Skim

Spec sheet

What it does

Skim is a PDF reader and note-taker designed for reading and annotating scientific papers, and can also view other PDF files.Read 8 Oct 2026 · skim-app.sourceforge.io

Free plan

YesRead 24 Sep 2026 · skim-app.sourceforge.io

Integrations

Skim lists interaction with LaTeX, SyncTeX, and PDFSync, as well as integration with BibDesk and other third-party applications.Read 8 Oct 2026 · skim-app.sourceforge.io

Annotation tools

YesRead 24 Sep 2026 · skim-app.sourceforge.io

Automation

Skim supports AppleScript access to its windows, documents, pages, notes, and highlights.Read 8 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net

Export

Skim can export notes as text and provides options to export notes in Skim, PDF bundle, or FDF formats.Read 8 Oct 2026 · skim-app.sourceforge.io

License and project

The project wiki describes Skim as free and open-source and says it is developed by volunteer contributors.Read 8 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net

Navigation

Features include table-of-contents and thumbnail navigation, visual history, a reading bar, magnification, and smart cropping.Read 8 Oct 2026 · skim-app.sourceforge.io

Notes storage

Skim stores its notes and highlights in extended attributes, so they are not stored in the PDF data itself.Read 8 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net

Older versions

The project wiki lists older Skim releases for macOS versions from 10.4 through 10.12.Read 8 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net

Password handling

Skim lists saving passwords in Keychain as a feature.Read 8 Oct 2026 · skim-app.sourceforge.io

PDF tools

Users can search PDFs, add notes, highlight sections, bookmark documents, and take snapshots for reference.Read 8 Oct 2026 · skim-app.sourceforge.io

Platform support

desktopRead 24 Sep 2026 · skim-app.sourceforge.io

Portability limit

Emailing a PDF loses its extended attributes and therefore its Skim notes unless the file is sent using a method that preserves them.Read 8 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net

Presentations

Skim supports full-screen reading and full-screen PDF presentations with built-in transitions.Read 8 Oct 2026 · skim-app.sourceforge.io

Supported system

The current release requires macOS 10.13 or higher.Read 8 Oct 2026 · skim-app.sourceforge.io

Plans and prices

Every Skim plan and price →

Where Specifiction places it

• PDF Readers#17 of 247.4