Table of contents
Open Source
Skim is open-source software, which means it is free to use, modify, and distribute. This can be advantageous for users who want to customize the application or contribute to its development.
PDF Annotation
Skim offers robust PDF annotation features, allowing users to highlight, underline, and add notes to PDF documents. This makes it a useful tool for students, researchers, and anyone who needs to review documents extensively.
Integration with LaTeX
The app integrates well with typesetting systems like LaTeX, which is beneficial for users in academic and research fields that require sophisticated document preparation.
Efficient Navigation
Skim provides efficient navigation options, such as table of contents views and keyboard shortcuts, which enhance the user experience by simplifying document management and review processes.
Lightweight
Skim is a lightweight application, meaning it runs efficiently without consuming significant system resources. This can be useful for users with older hardware or those running multiple applications simultaneously.
We have collected here some useful links to help you find out if Skim is good.
Check the traffic stats of Skim on SimilarWeb. The key metrics to look for are: monthly visits, average visit duration, pages per visit, and traffic by country. Moreoever, check the traffic sources. For example "Direct" traffic is a good sign.
Check the "Domain Rating" of Skim on Ahrefs. The domain rating is a measure of the strength of a website's backlink profile on a scale from 0 to 100. It shows the strength of Skim's backlink profile compared to the other websites. In most cases a domain rating of 60+ is considered good and 70+ is considered very good.
Check the "Domain Authority" of Skim on MOZ. A website's domain authority (DA) is a search engine ranking score that predicts how well a website will rank on search engine result pages (SERPs). It is based on a 100-point logarithmic scale, with higher scores corresponding to a greater likelihood of ranking. This is another useful metric to check if a website is good.
The latest comments about Skim on Reddit. This can help you find out how popualr the product is and what people think about it.
For those uncomfortable uploading documents, a number of other native apps also dark/inversion mode, including Skim for macOS: https://skim-app.sourceforge.io . - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
A bit unrelated - I use Hookmark[0] on my MacOS to deep link local PDFs. I can link to specific sections within a page, although it works only when the PDF is viewed with Skim reader[1] and not the default Preview app [0] https://hookproductivity.com [1] https://skim-app.sourceforge.io. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 years ago
I've had my fair share of highlighting/annotating shenanigans with macOS built-in software and I've found Skim (free, BSD licensed) to be a very competent replacement, with the only caveat that you have to remember to export the annotated PDFs if you want to be able to see your changes from any other application. https://skim-app.sourceforge.io/. - Source: Hacker News / almost 3 years ago
I actually am going to say a Macbook air. The reason is because the pdf reader Skim is Mac OSX only. I've tried many, and I haven't found another PDF reader I like. The only thing you lose is the ability to write directly on the screen. If that's something you really want to do, then you should get an iPad and load your pdfs in GoodNotes. The added benefit of that is that you can add blank pages right in the PDF... Source: about 3 years ago
Well. I have a 55 pages with three remaining parts of a transcript I should probably be working on ... But I haven't proofed in a while, so I had to remember how to use the (Mac only) program I use to mark up PDFs worked, only to find there was a new version waiting to be downloaded and installed ... and, of course, re-learned. Source: about 3 years ago
If youโre on Mac you can use the free app Skim, which has โdeep linksโ that take you to a specific PDF page. If you want a link to take you to a specific sentence, then you can use Hookmark and Skim to get links that take you to a specific part of a PDF page. Source: over 3 years ago
Preview is great. I can also recommend Skim (free and open source) for macOS for some additional functionality [1]. [1]: https://skim-app.sourceforge.io/. - Source: Hacker News / over 3 years ago
For MacOS I searched around and found Skim which seems to be especially geared towards reading and annotating scientific and technical documents, so might work well for manuals and reference guides. Source: almost 4 years ago
There might be a few free, or even open source alternatives, like Foxit reader, or Skim, and probably more. Source: almost 4 years ago
I started using Skim for my pdf needs on Mac OS. I find it very fast (even loading huge pdfs with a lot of art quickly), and it can do what you want by supporting "Book mode" (that setting is available under the menu bar: "PDF" -> "PDF Display" -> "Book mode"). Source: almost 4 years ago
Iโve used Skim https://skim-app.sourceforge.io/. Source: almost 4 years ago
I used Skim when I was annotating/reviewing scientific papers in undergrad. Source: about 4 years ago
I mostly use Skim for doc viewing but I have used Preview for merging PDFs. https://skim-app.sourceforge.io. - Source: Hacker News / over 4 years ago
I have a lot of LaTeX and PDFs that are continuously updated, and because I don't want to sync them between devices or take them with me in physical media (and also because I'm using Skim for PDF annotation, and I like how it works [saving my annotations to extended attributes and a separate backup file instead of directly saving it to PDF]). I'm looking for a cheapish laptop so I can use it while away from home. Source: over 4 years ago
For pdf reader, Skim is a nice light weight app for macOS. https://skim-app.sourceforge.io/. - Source: Hacker News / over 4 years ago
I recommend Skim for textbook reading: https://skim-app.sourceforge.io/. Source: over 4 years ago
Skim (https://skim-app.sourceforge.io/) has support for a similar feature which should do what you need. It is called "Split PDF" and is found under the View menu. Source: over 4 years ago
This one? Https://skim-app.sourceforge.io. Source: over 4 years ago
I recommend Skim. It's free and open source! Source: over 4 years ago
I am the author of the TeX Suite extension for Panic's Nova editor. It offers syntax highlighting, document outline, in-editor building and live preview (via Skim) for both LaTeX and ConTeXt. Source: over 4 years ago
But easily the best free PDF reader is the open-source Skim reader. Source: over 4 years ago
Skim, a lightweight PDF viewer tailored for macOS, has garnered notable attention within the PDF tools ecosystem, particularly among academics and researchers. The application's public reception is largely favorable, with many users highlighting its efficiency and robust feature set. As an open-source alternative focused on PDF annotation and management, Skim is positioned prominently alongside industry giants like Adobe Acrobat DC, as well as other accessible alternatives like Xodo, Foxit Reader, and Okular.
Academic Focus:
Skim's origin in academic circles resonates strongly with users dealing extensively with scientific papers and technical documents. Users often appreciate features like text highlighting and annotation, which are especially useful when scrutinizing complex materials. It supports integration with third-party academic software such as Bid Desk, enhancing its utility for research and academic referencing.
Platform-Specific Features:
The app is tailored for macOS and offers functionalities highly regarded by Apple users. Particularly notable is its "deep link" capability which allows users to link directly to specific sections within a PDF when paired with other applications, such as Hookmark. This feature receives high praise from those who require precise navigation and referencing capabilities within large documents, a common necessity in academic work.
User Experience:
Skim is highlighted for its ease of use and speed, especially in opening large files with heavy visual components. Many users cite its lightweight nature as an advantage over more cumbersome applications like Adobe Acrobat. Features such as "Book mode" and "Split PDF" provide versatility in document viewing and manipulation, further enhancing its appeal as an efficient reader.
Cost and Accessibility:
Being free and BSD licensed, Skim is an attractive option for users who seek an alternative to paid services without sacrificing functionality. The open-source nature invites community support and development, potentially leading to a continuous improvement and feature expansion over time.
macOS Exclusivity:
While its Mac-exclusive platform may enhance feature optimization, it naturally limits accessibility for users on other operating systems. This exclusivity can be a barrier for those in multi-platform environments or for those looking to switch between devices seamlessly.
Export Requirements:
Users note the importance of exporting annotated PDFs to ensure that edits and annotations remain visible in other applications. This step, though minor, could be seen as a workflow inefficiency for those managing extensive libraries of annotated PDFs.
User Interface and Updates:
Although the interface is generally well-received, some users mention occasional issues with adapting to updates and changes in the application, suggesting that improvements in user guidance and update management could enhance the user experience.
Overall, Skim emerges as a well-regarded tool within the PDF reader domain for macOS users, excelling particularly in academic environments. Its capabilities in deep linking, annotation, and lightweight operation make it a competitive choice for those seeking a cost-effective yet functional solution for complex PDF handling. While some limitations exist, Skim's continued development and community support are likely to sustain its relevance and adoption in the academic and research sectors.
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Is Skim good? This is an informative page that will help you find out. Moreover, you can review and discuss Skim here. The primary details have not been verified within the last quarter, and they might be outdated. If you think we are missing something, please use the means on this page to comment or suggest changes. All reviews and comments are highly encouranged and appreciated as they help everyone in the community to make an informed choice. Please always be kind and objective when evaluating a product and sharing your opinion.
