With the ReadCube Papers Browser Extension, you can seamlessly download articles directly from your web browser. Find papers as you normally would on Dimensions, PubMed, Google Scholar, and journal websites - the browser extension allows you to add references your find, along with optional notes, to any of your lists and will even allow you to download PDFs to your local drive.
Install the extensions for your preferred browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.
Google Chrome
- Install the browser extension here.
- Confirm you want to add the browser extension
- Sign In with your ReadCube Papers email
- The extension will sit in the top right of your browser and will show you are logged in. For officially supported sites you will see a "View PDF" button directly on the page. Click the "View PDF" icon to access the article and then select "Download PDF" to save a copy locally on your computer.
Firefox
Why manual install? Mozilla only accepts extensions that offer full functionality to everyone. Since ReadCube Papers provides access to full-text scholarly articles through a user's institution, it is not broad enough to be listed in the Mozilla store. The good news is that manual installing is just as easy!
- Download the browser extension here.
- Once you have file downloaded, just drag the .xpi file onto an open Firefox window to install. Alternatively, you can also install by going to the Add-ons window (Tools > Add-ons > Extensions), click the "Install" button at the bottom left, navigate to the location of the downloaded file, click/double-click on the .xpi file to install.
- A new tab will appear prompting you to sign In with your institutional email and you are all set!
- Now search for papers as you normally would in your web browser (we currently support the Dimensions, PubMed and Google Scholar search engines, as well as many publisher journal websites).
- For officially supported sites you will see a "View PDF" button directly on the page. Click the "View PDF" icon to access the article and then select "Download PDF" to save a copy locally on your computer.
- To manage the extension - head to the menu icon in the top right corner and select "Add Ons". Through the Add-on Manager page, you can update your preferences, disable or remove the extension.
Safari
- Download the browser extension here.
- Select "Get"
- For officially supported sites you will see a "View PDF" button directly on the page. Click the "View PDF" icon to access the article and then select "Download PDF" to save a copy locally on your computer.
Microsoft Edge
- Download the browser extension here.
- Click on "Get"
- A new tab will appear prompting you to sign in with your institutional email and you are all set!

- Now search for papers as you normally would in your web browser (we currently support the Dimensions, PubMed and Google Scholar search engines, as well as many publisher journal websites).
- For officially supported sites you will see a "View PDF" button directly on the page. Click the "View PDF" icon to access the article and then select "Download PDF" to save a copy locally on your computer.
If you experience any issues trying to install the browser extensions send us a note at ReadCube Papers Support