Zotero Plugins Atlas
Plugins / Reading & PDFs

Paper Reading Agent

by xiaoxuanli-a · github.com/xiaoxuanli-a/zotero_agent_reader_plugin

Zotero 9 plugin: chat with the open paper via a local codex CLI — streaming answers, Markdown + math, and clickable [p.N] PDF citations.

Reading & PDFsCiting & writingAI & summaries
View source
Downloads a .xpi file (0.5 MB). In Zotero, open Tools → Plugins and install it from the file.
StarsPeople who starred the repository on GitHub: a rough measure of interest.
1
DownloadsAll-time downloads of its release files from GitHub. Installs from elsewhere aren't counted.
28
ContributorsPeople who have committed code to the repository.
2
LicenceThe licence the code is published under, as GitHub reports it.
AGPL-3.0
B
Atlas gradeUse with care
because a zotero:// link (a web page can open one) can make it install add-ons without asking you (from zotero-plugin-toolkit), and 2 more findings
Applies to v0.2.0, released 25 Jul 2026Code checked · tested installed in Zotero 10.0.3 on 27 Sep 2026
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 1 group.LowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
AI services (2)
Claude Code (Anthropic)Codex CLI (OpenAI)
Powerful capabilitiesA zotero:// link (a web page can open one) can make it install add-ons without asking you, and 3 moreMediumMedium concern: worth reading before you install. One medium finding makes the grade B.
A zotero:// link (a web page can open one) can make it install add-ons without asking you (from zotero-plugin-toolkit)mediumMedium concern: worth reading before you install.A zotero:// link can make it run code if you approve a prompt (from zotero-plugin-toolkit)mediumMedium concern: worth reading before you install.Launches programs on your computermediumMedium concern: worth reading before you install.Works with files on your computerlowLow concern.
Where we found it
A zotero:// link (a web page can open one) can make it install add-o…content/scripts/paper-reading-agent.js · line 1145

zotero://plugin

Services.io.getProtocolHandler("zotero").wrappedJSObject._extensions["zotero://plugin"] = pluginBridgeExtension;
A zotero:// link can make it run code if you approve a promptcontent/scripts/paper-reading-agent.js · line 1101

zotero://ztoolkit-debug

Services.io.getProtocolHandler("zotero").wrappedJSObject._extensions["zotero://ztoolkit-debug"] = debugBridgeExtension;
Launches programs on your computercontent/scripts/paper-reading-agent.js · line 21545

Programs it names include bash, claude, codex

return ChromeUtils.importESModule("resource://gre/modules/Subprocess.sys.mjs").Subprocess;
Before you installShown, not gradedFacts to help you decide. They don't change the grade.
Works withZotero 9, 10 · not 11 betaUpdates automatically
Zotero 9 ✓ worksZotero 10 ✓ worksZotero 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 25 Jul 20262 contributors
No further detail for this area yet.
LanguagesDocumentation in EnglishInterface: 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

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 (OpenAI Codex and Claude Code). What needs it: sign-in to the Codex or Claude Code CLI (their own login).

Where your data goes

We found: only contacts services we could identify. 2 addresses in 1 group.

AI services (2)
Claude Code (Anthropic)Codex CLI (OpenAI)

Forks and alternatives

No forks listed.

Plugins for the same job
  • NoteroReading & PDFs · Files, sync & backupA+Recommended, tested in Zotero
  • zotxtCiting & writingA+Recommended, tested in Zotero
  • Google Scholar Citation CountCiting & writing · Import & metadataA+Recommended, tested in Zotero
  • Bionic for ZoteroReading & PDFsA+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 Paper Reading Agent
BUse with care
Before you install: A zotero:// link (a web page can open one) can make it install add-ons without asking you (from zotero-plugin-toolkit), and 2 more findings.Read the finding
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