Skim
A free, open-source Mac PDF reader built for reading and annotating papers.
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About Skim
Skim is a long-running open-source PDF reader for macOS, originally made for reading scientific papers. It focuses on annotation and note-taking: highlights, underlines, anchored and floating notes, and a notes panel that collects everything you have marked so you can review or export it. Snapshots let you keep a figure or table visible while reading elsewhere, and a reading bar and presentation mode help with long documents. Skim integrates with LaTeX through SyncTeX, so clicking in the PDF jumps to the matching source line, which makes it popular with academics writing in LaTeX. Notes can be stored in extended attributes or exported, which keeps them separate from the PDF unless you choose to embed them. It is free, maintained by volunteers, and requires a fairly recent macOS. Skim does not edit text, convert files or sign documents, and the interface looks dated next to newer apps, but for close reading on a Mac it remains a favourite.
Best for: Mac users, especially academics using LaTeX, who annotate and review papers.
Pros and cons
What works
- Strong annotation and notes review panel
- SyncTeX support for LaTeX writers
- Free and open source
Why people leave
- Mac only
- No editing, conversion or signing
- Dated interface
Top Skim alternatives
See all 4- 1
Highlights66.5A modern Apple app for annotating papers, with Markdown export and iPad support.
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PDF Expert62.6A polished Mac editor that also edits text and fills forms.
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Okular59.6A free open-source annotator if you also use Linux or Windows.
- 4
PDFgear57.2Free Mac app that adds editing and conversion.
Why people left Skim
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Skim: common questions
Is Skim free?
Yes. Skim is free, open-source software.
Is Skim open source?
Yes.
What platforms does Skim run on?
Skim is available for macOS.
What are the best alternatives to Skim?
The highest-ranked Skim alternatives right now are Highlights, PDF Expert and Okular. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.