FAQ
Questions people ask.
Short answers. The Help Center has the step-by-step versions.
Is it really free?
Yes. There is no paid version and no account. If you use a cloud AI, you pay that provider directly for what you use, with your own key; Ollama is free.
Which browsers does it work in?
Chrome, and browsers built on it: Edge, Brave and Arc, on Mac, Windows, Linux and ChromeOS. Not Safari or Firefox, and not on phones.
Will I understand what I read at high speed?
Less detail than reading slowly, honestly. Speed reading trades some comprehension for speed. Slow down for what matters and use a quiz to check. See The science.
Where is my library stored?
In a folder you choose on your computer, as plain Markdown files. If you don’t choose one, in the browser’s storage for the extension. Nothing is stored by us.
Do you collect any data?
The extension sends us nothing: no analytics, no tracking, no account. Read the privacy policy.
Why does it ask to "read and change all your data on all websites"?
That is your browser’s wording for fetching web pages, which RapidReader needs to import links and feeds. It asks the first time you use one of those, and uses it only for what you ask. More.
Do I need AI?
No. Reading, listening, the library and feeds all work without it. AI adds summaries, quizzes, flashcards and chat.
Which AI providers work?
Anthropic (Claude), OpenAI (ChatGPT), Google (Gemini) and xAI (Grok) with your own key, or Ollama running on your own computer.
Why do I have to reconnect my folder?
Browsers forget folder access when the last RapidReader tab closes. In Chrome, Edge and Brave choose “Allow on every visit” once. Details.
Can I read PDFs and ebooks?
Yes: PDF, EPUB, Word (DOCX), RTF, Markdown, text and HTML. Password-protected PDFs can’t be opened.
Does it work with Obsidian?
Yes. Point RapidReader at a folder inside your vault. Edits you make are picked up, and a new note in the library folder becomes an article.
Is it accessible?
It has full keyboard control, support for screen readers, a Dyslexia-Friendly Mode with dyslexia-friendly fonts, and text to speech.
How do I get help?
Start with the Help Center. If that doesn’t answer it, write through Reach Out.