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Plugins / Import & metadata

lit-fetch

by pengtb · github.com/pengtb/zotero-litfetch

Adds a right-click command that fetches missing PDFs for selected items by DOI, arXiv ID or PMID and attaches them.

lit-fetch has Atlas grade B (use with care) because it launches programs on your computer. It works with Zotero 7–10. Last checked 6 Nov 2026.

Import & metadataFiles, sync & backup
View source
Downloads a .xpi file (0.02 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.
4
DownloadsAll-time downloads of its release files from GitHub, counting every update. Installs from elsewhere aren't counted.
9
ReleasesVersions published on GitHub. Everyone who has the plugin downloads each one again, which adds up in Downloads.
4
StarsPeople who starred the repository on GitHub: a rough measure of interest.
0
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 launches programs on your computer
Applies to v0.2.1, released 26 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; not yet checked against the published sourceThe developer uploaded the release file from the pengtb 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 goesNo web requests foundLowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
No further detail for this area yet.
Powerful capabilitiesLaunches programs on your computer, and 1 moreMediumMedium concern: worth reading before you install. One medium finding makes the grade B.
Medium concern (1)
Launches programs on your computer
Low concern (1)
Works with files on your computer
Where we found it
Launches programs on your computerlitfetch.js · line 155

Programs it names include python

const mod = CU.importESModule('resource://gre/modules/Subprocess.sys.mjs');
Before you installShown, not gradedFacts to help you decide. They don't change the grade.
Works withZotero 7, 8, 9, 10 · not 11 betaUpdates automatically
Zotero 7 ✓ worksZotero 8 ✓ worksZotero 9 ✓ worksZotero 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 26 Oct 20261 contributor
No further detail for this area yet.
LanguagesDocumentation in Chinese onlyInterface 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

Written by AI from the README

Adds a right-click command that fetches missing PDFs for selected items by DOI, arXiv ID or PMID and attaches them. It calls a separate lit-fetch Python backend on your computer, which tries open-access sources first, then a real browser.

Collecting full texts one by one is slow. This batches it, shows progress per item, and skips items that already have a PDF. It does not bypass paywalls; institutional IP or VPN access is used where you have it.

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: no web requests found.

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 lit-fetch v0.2.1

Your review is public, under the name you give, and published with the directory's data under CC BY 4.0. Links are removed. We never store your IP address: a scrambled code made from it is kept for 30 days to catch fake reviews. Every review is checked before it's published; how fake ones are spotted isn't published, so it can't be gamed.

Install lit-fetch
BUse with care
Before you install: It launches programs on your computer.Read the finding
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