Understand the project
Practical overview
When it fits
Use Pdf.ai to query or summarize information in PDF documents, or explore its repository as a starting point for a retrieval-based document-chat application.
Who it is for
- People who need to ask questions about information contained in PDFs.
- Developers exploring or adapting a PDF question-answering application.
Documented uses
- Ask questions about a PDF’s contents.
- Generate a summary of a PDF.
- Find relevant information in a document through context retrieval.
Before you choose
Requirements & limits
- The documented stack includes Next.js, Vercel Edge Functions, OpenAI GPT, LangChain, and Pinecone.
- Local setup requires installing project dependencies and configuring API keys.
- The README documents application setup but not the full PDF upload and chat interaction steps.
Check current requirements in the official documentation. Source-based guidance does not mean OpenViST has run or independently tested this project.
Source-based practical guide
Set up Pdf.ai for local development
Prepare the Next.js application to run locally.
Before you start
- A local development environment with Node.js and npm or Yarn
- OpenAI API key and other required API keys
Steps
Clone the repository and change into the pdf.ai directory.
Install dependencies with npm install or yarn.
Copy the environment example files as described in the README and add the required API keys.
Start the development server with npm run dev or yarn dev.
Expected outcome
The README’s local development server command is running for the application.
Evidence and transparency
Sources & review
Source record details
- Source availability
- Active
- Sources checked
- 18 October 2026
- Original website title
- Srijan-D/pdf.ai · Official homepage title · retained in its source language