read-paper

Generate a structured reading guide from an academic paper PDF.

Updated Mar 6, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/SizhuangHe/claude-code-skills --skill read-paper-sizhuanghe
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: read-paper
Source: https://github.com/SizhuangHe/claude-code-skills/tree/main/skills/review-paper
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/SizhuangHe/claude-code-skills --skill read-paper-sizhuanghe

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill accelerates the first-pass reading of academic papers by extracting structure, surfacing key claims and evidence, and creating a focused reading map so users can prioritize close reading and form judgments faster.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Structured Reading Guide: Produces a one-sentence summary, core contributions, method highlights, things to watch for, questions to consider, and quick navigation pointers.
  • Prioritized Skimming: Reads an initial subset of pages then prioritizes Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Experiments, and Conclusion for long papers; skims appendices when relevant.
  • Save & Organize: Generates a slugified filename and saves the guide to a research notes folder for easy retrieval and continuity across sessions.
  • Use Case: Quickly triage conference papers during literature review or prepare a guided read before writing a review or reproducing experiments.

Quick Start

Read the PDF at ~/Downloads/paper.pdf and generate a reading guide saved to ~/Desktop/Notes/Work/Research/Reading Notes.

Frequently Asked Questions about read-paper

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I generate a reading guide for an academic paper PDF?

To generate a reading guide for a PDF, provide the local file path to the Skill. It reads the content, prioritizes the abstract, introduction, methods, and experiments, and saves a structured summary to your notes folder.

What is the best way to skim academic papers during a literature review?

The best way to skim papers for a literature review is using a structured reading guide. This approach surfaces core contributions, method highlights, and navigation cues, allowing you to triage conference papers and prioritize close reading faster.

Does the generated paper summary include navigation pointers for long documents?

Yes, the generated paper summary includes quick navigation pointers for long documents. It reads an initial subset of pages, then specifically targets the abstract, introduction, methods, experiments, and conclusion to create a focused reading map.

How do I save and organize notes extracted from a local PDF?

To save and organize notes extracted from a local PDF, specify a target notes folder when invoking the Skill. It automatically generates a slugified filename and saves the structured reading guide there for easy retrieval across sessions.

Can I use a reading guide to prepare for reproducing machine learning experiments?

Yes, you can use a reading guide to prepare for reproducing machine learning experiments. It highlights method details and surfaces things to watch for, helping you quickly form judgments and understand core claims before replication.