Zotero Plugins Atlas
Plugins / Reading & PDFs

RetainPDF for Zotero

by l41036406-del · github.com/l41036406-del/RetainPDF-Zotero

Translate PDF attachments through a local RetainPDF service.

Reading & PDFsTranslationFiles, sync & backup
View source
Downloads a .xpi file (0.2 MB). In Zotero, open Tools → Plugins and install it from the file.
StarsPeople who starred the repository on GitHub: a rough measure of interest.
0
DownloadsAll-time downloads of its release files from GitHub. Installs from elsewhere aren't counted.
8
ContributorsPeople who have committed code to the repository.
2
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 v1.0.1, released 7 Aug 2026Code checked · tested installed in Zotero 9.0.6 on 27 Sep 2026
Doesn't work with the current Zotero (10)Works with Zotero 9.
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 l41036406-del 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 identify2 addresses in 2 groups.LowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
AI services (1)
RetainPDF (Baidu PaddleOCR and the AI provider it's set up with)
On your computer (1)
127.0.0.1
Powerful capabilitiesLaunches programs on your computer, and 1 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.Works with files on your computerlowLow concern.
Where we found it
Launches programs on your computercontent/scripts/retainpdfzotero.js · line 20171
const process = 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 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 9 ✓ worksZotero 10 ✗ doesn't workZotero 11 beta ✗ doesn't work
What you'll needAn API keyDetected automatically from its code
No further detail for this area yet.
MaintenanceActive · last release 7 Aug 20262 contributors
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

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 keyNeeds a key you get from the service (Baidu PaddleOCR and DeepSeek or other OpenAI-compatible service). What needs it: a Paddle OCR token plus an API key for an OpenAI-compatible translation service.
  • Zotero 9Not working with Zotero 10

Where your data goes

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

AI services (1)
RetainPDF (Baidu PaddleOCR and the AI provider it's set up with)
On your computer (1)
127.0.0.1

Forks and alternatives

No forks listed.

Plugins for the same job
  • NoteroReading & PDFs · Files, sync & backupA+Recommended, tested in Zotero
  • ZotMoovOrganising & tags · Files, sync & backupA+Recommended, tested in Zotero
  • Bionic for ZoteroReading & PDFsA+Recommended, tested in Zotero
  • Attachment ScannerOrganising & tags · Files, sync & backupA+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 RetainPDF for Zotero
BUse with care
Before you install: It launches programs on your computer.Read the finding
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