PDF-first AI reading desk

AI-assisted close reading anchored to the PDF, not to a chat window

Problem

People using AI for papers describe a fragmented workflow: copy a paragraph from the PDF, switch to ChatGPT, then hunt for the original text again, losing context quickly. Most AI reading tools center on a chat window, which pulls attention away from the document structure.

Solution

A desktop reader where the PDF is the canvas: AI answers, notes and citations appear as side or floating cards anchored to specific paragraphs. Users can select text to ask questions, follow up across sections, and export structured notes with source locations.

Users

Graduate students, researchers, engineers reading technical PDFs; self-learners working through free textbooks.

MVP

Open and navigate PDFs locally or in the cloud; select a passage to trigger an anchored AI answer; collapsible side cards that do not cover the text; notes and citations preserving page and context; one-click export of structured notes.

Revenue

One-time desktop purchase or annual subscription; free with local models and pay-per-use for cloud models; API for plugin ecosystem.

Why now

Models handle long context well, yet mainstream AI reading tools remain chat-centric. An indie developer can focus on PDF anchoring and workflow details instead of competing with general chat assistants.