xpi file (1.1 MB). In Zotero, open Tools → Plugins and install it from the file.
In useAn estimate of how many copies of Zotero have it: Zotero downloads each new version once for every copy that has the plugin, so we count the downloads of its most-downloaded recent release. Rounded. Plugins that update from outside GitHub count low.
28
DownloadsAll-time downloads of its release files from GitHub, counting every update. Installs from elsewhere aren't counted.
41
ReleasesVersions published on GitHub. Everyone who has the plugin downloads each one again, which adds up in Downloads.
8
StarsPeople who starred the repository on GitHub: a rough measure of interest.
4
ContributorsPeople who have committed code to the repository.
1
LicenceThe licence the code is published under, as GitHub reports it.
MIT
–
Atlas gradeNot graded yet
because we're still checking where its network code sends data
Applies to v1.3.2, released 21 Oct 2026Code checked · not yet tested in a live Zotero
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 kcodea516 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 goesUses the network; we couldn't tell whereMediumMedium concern: worth reading before you install. One medium finding makes the grade B.
No further detail for this area yet.
Powerful capabilitiesUses the clipboard, and 2 moreLowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
Low concern (3)
Uses the clipboardWorks with files on your computerUses Zotero's password manager
Before you installShown, not gradedFacts to help you decide. They don't change the grade.
Works withZotero 10 · not 9, 11 betaUpdates automatically
Zotero 9 ✗ doesn't workZotero 10 ✓ worksZotero 11 beta ✗ doesn't work
What you'll needNothing extra detectedDetected automatically from its code
No further detail for this area yet.
MaintenanceActive · last release 21 Oct 20261 contributor
No further detail for this area yet.
LanguagesDocumentation in EnglishInterface: English and Chinese
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

Written by AI from the README

A reader sidebar for asking an OpenAI-compatible model about the open PDF. Answers link to source pages, and it can search other papers in your library, take image questions, generate images and add highlights with comments you can undo. English or Chinese; needs your own API.

Keeps AI questions beside the paper instead of in a browser chat, and can mark relevant passages on the PDF for later reading.

What you'll need

Detected automatically

We haven't detected any setup requirements. That isn't the same as none: check the developer's README.

Where your data goes

We found: uses the network; we couldn't tell where.

Other plugins that do this

Matched on what they do

For the same job, work with Zotero 10 and graded B or better. Closest match first.

  • B
    Zotero AI Companion

    A sidebar for chatting about the current paper: it reads the PDF, selection and annotations, translates paragraphs, analyses images and searches the web.

    Matches “ai assistant for papers” · 83 downloads · Active · Zotero 7–10
  • B
    Paper Buddy for Zotero

    Lets you ask an AI model about passages you highlight in the PDF reader, with answers in a sidebar thread and a Q&A child note on the item.

    Matches “ai answer in reader sidebar” · 54 downloads · Active · Zotero 7–10
  • B
    Deepseek Copliot

    A reading chat in the Zotero side panel powered by the DeepSeek API.

    Matches “ask questions about my papers” · 7,968 downloads · Active · Zotero 7–10
Compare all 4 side by side
How we pick these

By how closely what they do matches this plugin, using descriptions and the phrases people search with. Copies and forks of this plugin are listed under Forks and copies instead. No plugin pays to appear here.

Forks and copies

No forks listed.

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

Ratings and reviews

What people who use it say. This is separate from the grade, which is what the code does, and never changes it.

No ratings yet.

Write a review
Your rating of Zotero AI Reader v1.3.2

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Install Zotero AI Reader
–Not graded yet
  1. 1Download the plugin fileDownload v1.3.2.xpi · 1.1 MB
  2. 2In Zotero, open Tools › Plugins
  3. 3Click the gear, choose Install Plugin From File… and pick the file
Step-by-step guide with pictures