---
title: Reader FAQ
description: Practical product, privacy, AI, extension, access, and commercial-state answers for Reader.
canonical: https://read.significanthobbies.com/faq
updated: 2026-08-28
---

# Reader FAQ

## What is Reader for?

Reader turns a saved article or PDF into a focused place to read, annotate,
revisit, and discuss it. It is designed for material that deserves more than a
bookmark.

## What can I save?

Paste a web article URL or upload a PDF. Mozilla Readability prepares web
articles for a cleaner reading view, and PDF text is extracted for search and
source-grounded discussion.

## Do I need an account?

No account is required for the browser-local path. Google sign-in opens the
account-backed library, where saved material is isolated per user and PDFs are
stored behind an ownership-enforcing proxy.

## Is my library public?

No. Saved articles, PDFs, annotations, lists, boards, and AI conversations are
private by default. A public article or board requires an explicit share action.

## How does AI work?

Reader can summarize the open source and answer questions about it. The app can
use the Fleet AI gateway or browser-held OpenAI, Anthropic, or Gemini BYOK
credentials. BYOK credentials are not persisted server-side.

## Can I install the Chrome extension?

The MV3 companion exists in the source repository and can be loaded as an
unpacked extension for local use. Public browser-store distribution is deferred.

## Can I export my data?

Yes. Reader includes a JSON export for account-scoped articles, boards, and
lists.

## Is Reader paid?

There is no public Reader plan or checkout. The repository does not establish a
permanent free promise or a paid offer.

[Open Reader](https://read.significanthobbies.com/library) ·
[Try the sample](https://read.significanthobbies.com/sample) ·
[View the changelog](https://read.significanthobbies.com/changelog)