pdf-reading

View and navigate PDF documents via a local server.

2.7k|363|Updated Nov 21, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/ext-apps --skill pdf-reading
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: pdf-reading
Source: https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/ext-apps/tree/main/examples/pdf-server/plugin/skills/pdf-reading
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/ext-apps --skill pdf-reading

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

PDFs can be lengthy and scattered; this skill provides a local server-based viewer to open, search, and navigate documents for faster reading and study.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Interactive viewing and navigation of PDFs via a local server.
  • Open documents by URL or local path with optional starting page.
  • List available PDFs and quickly jump to sections or pages for review.

Quick Start

Ask to display a PDF by URL or local path and optionally set the starting page.

Frequently Asked Questions about pdf-reading

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I open and navigate PDF research papers locally?

To navigate PDF research papers locally, use a local server-based viewer to open documents by URL or file path. You can set an optional starting page to jump directly to the section you need for faster study.

Can I view PDFs directly from arXiv or bioRxiv URLs?

Yes, you can view PDFs from arXiv, bioRxiv, medRxiv, chemRxiv, Zenodo, OSF, HAL Science, and SSRN. The viewer accepts direct URLs to open and interact with these scientific documents.

How can I list and search through multiple local PDF documents?

You can list and search through multiple local PDFs using the list_pdfs tool. This feature lists available documents so you can quickly find, open, and jump to specific pages for review.

Do I need a web browser to use this local PDF viewer?

The viewer operates via a local server to enable interactive reading of PDF documents. This server-based approach provides the interface needed to open, search, and navigate lengthy or scattered files.

What is the best way to jump to a specific page in a PDF document?

The best way to jump to a specific page in a PDF is to provide the page parameter when opening the document. This allows you to start reading exactly at the desired section without scrolling.

Are there limitations when navigating lengthy PDF files locally?

The local viewer focuses on opening, listing, and navigating PDFs via a local server. It does not process document content or edit files, serving strictly as an interactive reading and navigation interface.