Zotero Plugins Atlas
Plugins / Reading & PDFs

Metadata Filler

by veale · github.com/veale/metadata-filler-for-zotero

Uses multimodal AI to find and fill missing metadata in your Zotero library by analysing PDF attachments.

Reading & PDFsAI & summariesImport & metadataFiles, sync & backup
View source
Downloads a .xpi file (0.09 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.
15
ContributorsPeople who have committed code to the repository.
1
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, and 2 more findings
Applies to v1.3.7, released 29 May 2026Code checked · tested installed in Zotero 9.0.6 on 27 Sep 2026
Doesn't work with the current Zotero (10)Works with Zotero 7, 8, 9.
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 release file was uploaded by the project's automated GitHub build. We haven't yet rebuilt it from the source to compare.MediumMedium concern: worth reading before you install. One medium finding makes the grade B.
Updates
Updates are set to come from "metadata-filler" 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 identify6 addresses in 3 groups.LowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
AI services (3)
api.anthropic.comnamed in its codeThe address is in its code, but we didn't trace a request to it. It may be a link or unused.api.openai.comnamed in its codeThe address is in its code, but we didn't trace a request to it. It may be a link or unused.generativelanguage.googleapis.comnamed in its codeThe address is in its code, but we didn't trace a request to it. It may be a link or unused.
Scholarly services (2)
api.crossref.orgapi.openalex.org
Zotero (1)
Zotero lookup services
Where we found it
api.crossref.orglib/enrich.js · line 22
CROSSREF_BASE: "https://api.crossref.org",
api.openalex.orglib/enrich.js · line 21
OPENALEX_BASE: "https://api.openalex.org",
Powerful capabilitiesLaunches programs on your computer, and 4 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.Runs a compiled program it ships, which we can't readmediumMedium concern: worth reading before you install.Uses the clipboardlowLow concern.Stores API keys or passwordslowLow concern.Works with files on your computerlowLow concern.
Where we found it
Launches programs on your computerbootstrap.js · line 135

Programs it names include chmod, codesign, xattr

var chmodProc = Cc["@mozilla.org/process/util;1"].createInstance(Ci.nsIProcess);
Runs a compiled program it ships, which we can't readbootstrap.js · line 95

fm-helper

var dest = PathUtils.join(dataDir, "fm-helper");
Before you installShown, not gradedFacts to help you decide. They don't change the grade.
Works withZotero 7, 8, 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 7 ✓ worksZotero 8 ✓ worksZotero 9 ✓ worksZotero 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.
MaintenanceActive · last release 29 May 20261 contributor
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 key for some featuresWorks without one: Apple Intelligence on-device (macOS only) or a local model such as Ollama via the OpenAI-compatible endpoint. Needs a key (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Gemini and OpenAlex): OpenAI, Anthropic and Google Gemini providers need their own API key; OpenAlex has an optional key field.
  • Or: a model on your own computerIt can use a local model such as Ollama
  • Zotero 7, 8, 9Not working with Zotero 10

Where your data goes

We found: only contacts services we could identify. 6 addresses in 3 groups.

AI services (3)
api.anthropic.comnamed in its codeapi.openai.comnamed in its codegenerativelanguage.googleapis.comnamed in its code
Scholarly services (2)
api.crossref.orgapi.openalex.org
Zotero (1)
Zotero lookup services
Evidence · file and line
api.crossref.orglib/enrich.js · line 22
CROSSREF_BASE: "https://api.crossref.org",
api.openalex.orglib/enrich.js · line 21
OPENALEX_BASE: "https://api.openalex.org",

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
  • 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 Metadata Filler
BUse with care
Before you install: Updates are set to come from an address someone else could control, and 2 more findings.Read the finding
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