Zotero Plugins Atlas
Plugins / Reading & PDFs

Semantic Search

by ilDon · github.com/ilDon/zotero-semantic-search

Semantic (meaning-based) search over the full text of your Zotero PDFs, with a local MCP endpoint for LLMs.

Reading & PDFsAI & summariesImport & metadata
View source
Downloads a .xpi file (0.1 MB). In Zotero, open Tools → Plugins and install it from the file.
StarsPeople who starred the repository on GitHub: a rough measure of interest.
4
DownloadsAll-time downloads of its release files from GitHub. Installs from elsewhere aren't counted.
24
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 it launches programs on your computer
Applies to v2.5.1, released 24 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 transparencyReadable 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 repositoryZotero will update it to version 2.8.0 from ilDon/zotero-semantic-search on GitHub (rated: Review the details)
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)
Claude Code (Anthropic)
On your computer (1)
127.0.0.1named in its codeThe address is in its code, but we didn't trace a request to it. It may be a link or unused.
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.Uses the clipboardlowLow concern.Works with files on your computerlowLow concern.Keeps its own database filelowLow concern.Lets programs on this computer connect through Zotero's built-in server
Where we found it
Launches programs on your computercontent/lib/ocr.js · line 184

Programs it names include bash, gnome-terminal, konsole, open, x-terminal-emulator and 1 more

await Zotero.Utilities.Internal.exec('/usr/bin/open', [script]);
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 needNothing extra detectedDetected automatically from its code
No further detail for this area yet.
MaintenanceActive · last release 24 Sep 20262 contributors
No further detail for this area yet.
LanguagesDocumentation in EnglishInterface: English and Italian
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

We haven't detected any setup requirements. That isn't the same as none: check the developer's README.

Where your data goes

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

AI services (1)
Claude Code (Anthropic)
On your computer (1)
127.0.0.1named in its code

Forks and alternatives

No forks listed.

Plugins for the same job
  • NoteroReading & PDFs · 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
  • ZotLitReading & PDFs · Citing & writingA+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 Semantic Search
BUse with care
Before you install: It launches programs on your computer.Read the finding
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