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Plugins / Reading & PDFs

RefSense - AI Metadata Extractor

by ubvu · github.com/ubvu/zotero-refsense

Extract bibliographic metadata from PDF files using AI (OpenAI or Ollama) (Build: 20251009.1423)

Reading & PDFsCiting & writingAI & summariesImport & metadata
View source
Downloads a .xpi file (0.07 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.
5
ContributorsPeople who have committed code to the repository.
2
LicenceThe licence the code is published under, as GitHub reports it.
None stated
B
Atlas gradeUse with care
because updates are set to come from an address someone else could control
Applies to v1.0.0.10091423, released 9 Oct 2025Code checked · not yet tested in a live Zotero
Doesn't work with the current Zotero (10)Works with Zotero 7.
Fork of jikhanjung/zotero-refsenseA copy of another listed plugin, changed by someone else.
What we found in the codeSets the gradeThe worst finding in these three areas sets the grade.
Code transparencyUpdates are set to come from an address someone else could controlThe developer uploaded the release file from the mosart account. We haven't yet checked whether this file matches the public source code.MediumMedium concern: worth reading before you install. One medium finding makes the grade B.
Updates
Updates are set to come from "your-username" on GitHub, an account that doesn't exist: anyone who registers that name could publish an update Zotero would installThe update address is broken (nothing is there), so Zotero can't update it
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)
api.openai.com
On your computer (1)
localhost
Where we found it
api.openai.comai/openai.js · line 8
this.apiEndpoint = 'https://api.openai.com/v1/chat/completions';
Powerful capabilitiesStores API keys or passwords, and 1 moreLowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
Stores API keys or passwordslowLow concern.Works with files on your computerlowLow concern.
Before you installShown, not gradedFacts to help you decide. They don't change the grade.
Works withZotero 7 · not 9, 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 7 ✓ worksZotero 9 ✗ doesn't workZotero 10 ✗ doesn't workZotero 11 beta ✗ doesn't work
What you'll needAn API key for some featuresDetected automatically from its code
No further detail for this area yet.
MaintenanceSlowing down · last release 9 Oct 20252 contributors
No further detail for this area yet.
LanguagesDocumentation in EnglishInterface 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 key for some featuresWorks without one: Local Ollama models, no key. Needs a key (OpenAI): OpenAI backend (the default) needs your own OpenAI API key.
  • Or: a model on your own computerIt can use a local model such as Ollama
  • Zotero 7Not working with Zotero 10

Where your data goes

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

AI services (1)
api.openai.com
On your computer (1)
localhost
Evidence · file and line
api.openai.comai/openai.js · line 8
this.apiEndpoint = 'https://api.openai.com/v1/chat/completions';

Forks and alternatives

Fork of jikhanjung/zotero-refsense.

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 RefSense - AI Metadata Extractor
BUse with care
Before you install: Updates are set to come from an address someone else could control.Read the finding
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