Zotero Plugins Atlas
Plugins / Reading & PDFs

Second Brain

by frimpsjoek · github.com/frimpsjoek/zotero-second-brain

Zotero plugin: Markdown notes on each paper, similar papers and search by meaning on your computer, free PDF finding. Optional sync with Obsidian.

Reading & PDFsCiting & writingImport & metadataFiles, sync & backup
View source
Downloads a .xpi file (0.6 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.
7
ContributorsPeople who have committed code to the repository.
1
LicenceThe licence the code is published under, as GitHub reports it.
MIT
A+
Atlas gradeRecommended
because every code check came out low, and our live test in Zotero found nothing unexpected
Applies to v0.17.2, released 23 Sep 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 transparencyMinified (compressed) 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 identify13 addresses in 3 groups.LowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
Scholarly services (11)
api.crossref.orgapi.openalex.orgseen when we ran itIt contacted this address when we ran it in Zotero.api.semanticscholar.orgapi.unpaywall.orgarxiv.orgnamed in its codeThe address is in its code, but we didn't trace a request to it. It may be a link or unused.europepmc.orgnamed in its codeThe address is in its code, but we didn't trace a request to it. It may be a link or unused.export.arxiv.orgopenalex.orgnamed in its codeThe address is in its code, but we didn't trace a request to it. It may be a link or unused.unpaywall.orgnamed in its codeThe address is in its code, but we didn't trace a request to it. It may be a link or unused.www.ebi.ac.ukwww.semanticscholar.orgnamed in its codeThe address is in its code, but we didn't trace a request to it. It may be a link or unused.
Zotero (1)
Zotero lookup services
On your computer (1)
127.0.0.1
Where we found it
api.crossref.orgcontent/discover.js · line 131
const data = await this.getJSON(`https://api.crossref.org/works?query=${encodeURIComponent(query)}&rows=${limit}&filter=${types}${email ? `&mailto=${encodeURIComponent(email)}` : ""}`);
api.openalex.orgcontent/discover.js · line 206
const url = `https://api.openalex.org${path}`;
api.semanticscholar.orgcontent/discover.js · line 85
const data = await this.getJSON(`https://api.semanticscholar.org/graph/v1/paper/search?limit=${limit}&query=${encodeURIComponent(query)}&fields=title,year,authors,venue,externalIds,citationCount,o
Powerful capabilitiesStores API keys or passwords, and 2 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.Opens files or links with your system's own appslowLow concern.
Before you installShown, not gradedFacts to help you decide. They don't change the grade.
Works withZotero 7, 8, 9, 10 · not 11 betaUpdates automatically
Zotero 7 ✓ worksZotero 8 ✓ worksZotero 9 ✓ worksZotero 10 ✓ worksZotero 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 23 Sep 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: Notes, on-device similar-paper search, and PDF finding via arXiv, Semantic Scholar and Europe PMC. Needs a key (OpenAlex, Unpaywall and Semantic Scholar): OpenAlex, Unpaywall and Semantic Scholar keys (higher limits, fewer rate-limit errors).

Where your data goes

We found: only contacts services we could identify. 13 addresses in 3 groups.

Scholarly services (11)
api.crossref.orgapi.openalex.orgseen when we ran itapi.semanticscholar.orgapi.unpaywall.orgarxiv.orgnamed in its codeeuropepmc.orgnamed in its codeexport.arxiv.orgopenalex.orgnamed in its codeunpaywall.orgnamed in its codewww.ebi.ac.ukwww.semanticscholar.orgnamed in its code
Zotero (1)
Zotero lookup services
On your computer (1)
127.0.0.1
Evidence · file and line
api.crossref.orgcontent/discover.js · line 131
const data = await this.getJSON(`https://api.crossref.org/works?query=${encodeURIComponent(query)}&rows=${limit}&filter=${types}${email ? `&mailto=${encodeURIComponent(email)}` : ""}`);
api.openalex.orgcontent/discover.js · line 206
const url = `https://api.openalex.org${path}`;
api.semanticscholar.orgcontent/discover.js · line 85
const data = await this.getJSON(`https://api.semanticscholar.org/graph/v1/paper/search?limit=${limit}&query=${encodeURIComponent(query)}&fields=title,year,authors,venue,externalIds,citationCount,o

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
  • zotxtCiting & writingA+Recommended, tested in Zotero
  • Google Scholar Citation CountCiting & writing · Import & metadataA+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 Second Brain
A+Recommended, tested in Zotero
  1. 1Download the plugin fileDownload v0.17.2.xpi · 0.6 MB
  2. 2In Zotero, open Tools › Plugins
  3. 3Click the gear, choose Install Plugin From File… and pick the file
Step-by-step guide with pictures