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Zotero Codex MCP

by haohaomin · github.com/haohaomin/zotero-codex

Connects Zotero and Better Notes to the Codex AI client through a local MCP server.

Zotero Codex MCP has Atlas grade B (use with care) because it downloads and runs its own server when Zotero starts (a setting, on by default); its developer can change what runs at any time, and 1 more finding. It works with Zotero 10. Last checked 6 Nov 2026.

AI & summariesReading & PDFs
View source
Downloads a .xpi file (0.05 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.
870
DownloadsAll-time downloads of its release files from GitHub, counting every update. Installs from elsewhere aren't counted.
1,157
ReleasesVersions published on GitHub. Everyone who has the plugin downloads each one again, which adds up in Downloads.
9
StarsPeople who starred the repository on GitHub: a rough measure of interest.
6
ContributorsPeople who have committed code to the repository.
1
LicenceThe licence the code is published under, as GitHub reports it.
MIT
B
Atlas gradeUse with care
because it downloads and runs its own server when Zotero starts (a setting, on by default); its developer can change what runs at any time, and 1 more finding
Applies to v0.8.3, released 2 Oct 2026Code checked · not yet tested in a live Zotero
Documentation in Chinese onlyOur summary is in English, but the plugin's own docs and support are in Chinese.
What we found in the codeSets the gradeThe worst finding in these three areas sets the grade.
Code transparencyReadable code, uploaded by the project's automated GitHub buildThe release file was uploaded by the project's automated GitHub build. We haven't yet rebuilt it from the source to compare.LowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
Updates
Updates come from this project's GitHub repositoryThe update address offers this version
Where your data goesOnly contacts services we could identify2 addresses in 2 groups.LowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
Code hosting (1)
github.com
On your computer (1)
127.0.0.1
Where we found it
github.comcontent/plugin.js · line 652
helpURL:'https://github.com/haohaomin/zotero-codex/blob/main/docs/local-setup.md',
Powerful capabilitiesDownloads and runs its own server when Zotero starts (a setting, on by default); its developer can change what runs at any time, and 5 moreMediumMedium concern: worth reading before you install. One medium finding makes the grade B.
Medium concern (2)
Downloads and runs its own server when Zotero starts (a setting, on by default); its developer can change what runs at any timeLaunches programs on your computer
Low concern (3)
Uses the clipboardTurns on Zotero's local API, so programs on this computer can read your libraryWorks with files on your computer
Not a concern (1)
Lets programs on this computer connect through Zotero's built-in server
Where we found it
Downloads and runs its own server when Zotero starts (a setting, on …content/runtime.js · line 224

Its developer can replace the file at any time without releasing a new version, and the only check is a checksum from the same place, which a replaced file passes too, so our check of the plugin doesn't cover what runs. When Zotero starts (a setting, on by default), it downloads its own server (26–72 MB, with Node.js if you don't have it) from the project's GitHub release and runs it, as the README says.

await Zotero.HTTP.download(asset.url,archive,{
Launches programs on your computercontent/runtime.js · line 89

Programs it names include node

const process = Components.classes['@mozilla.org/process/util;1'].createInstance(Components.interfaces.nsIProcess);
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 2 Oct 20261 contributor
No further detail for this area yet.
LanguagesDocumentation in Chinese onlyInterface: English
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

Connects Zotero and Better Notes to the Codex AI client through a local MCP server. It has 43 tools to read PDF pages and images, see the current paper and selection, read annotations and edit notes live. Needs Zotero 10, and Better Notes for note work.

Lets you discuss the paper you are reading and write notes with Codex without copying text between apps. Selected paper and note content is passed to your AI client.

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

Code hosting (1)
github.com
On your computer (1)
127.0.0.1
Evidence · file and line
github.comcontent/plugin.js · line 652
helpURL:'https://github.com/haohaomin/zotero-codex/blob/main/docs/local-setup.md',

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.

  • A
    Zotero Reading Bridge

    Gives AI assistants such as Claude Desktop and Codex read-only access to your Zotero library through a local endpoint.

    Matches “ai client reads current selection” · 67 downloads · Active · Zotero 10, 11 beta
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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.

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Install Zotero Codex MCP
BUse with care
Before you install: It downloads and runs its own server when Zotero starts (a setting, on by default); its developer can change what runs at any time, and 1 more finding.Read the finding
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